Should you study in the US? Why have so many international students chosen to study in the US over another country? Does the US still welcome international student? What are your US study options? The US hosts more international students than any other country in the world, a number fast approaching 600,000. In fact, international students comprise approximately 4% of the total undergraduate US University and US college population, and 10% for US graduate school. These international students from every continent in the world choose to study in the US because they believe that a US education would afford them the best preparation for their future. They leave homes, families and friends in order to pursue their dreams of an education in the US. In fact, International students who study in the US contribute more than $13 billion to the US economy!

Most colleges and universities allow international students to work on their campus as part-time employees. Students who are on F-1 student visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours a week in the summer or vacation periods. The students are usually paid an hourly rate (usually from US$ 8.00-US$15.00 an hour), and their earnings help to cover their living expenses. Students are placed in jobs based on their financial need and personal skills and experience. For example, English major may be placed at the university library, while someone who has a lifeguard certification may be placed at the campus Aquatic Center.

Once students complete their degrees, they are authorized to work full-time for one year in a related field in order to gain practical experience. (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 17 months.) This program is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers for an H-1 visa. The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing. Students may continue their work without leaving the U.S. after the status change approval.

If research is your passion, the U.S. is the right choice. There are numerous research opportunities in every field that allow students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, due to funding from the U.S. government and public and private corporations, students who work as research assistants often receive a waiver of tuition fees and are provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.

Most all U.S. colleges and universities have an international student affairs office with advisors who provide extraordinary support to international students to help them navigate the sometimes confusing university and Immigration bureaucracy and to get the most out of their educational experience. In addition to Immigration and academic advising, these offices also often host events and workshops to help international students meet other students and get involved in campus life.

A covering letter which covers all the supporting documents.

A Form I-20 obtained from a U.S. college, school or university. Be sure to provide all four pages of the Form I-20 form. (In original). I-20 must be having SEVIS code.

Original signed Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. (Please note that a new form, Form DS-160, will eventually replace the above three forms. Please check this before filling out the forms.)

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.

One photograph 2 inches square (50x50mm) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background, must have been taken within last 6 months. Photo can be in color or black and white but must have only white or off white background.

Original HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with its two barcode stickers for visa processing fee.

A fee receipt for SEVIS I - 901 (At present SEVIS I - 901 fee is US $200).

Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.

Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended.

Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.

Notarized Affidavit of support from parents/sponsor clearly stating the kind of sponsorship (full, partial etc).

Original bank statement (on the bank letterhead) showing sufficient funds to attend School/University/Institute for the entire duration of study signed by bank authority with the stamp.

CA certificate (on original letterhead) showing complete evaluation details (in US dollar) of assets (solid and liquid) in the name of the sponsor(s).

Income tax documents for last three consecutive years.

Original Saving or current bank account statements for at least six months.

Proof of liquid assets and readily available funds for studies i.e. FDs, Share certificates, Bank Loan sanction letter, LIC Policy(s) etc.

Original business registration, license etc if applicant or his or her sponsor(s) own a business.

Original property evaluation certificate.

If working, proof of certificate from employer.

Fixed deposit receipts, duration of the FD is important. If this fixed deposit matures during the course of the students study at the US, then it is good enough else show documentary evidence of how much money will be lost if the money is drawn out before maturity.

In case of Jewellery, the bills and jeweler certificates to certify its worth.

House/land can be shown as fixed assets. Certificate from property evaluator to certify its market value.

In case of an education loan from any bank, submit a loan sanction letter and the terms and conditions of repayment. The amount will not be taken into consideration if the application for loan is still being processed. Please ensure that the collateral used in the loan is a dispensable asset. The US Consular will also make an assessment of your repayment capacity on the basis of the financial documents provided.

Valid passport, visa fee receipt issued by HDFC Bank and interview appointment letter.

Original signed Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. (Please note that a new form, Form DS-160, will eventually replace the above three forms. Please check this before filling out the forms.)

Original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, approved and signed by the University authority.

A copy of the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 of the Principal Applicant.

Photocopy of the Principal Applicant's valid visa (if applying separately).

Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.

Original Birth certificate (for each child).

Additional documentation of financial resources to support the dependants.

Prior to confirming a visa interview appointment online, you need to pay the following fees and obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from HDFC Bank. When going to HDFC Bank, please carry with you a photocopy of the 1st page of your passport.

he fees payable at HDFC Bank per passport are:

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): US $131 payable in INR equivalent at consular exchange rate. Visa Application Fee at current exchange rate (Rs. 48/-) is Rs. 6,288/-.

Service Charge: Rs.322/- which includes VFS' service charge Rs 310/- & Bank service charge Rs12/- (inclusive of Service Tax @ 12% and Education Cess Tax @0.36%).