Stepping Stones and Student Consultancy Service
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info@steppingstones.org.in     01883-500060

Study in USA

 Stepping Stones

Why to study in USA?
The United States has one of the world’s finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in their field of study, with the chance to become involved with exclusive research and educational opportunities. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence.

Academic Excellence:- The United States is home to several thousand colleges and universities, boasting at least 10 times as many campuses as in any other country. So, in a way the higher education system in the U.S. has something for everyone.

Variety of Educational Opportunities:- Some of the U.S. colleges and universities stress broad educational principles; others emphasize practical, employment-related skills; and still others specialize in the arts, social sciences or technical fields. This means that no matter what you plan on studying, you will have a wide variety of programs in your particular field from which to choose.

Flexibility:- The education system in USA is the most versatile and flexible higher education system for international students in the world.

Global Education and Long:- Term Career Prospects:- A home to diverse ethnicities, US proffers a unique cultural experience with a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions and values. For students opting to study in the US, the country offers a great chance to grow academically, culturally and socially.



The U.S. Academic Programs and Universities:
A. USA Universities have a comparative advantage in the following areas of study:

Business and Management
Economics and Finance
Administration
International Relations
Computing/IT
Media and Communications
Law and Engineering

B. Universities in the U.S:-
We are directly representing renowned Universities/ colleges worldwide offering all the kind of professional and vocational courses. In the U.S. if you wish to take academic, professional or vocational training at a university, college or other educational institution in the U.S., you will need a study permit before you enter the U.S. For more details contact us and we will share the details accordingly.


Education and Living Cost for studying in the U.S.
While the United States remains the most sorted out destination for education for international students, the cost of education in the U.S. varies from one state to another, the type of university chosen and the course of study.
Universities in U.S. are majorly divided into two categories - Public/State institutions and Private institutions. The education cost at a Public/State institution is comparatively lower than that of a Private institution. There are a number of scholarships offered by the U.S. government, states as well as the Private universities to international students that helps them save a great amount on their study expense at the U.S. universities.
Tuition will be the most expensive component of the overall educational costs. The price of tuition can range from $10,000 to $55,000 (USD) per year.

Most campuses offer a meal plan for students to allow dining in the on-campus facilities. These plans are offered at many different levels to accommodate individual budgets.

Medical insurance is given to allow them to utilize on-campus medical facilities for check-ups, basic testing and prescriptions for common illnesses (for example, head cold, fever, etc). This insurance comes out under $1,000 per year.
Accommodation costs will depend on personal preferences and the city you reside in or if staying in campus been chosen else living with friends in shared apartments.

Accommodation will typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 per year .If it is a rented apartment, overhead expenses will be borne by the student like that electricity, phone line, furniture, and travel costs to and from the university.
Other costs to budget for are fees for student activities, which amount to a few hundred dollars per year and reference books, which can cost between $500 and $1,500 per year.


Study Visa: - Types, Process and Admission Procedure
The USA continues to be the top choice for students planning to study abroad. If you are among the few who aspire and have gotten the admission into your aspired university, applying for Student Visa is the next important step to realizing your Study in USA dream. This guide examines briefly the various types of visa and attempts to give a detailed process of applying for the F1 Student Visa – applicable to students planning to take up their bachelor’s and masters’ in the USA.
Type of Visa.

There are three types of student visas to the US:

A. F1 Student Visa.
Students applying for a program which requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS, MBA, etc.
Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not able to work but may accompany and/or apply for their own visa to the U.S. to work or study.

B. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
J1 visa is usually sought by working professional who goes to American on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship, etc. Whichever be the case, the applicants would be notified for the same by the respective institutions.

C. M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa.
The M1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools. While the process remains similar to an F1 visa, the difference is that on entering, the M1 visas are time stamped and students cannot overstay their visit.
Once the decision is finalised on what and where you want to study, our team will help you complete the application to the institutions of your choice.

Study Visa Process and Admission Procedure:
After acceptance of the application, an i-20 is required for an F-1 or M-1 student visa which is stated as “Confirmation of acceptance” of student is been issued by the US education Provider.
SEVIS I-901 Fee (The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) to be paid online which is required for all types of Study Visas. To pay the fee, go to: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
Next step is to pay the visa application fee. This fee must be paid at the approved HDFC bank. Along with the same there is a need to pay the VFS service as well.
The visa application form- DS 160 needs to be completed online. All Details to be filed in should be authentic and completed carefully.
Book the Visa Interview by taking the Appointment from the U.S. Embassy. These can be booked online. Appointment letter will visible once the appointment is confirmed and the student needs to carry the same while the interview.
Preparation to be made for the Visa Interview. We will help you preparing for the Visa Interview to present the entire case with the reasons on choosing the college and program.
Once the interview is complete the outcome will be declared by Visa Officer. If it is an approved case, then the passport will be returned in few days with a Visa Stamp. If it is a rejection case, the passport will be handed over back to the applicant.
Documents Required for Study VISA in the U.S.

Student visa requires you to carry a lot more documents than you would for a tourist visa, by comparison.
You need the mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records.

Make sure you refer to this checklist before going to the consulate for the visa interview:-
Valid Passport
Printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
Form I-20 sent by the college
Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
Pay slips
Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume / CV
Two references from employers (where applicable)
Any Other Certificates & Achievements of Extracurricular Activities

Study Visa Process and Admission Procedure:-
Most of the colleges in Australia accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account. Please refer to the

website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.
Here below is the admission procedure and related documents required for the same.

The following documents need to be submitted for the application of the course and in the University:

Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable) At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume
Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
Proof of funds

A. Apply Online: Two steps fast process, submit Application online
Fill the Online Application form and attach the required documents online
Pay the €275 registration and University application fee

B. Apply via Email: Scan and email the below documents
Fill the Application form mentioning your course of study
Passport photo page
Academic Documents including Transcripts / Mark sheets
CV (only if applying for Master’s Degree)
Pay the registration and University application fee
After filling the online application form, you need to obtain a visa to study in Australia you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)”. These forms are issued by the Australian institution you will be attending. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received.

Documents Required for Study VISA in Australia:-
Our Team will be willing to help you to apply for Australian student visa once you have been offered a letter for enrolment in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)”.
Following documents will be required for the visa application purposes: -

Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the Australia.

Non-immigrant Visa Application
Application fee payment receipt, as you are required to pay before your interview
Confirmation of Enrolment Form (COE), to obtain a visa to study in Australia you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)”. These forms are issued by the Australian institution you will be attending. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received.
Acceptance letter from your host university, this will include the proposed study plan
Letter from your current institution confirming status as a Study Abroad Student
Overseas health insurance receipt
2 or 4 passport sized photographs.

Note: Additional Documentation May Be Required. During the personal interview additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status -

Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended

Scores from tests that your college required, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
Your intent to depart Australia upon completion of the course of study
Proof of funds to bear all educational, living and travel costs


Working Condition on Study Visa in the U.S.

During the first year of studies, students cannot accept off-campus employment.
Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week.
During holidays and breaks the student may work up to 40 hours per week.
The student can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.

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