The United States of America (USA) has the world’s largest number of international students. Many Bangladeshi students want to study in the United States for many different reasons, such as a good education, a unique curriculum, a multicultural environment, and a lot of opportunities.

Here are some reasons why studying in the United States might be the best decision you ever make:

• Academic achievements

American institutions are known for having high academic standards, adhering to stringent quality-control procedures, and being well-supported in order to provide excellent education to their students.

• A flexible educational system

American universities and colleges provide a wide range of courses and programs from which to choose. You have complete control over not only the course content but also its structure. This allows you to explore your subject interests and then make an informed decision.

• An outstanding system of assistance for international students

American universities recognize the difficulties that international students face and, as a result, offer regular orientation programs, workshops, and training to assist them. Indeed, the international student office assists students like you in adjusting to a new way of life.

• Cultural variety

The United States is a melting pot of various cultures, races, and ethnicities. You’ll be learning alongside students from all over the world, making for a rich and stimulating educational experience. Growing up in a diverse environment will instil in you strong personality traits and skills that will be valuable in the international market.

• A vibrant and active campus life

It is a well-known fact that campus life in the United States is unparalleled. Regardless of which university you attend, you will be immersed in new cultural experiences and the American way of life. Accept it and keep an open mind to new ideas and people.

Work as an International Student in the United States

You may work as an F1 student but only for short periods of time since your visa is a student and not a work visa. You are allowed to work part-time while your institution is in session and full-time during breaks. If you find a job that requires a different type of visa than F1, then you are also eligible to change status.

Apply for Permanent Residence

In this case, you must either self-petition as a person with extraordinary abilities, get married in the USA, or prove that you will invest in the US economy. If these are not feasible for you, but you still want to remain in the US, the easiest way is to change status to a different type of visa, such as an H-1B visa, and have your employer sponsor you.

Bringing Family Members to the United States

In case you have dependents, such as a spouse or unmarried children under 21 years old, they are allowed to come to the US too. This can be done with an F2 visa.
The F2 visa has no cap and dependents should just fulfil the requirements and complete the application procedures to get the visa. To be eligible for an F-2 visa, you must fulfil the following criteria:

Popular American Institutes

• Harvard University
• Arizona State University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• Texas A & M University
• Stanford University
• The University of Texas at Dallas
• The University of Illinois at Chicago
• New York University
• University of New Haven

How much does it cost to study in USA?

In America, public and private universities are primarily divided into two categories: public and private. Education at a public or state university is less expensive than at a private institution. To figure out how much you pay for tuition, think about what kind of degree you want and which university or school you want to attend.

Living Expenses in USA

The estimated living cost for the US averages around $1000 to $1500 per month. This includes your accommodation costs, room, and board, food, travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment expenses as well.

 Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US

A-Z process at a glance

To application process for the F1 visa goes through the following steps:

• Get your admissions documents from the SEVP institution.

To get the F1 visa, they will have to do some things after you apply and are accepted into the school. Form I-20 is the most important document you need to bring with you when you go to a college or university in the United States. People who don’t have this form can’t get an F1 student visa or go to their interview.

•  Apply online through the DS-160 form

After you get your Form I-20, you can start the usual application process. This includes filling out the DS-160 form online with the correct information about your visa.

•  Pay the application fee

The student visa application fee is $160. You must pay this fee and obtain a receipt, which you will need for your interview documents later.

•  Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

When you are admitted by the SEVP institution, your school immediately registers you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). To have full registration, there is a SEVIS I-901 fee. For the F1 visa, this fee is $350.

•  Schedule your F1 visa interview

After filing the DS-160 form and paying the fees, you will need to schedule your interview. The interview is a mandatory step before you get your student visa. When you schedule it, you will receive an interview appointment letter, which you will need later on in the application process.

•  Submit the file with the required documents

Before you go to attend your interview, you should prepare your file with the required documents for students.

•  Attend the student visa interview

When you go to attend the student visa interview, the questions will mostly revolve around your reasons for going to the US and the institution you are going to. The interviewer will try to assess whether you intend to return to your home country after you complete your degree.

•  F1 Visa Validity

An F-1 visa is issued for up to five years. However, the residence status in the United States is valid for the entire duration of the study and is noted on the I-20 form. If your visa is approved, you are allowed to depart for the US 30 days before your program begins. You cannot enter the US any earlier than that.

•  F1 Visa Processing Time

In most cases, you will get the response on this visa immediately after the interview. At the end of the visa interview, the interviewer might congratulate you for getting the visa or will provide you with a document letting you know the reason for denial.

•  Prepare to fly!

Prepare to travel to the United States as soon as you receive your visa. We wish you the best of luck!