United States

1. High Quality of Education:

• The US has top-ranked universities, with 6 of the top 10 and around 35 of the top 100 universities in the world.

• Academic programs in the US are known for their rigor, job relevance, and use of cutting-edge technology.

• It is a popular choice for international students, with around 11 lakh international students and 2.5 lakh Indian students studying in the US. Each year, approximately 60,000 new Indian students begin their studies in the US.

2. International Recognition:

• US university credits and degrees are highly recognized worldwide.

• This recognition allows students to use their US degree no matter where they decide to settle down.

• Students can easily migrate to countries like Canada or others with their US credits/degree.

3. Work Opportunities:

• The US has the largest economy in the world, offering a wide range of business and job opportunities.

• International students in the US have the ability to work while studying and/or stay back for up to 3 years to work and earn in the country.

• The US is home to the highest number of Fortune 500 companies globally, providing excellent career prospects.

4. Flexibility:

• Students in the US have the flexibility to choose their major, double major, or minor even after completing two years of study.

• They can pursue a combination of different subjects, allowing for diverse educational paths (e.g., engineering with history).

• With over 4,000 universities and colleges in the US, there is a wide variety of programs and courses to choose from.

5. Transferability:

• US credits are standardized across universities, making it common for students to transfer between institutions.

• Approximately one in three undergraduate students in the US change their university at least once.

• Notable individuals like Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, and Warren Buffet also transferred universities during their undergraduate studies.

6. Supportive Administration:

• The recent Biden government in the US has implemented relaxed norms around international student visas and work visas.

• These changes aim to facilitate the entry of more immigrants, including international students, into the US.

• The supportive administration creates a welcoming environment for international students.

7. Other Talking Points:

• Smaller class sizes for personalized learning.

• Highly accredited professors with expertise.

• Close faculty-student relationships and mentorship.

• Vibrant campus life and extracurricular activities.

• Strong support system for international students.

• Exposure to cultural diversity.

• Emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Promotion of self-reliance and independent thinking.

• A comprehensive liberal arts education model.

Please refer to this presentation to gain a comprehensive insight into United States as a study abroad destination, its university landscape, the overall cost of education, student visa details, post-study work opportunities, and the pathway to permanent residency.

Student Visa Overview:

• Types: F-1 visa (for academic programs) and J-1 visa (exchange programs).

• Eligibility: Full-time enrollment at an accredited educational institution.

• Funding: Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses.

• Work: F-1 visa allows on-campus work and limited off-campus employment.

• Practical Training: F-1 visa holders can participate in post-study practical training.

• Application Process: Obtain acceptance from a U.S. institution, complete visa forms, pay fees, attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the home country.

• Compliance: Students must adhere to USCIS and U.S. Department of State regulations to maintain visa status.

CPT & OPT:

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are both work programs for international students studying in the US on an F-1 visa:

CPT (Curricular Practical Training):

• CPT allows students to work off-campus while they are still studying.

• The work must be related to their major subject of study.

• Students need permission from their school before starting CPT.

• It can be done part-time or full-time.

• There is no fixed time limit for CPT as long as it's part of their academic program.

OPT (Optional Practical Training):

• OPT allows students to work in the US after they complete their studies.

• The work must also be related to their major field of study.

• Students can apply for 12 months of OPT after completing each educational level (Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D.).

• Some STEM students may qualify for a 24-month extension, making a total of up to 36 months of work authorization.

• OPT is used to gain work experience and improve career opportunities after graduation.

In simple terms, CPT is for working while studying, and OPT is for working after graduation. Both programs give international students valuable work experience in their chosen field of study.

Resources:

1. Student VISA:

• All details: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html#:~:text=A%20student%20visa%20(F%20or,VWP%2C%20see%20Visa%20Waiver%20Program.

• Required finances/documents for the VISA: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/financial-ability

2. Post Study Work Permit:

• All details: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training

3. Green Card (Permanent Residency):

• All details: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card

4. Other Useful Reads:

• https://shorelight.com/student-stories/how-do-international-students-apply-for-cpt-and-opt-status/

• https://www.azent.com/expert-tips/difference-between-opt-and-cpt-in-the-us

For information regarding how TWG can provide students with visa support, please visit: https://theworldgrad.com/visa-support/