Study in USA

Destination Guide

Why Study in USA?

World-Class Universities

Home to many of the world's top-ranked universities, offering cutting-edge research facilities and globally recognized degrees that open doors everywhere.

Career Opportunities

Access to OPT (Optional Practical Training) and STEM OPT programs allows international students to gain up to 3 years of valuable work experience.

Diverse Programs

Thousands of programs across every field of study, from liberal arts to STEM, business, and healthcare, allowing you to tailor your education.

Quick Facts: USA

Major Intakes Fall (August/September) & Spring (January/February)
Visa Type F-1 Student Visa
Post-Study Work Up to 12 months (Standard) + 24 months (STEM Extension)
Part-time Work 20 hours/week (On-campus during semesters)

Regulatory Update

Duration of Status Rule Blocked by Federal Court

A DHS final rule (91 FR 44976) was scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026, ending duration of status admission for F-1 students and replacing it with a fixed admission period tied to your program. On September 14, 2026, a federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the rule one day before it was set to take effect. Duration of status remains in place: your I-94 continues to stay valid for as long as you maintain status, with no fixed end date and no extension-of-stay filing required. The litigation is ongoing, so this could change again; we will update this page if it does. Read the full breakdown: Judge Blocks DHS Rule Ending Duration of Status Before It Takes Effect.

Our Expertise

Our Services for USA

Comprehensive guidance from university selection to visa approval and beyond.

University Selection

We help you curate a list of universities that align with your academic profile, career goals, and budget from thousands of options across 50 states.

Visa Guidance

Expert assistance with DS-160 filing, SEVIS fee payment, and rigorous F-1 visa interview preparation to maximize your approval chances.

Integral CPT

Specialized guidance for Day 1 CPT programs for students already in the US looking to maintain status while working.

Explore CPT Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about studying in the USA on an F-1 student visa.

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa that allows international students to study full-time at accredited US academic institutions, including colleges, universities, and language training programs. F-1 students are admitted for the duration of their academic program (D/S status), meaning they may remain in the US as long as they maintain valid student status.

Key documents include a valid passport, a completed Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), SEVIS fee payment confirmation (Form I-901), Form I-20 issued by your SEVP-certified school, financial evidence demonstrating ability to cover tuition and living expenses, and a scheduled visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.

F-1 students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during official school breaks. Off-campus employment requires prior authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must be authorized by your Designated School Official (DSO) before you begin work. Optional Practical Training (OPT) requires approval from USCIS.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience directly related to their field of study. Standard OPT is authorized for up to 12 months. Students who graduated from STEM-designated programs may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for a total of up to 36 months of work authorization.

Most US universities offer two primary intake periods: Fall (August/September) and Spring (January/February). Application deadlines typically fall 3 to 6 months before the intended start date. Some institutions also offer a Summer intake for select programs.