All about USA Study Visa’s – Details Inside

If you have been admitted to a university in the United States, the next step in making your dream of studying in the USA come true is applying for a student visa. This guide will briefly describe the different types of visas available for students and provide a detailed process for applying for the F1 student visa, which is for students planning to study for a bachelor's or master's degree in the USA.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2,32,851 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2021 - which is a 12% increase from the previous year. 37% of these students were females. Aside from this, candidates should also know the reasons why their US Student Visa gets rejected?

Below are 3 different types of student Visas to USA: 

1. F1 Student Visa:

If you're planning to <a href="https://www.marthalasolutions.com/countries/why-study-in-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">study abroad in USA</a> for more than 18 hours per week, you'll need to apply for an F1 visa. This type of visa is required for all undergraduate and graduate programs, including MS, MBA, and other degrees. If you have a spouse or child who will be accompanying you to the United States on your F1 visa, they will need to apply for an F2 visa. And an important point to note here is, spouses would not be able to work in USA, on this type of visa but the advantage is they can accompany and also apply for their own study or work visa in USA. 

2. J1 Exchange Visa:

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for scholars, students, and professionals who are pursuing an exchange program in the United States. J-1 visa holders are typically working professionals who come to the U.S. on an exchange program for a set period of time, usually 10 months. Exchange programs may include vocational training or research fellowship programs. Applicants for the J-1 visa will be notified by their respective institutions if they have been accepted into an exchange program. Family, i.e spouse &amp; children might require J-2 visa and spouses would be able to work basis permissions attained in advance. 

3. M1 Vocational/Non-Academic Visa: 

The M1 visa is a type of student visa which allows for international students to attend vocational and technical schools. The application process for an M1 visa is similar to that of an F1 visa, with the exception being that M1 visa holders cannot overstay their welcome - upon entering the United States, their visas are time-stamped to reflect the duration of their stay.

Visa Cost Details:

Two different fee elements are associated with F1 student visa for the USA

1. SEVIS Fee (Student &amp; Exchange Visitor Information System) - $350 ( appx 28,500 INR)

2. MRV Fee (Visa Application Fee) - $160 (appx.13,000 INR)





Below is the detailed table showing fee specification for different types of student Visa to the USA.<img src="https://marthalasolutions.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/blog/usa-study-visa-1674547462653.JPG"><div>

*Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas.

Documents Required for F1 Student Visa Application

In comparison with the tourist or any other visa, student visa would require more documentation and there are few mandatory documents in addition to supporting documents such as financial and academic record. Below is the checklist of documents required before visa interview. 

· A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your period of stay.

· A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form

· SEVIS Fee Receipt

· Interview appointment letter (original and copy)

· Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)

· 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/salary slips

· Original mark sheets/provisional certificates

· Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.

Financial documents required, showing proof of funds to cover your next one year expenses: 

· Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)

· Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years

· Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment

· Statement from certified CA

· Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)

· The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)

There are multiple steps involved in applying for USA study visa. 

· The first step in your visa process is receiving Form I-20 from your college. You can pay the SEVIS fee at any time during the application process, but it's strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before beginning your US visa application.

· You can apply online through DS-160 form, post paying SEVIS fee and generating a receipt. 

· Printout of the confirmation page to show during interview.

· Payment of the visa fee through NEFT or authorized bank locations. 

· Schedule a Biometric and Interview appointment.

· For the Biometric appointment, you will need to appear in person to have your photograph taken for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.

· At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice of college, finances, and intent of coming back. If they are convinced, they will keep your passport with them to get the visa stamped. 

To make a note, F1 student visas are issued up to 120 days only before you start the course of study and on the same visa, student will not be allowed to get into the USA prior to 30 days before the course. 

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to live in the US with the applicant during their stay require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status can't enroll as a regular student, but can take vocational or recreational classes, like cooking or tennis. Children on F2 status are allowed to attend elementary, middle, or high school as a full-time student, but not college.

For more details and understanding about the application process &amp; counselling, please reach our expert overseas educational consultants at no charges. Mail us to <a href="mailto:contact@marthalasolutions.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">contact@marthalasolutions.com</a> or call us at +916302604374</div>

Study abroad in USA/UK - FAQ's

FAQ’s – Study in UK:

1. Specialty about the UK Education system?

The UK education system gives you the liberty to combine courses and subjects from different areas of studies and tailor the degree as per your own needs and interest. The UK has an excellent reputation as a global study destination as UK education is value for money as students receive globally recognised degrees which can be tailored to your interests and often include specialised modules. UK gives the <a href="https://www.marthalasolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best study abroad</a> options with high ranked universities, a large variety of specializations, more than 50,000 courses to choose from, in over 25 subject areas. Shorter and more intensive courses; easy admission and visa process; large number of scholarships and bursaries make this an ideal choice for international students. One-year Masters in the UK with two-year work placements is the best opportunity a study abroad aspirant can get.

2. What is UCAS? What is UCAS Postgraduate?

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a centralised admissions service for undergraduate admissions. Applicants from UK, EU, and international students aiming to secure a full-time place at universities and colleges across the UK can process their applications through UCAS. Students can search, apply for postgraduate courses, and track the progress of their applications through UCAS Postgraduate which is currently used by selected universities.

3. Difference between applying procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate?

You can register and apply for an undergraduate course through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Postgraduate courses in the UK have their own particular entry requirements and application processes, so it is better to check the individual course websites for the relevant instructions.

4. Can I work in the UK on a study visa?

You can take a part-time job, work placement or internship alongside your studies in UK and the hours, type of work will depend on the type of visa and your sponsoring university or college.

5. Are internships available for international students in the UK?

Internships may be available as part of your course.

● You can opt for paid or unpaid internships and prepare for a global career while you are pursuing the program, during the vacation, or soon after graduation.

● Internships may be part-time or full-time. They are usually part-time during a university semester and full-time during the summer, winter or Easter holidays.

● Semester internships are available during spring, summer, fall, and winter semesters.

● The internships abroad usually last an entire semester and some may even last an entire year. The longer duration programs help you to explore the work processes and acquire the technical know-how.

● Some internships are paid while others help you to earn academic credits.

● The duration and stipend vary depending on the university or the organization.

6. Can we extend our stay in UK post studies?

If you wish to stay in the UK post studies, you may need to apply for a visa extension or for a work visa depending on the type of employment, your duration of stay and your current visa status.

7. Average annual cost to study in the UK?

The average annual costs for international students are approximately £ 20,000 in the UK which are lower than the annual costs borne by international students in the USA as well as Australia.

8. Do international students need private medical insurance in the UK?

International students do not need private medical insurance when studying in the UK. It will cost just £150 per year to gain access to the NHS and this cost has to be paid during your visa application.

FAQ’s - Study in USA:

1. Academic calendar for universities in the USA?

The academic year for universities in the United States is usually from August to May. Most universities use either the semester system (two terms), the quarter system (students attend three out of four total terms), or the trimester system (three terms).

2. Credit system in U.S universities?

A credit is a value assigned to each course reflecting the number of hours the class will meet the professor each week.

3. What is a GPA?

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numeric indicator for a student's academic performance which is calculated on a scale of 4.0.

4. Can you work while studying in the United States?

As an international student you may work on campus up to 20 hours/week in the first year of study in the US and can apply to work off-campus in the subsequent years only with due permission of the International Student Office under CPT or OPT.

5. What is liberal art college?

A liberal arts college offers courses in humanities, languages, math, social and natural sciences, and students take 25-50% of their courses in their major.

6. English language proficiency requirements?

U.S. universities require an English language proficiency test before admission and the test requirements vary depending on the course you apply for English Language Ability Tests. The most common tests of English language ability are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

7. What is CPT?

CPT is defined as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education in the USA, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”

8. Difference between a college and university?

Colleges in the U.S. offer only undergraduate degrees whereas universities offer undergraduate as well as graduate degrees, but the terms are often used interchangeably.

9. Difference between F-1 and J-1 visa?

An F-1 visa is a student visa that is needed to study at a college, school or university in the USA. A J-1 visa is for an exchange student for temporary stay in the USA.

10. Are any scholarships available for international students in the USA?

● Scholarships and grants are usually awarded to international students in the USA on the basis of merit, need or any other exceptional excellence like proficiency in sports, cultural activities or a remarkable contribution in community service. The scholarships are highly competitive.

● Many American universities also offer grants for foreign students who wish to study at their institution but these vary substantially from university to university.

● The Standardized Test scores play a vital role in U.S. universities granting scholarships

Study programs in Canada for International Students

If you want to make your dream of permanently immigrating to Canada a reality, a great first step is to migrate as an international student. Our team of international student visa experts are here to help you every step of the way - from choosing a school, to applying for a study permit. We simplify the process so you can focus on making your dreams come true!The International Student Program is designed to help you find the best academic program to suit your interests and career goals. We have four stages to the process so that you can see your application progress and get clarity on each step. <img src="https://marthalasolutions.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/blog/university-of-waterloo-study-abroad-in-canada-1672641484865.jpg"> University Of Waterloo 1. Choose your program: Your Educational Counsellor will work with you individually to go over your options. We take into account the length, cost, location, and course schedule when making our recommendations.2. Submission of Application to school: After you and your Educational Counsellor have come to a decision on what the best level of study and educational program is for you, we will help you get everything ready to submit your application to the school of your choice. You need to have an acceptance letter from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit, and we will be more than happy to assist you in that process.3. Applying for the study permit: With your acceptance letter in hand, you're one step closer to studying in Canada! The next thing you'll need to do is apply for your study permit through Canadian immigration. If you want to attend a school in Quebec, you will need to obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before you can apply for your study permit. However, don't worry - your Educational Counsellor can help you prepare and submit your immigration application with ease. Plus, if you're married, there's a chance that your spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit as well!4. Understand the Immigration Options: You will be an eligible candidate for permanent residence in Canada if you have completed a Canadian educational credential. The programs related to Canadian immigration are frequently changing, so it’s difficult to say which option would be best for you. After you have completed your study program, your overseas educational consultant will go over all of the available options with you that you can take in order to pursue permanent residence!Our International Student Program experts are here to support you in every step of the way during the student application process. With this program, you will not only gain access to our wealth of immigration knowledge, but you will also build a lasting relationship with our team, who supports you even after the completion of immigration process. If you are interested in becoming a Canadian international student, we encourage you to take our free online assessment to get started. One of our experts will review your assessment and reach out to discuss the results.<img src="https://marthalasolutions.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/blog/university-of-toronto_best-overseas-education-consultancy-1672641488702.jpg" class=""> University Of TorontoAdvantages of studying in Canada: There are many reasons why international students chose to <a href="https://marthalasolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">study in Canada</a>! One of the benefits is the on-campus programs which help improve their experience by integrating them with other students. Also, Canada has immigration programs to help with their applications for permanent residency. Another reason why Canada is a great choice for international students is that the population of international students is growing. This means that schools and governments are working to make it easier for international students to live and work in Canada after they finish their studies.Universities, colleges, and other schools offer competitive financial assistance packages to international students who can demonstrate high-caliber academics. In addition, many schools offer a range of programs to help integrate international students into campus communities, including assisted English as a second-language programs. Major chunk of the international students in Canada are apparently authorized to work part time during their duration of study in Canada. In addition to the benefits that come with studying in Canada, such as programs and services to help students while they are enrolled in their studies, most international students are also eligible for a post-graduation work permit. This allows them to stay in Canada and work after they have completed their degree. Canadian immigration organizations, both at the federal and provincial levels, also offer programs to help international student graduates transition to Canadian permanent residence.For foreign nationals seeking to continue their education in a new environment or looking for a change of pace in a prosperous country, Canada is an excellent option that only continues to improve! With its world-class reputation, Canada is a top destination for international students that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

































Complete our free student assessment to get started on your path to becoming an international student in Canada! One of our academic counsellors from the International Student Program department will reach out to you to discuss your unique situation and what options may be available for you.&nbsp;

Study Abroad in Canada – FAQ’s 

Want to understand the process to study in Canada, in detail? We have drafted down few of the most frequently asked questions, for international students. 1. What are the requirements for admission into Canadian Institution?Each institution in Canada has its own policy regarding admission requirements for&nbsp;international students. The entry criteria may vary according to the programs as well. The&nbsp;minimum percentage required for Community Colleges are 55% and above in the previous&nbsp;educational qualification and for universities it is 60% and above. Besides, an English&nbsp;proficiency score is also required (IELTS mostly). The websites of the institutions may also be checked to&nbsp;get the exact requirements.2. Which study fields can we opt for in Canada?You will get varied options in the technical and professional fields including: business,&nbsp;agriculture and agri-food, health, social services, broadcasting and journalism, hospitality and tourism, design, technology, sciences, information technology, engineering, environment, languages, and arts.3. How much does it cost to study in Canada?Studying in Canada can be relatively cheaper as Canada offers low tuition rates for&nbsp;international students compared to the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. The average cost of&nbsp;study including tuition and living cost is CAD 25, 000 per year.4. Are any scholarships offered to international students in Canada?The eligibility for scholarships for international students aspiring to study in Canada is&nbsp;judged on the basis of outstanding academic grades and exceptional English Proficiency&nbsp;scores. Scholarships are mostly offered by the universities without any particular application&nbsp;based on the eligibility benchmarks but at some institutions the students need to apply for the same.5. Are there any internship opportunities in Canada?Some programs in Canada do include work experience as part of their curriculum.&nbsp;You may apply for a co-op or intern work permit if:● You have a valid study permit or● Working is a significant part of your study program in Canada or● A letter from your school confirms that all students in your program must complete work&nbsp;placements to get their degree or● Your co-op or internship is 50 % or less of the total program of study.6. Can international students work while studying in Canada?International students can work while studying in Canada if they have a valid study permit&nbsp;and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). The students can work part time for 20 hours a week&nbsp;during term time and 40 hours i.e. full time during vacations. Besides many of the institutions&nbsp;in Canada offer paid internships as part of the course where the students get the opportunity&nbsp;to work full time in industry relating to their area of study.7. When do we need to apply for a work permit?You need to apply for a work permit only if your acceptance letter confirms that a co-op or&nbsp;internship placement is part of your program’s curriculum. In such a case the work permit&nbsp;will be processed as part of the application and the student will be issued a SW visa.8. Can students work in Canada after Graduation?If you graduate from a Designated Learning Institution, then you can gain valuable Canadian&nbsp;work experience under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). Normally a&nbsp;work permit visa is granted for one year on a study of one year. For a study of at least 2 or&nbsp;more years the student can get a post study work visa of up to 3 more years.9. Can international students apply for PR? If yes, then when?The permanent resident visa is determined on a point based system. The work experience&nbsp;gained through the PGWP will help you to garner valuable points to qualify for permanent&nbsp;residency in Canada.

















































































































Do you feel, it is the right time to study abroad in Canada? Feel free to talk to our overseas education expert counsellors to get a better understanding of the entire process and the opportunities you have in Canada. Fill your details here <a href="https://www.marthalasolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.marthalasolutions.com/</a> or call us +916302604374.

Study in Germany

Germany, also popularly known as Deutschland, has a rich history with vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, amazing culture, and a country dotted with palaces and abbeys. The country is rich in beautiful heritage sites through its stunning cities and gorgeous countryside.&nbsp; Germany is renowned for its generous approach to higher education: public universities charge&nbsp;no tuition fees to students, regardless of nationality. One of the best things about higher education in Germany is its no to low tuition fees. Most of the universities in Germany belong to the state hence they offer free or minimal fees for studies. One has to pay only administrative fees each year. If the student manages to secure a position in any of the public universities, studying in Germany is free for Indian students, just like students from other parts of the world. Students just have to pay a nominal semester fee (around 250 to 500 Euros) per semester.<img src="https://marthalasolutions.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/blog/semester-abroad-in-germany-1643003641757.jpg"> <h4>** Study&nbsp;Bachelors in Germany:</h4>You have to attend a Studienkolleg (Foundation course) before you start your undergraduate course in Germany. The state-run Studienkollegs are free of charge. There are also private foundation courses charging fees. Courses usually run for two semesters followed by the final exam (Feststellungsprüfung). <h4>** Study&nbsp;Masters in Germany:</h4>The higher studies in Germany are available in its universities, known as Universitäten. There are two types of universities for higher education in Germany&nbsp;- Public and Private. Although over 500 international degree programs use English as a medium of instruction, you can even opt for learning the German language by enrolling yourself in German Language Courses at the University free of charge.If the course is in English, then proof of proficiency in English- Toefl 79(IBT) and higher or IELTS 6.0 is needed.If the course is completely in German, then proof of proficiency in the German language(Geothe or TestDaF or DSH) is required.<h4>* Intakes:</h4>Summer semester:&nbsp;If you wish to apply for summer start the application from the beginning of October to 15th January.Winter&nbsp;semester: If you wish to apply for winter start the application from the beginning of April to 15th July.<h4>* Top Universities:</h4><ul><li>Technical University of Munich</li><li>Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München</li><li>Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg</li><li>Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin</li><li>Freie Universität Berlin</li><li>KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie </li><li>Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen</li><li>Technische Universität Berlin</li><li>Technische Universität Dresden</li><li>Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen</li><li>Universität Freiburg</li></ul><h4>* Cost of living:</h4>Though Germany enjoys one of the highest standards of living, still the expenses are comparable to countries in Europe. Living Expenses depend largely on the lifestyle, city, and type of accommodation. This cost covers basic expenses like accommodation, food, and basic travel within the city or campus.<h4>* Scholarships:</h4>To avail of a DAAD scholarship program, a student must have the following eligibility: The concerned student should have a full-time four-year Bachelor's degree from a registered institution or university in the relevant subject. The academic degree qualification should not exceed more than six years.

5 steps to Kickstart your Free Abroad Study

<img src="https://marthalasolutions.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/blog/3-1642852569694.jpeg"> Every one of us has dreams but in order to achieve the dreams we need to start working right now with "Proper guidance"If you are a person who dreamt high to fly abroad for your studies and don't have any idea how to go for free abroad study, Here are the 5 simple steps to Kickstart your free abroad study.Today, international education is no longer an impossible dream, but a reality accessible to everyone. Almost anyone of us can study for free in a foreign university thanks to scholarships and grants. And the truth is, to enter the university of your dreams and get full funding, you do not even have to be a genius. But you have to get everything right! <h4>Step-1: Choose your country of study and course of education</h4>These two points are combined into one for a reason. If you have already chosen the field of your studies more or less, it is important not to be mistaken with the appropriate country.For technical majors it is better to go to Germany, the Czech Republic and the United States - these countries historically lead in advanced technologies, engineering and innovation. Also, do not forget about Asian countries: Singapore, South Korea, Japan and China. They are now at the forefront of technological development.For a degree in design and fashion, it is better to go to sunny Italy or sophisticated France — the birthplace of world famous brands and fashion designers. If you are interested in ecology, environmental protection and the human rights movement, choose the countries in the Nordic region (Sweden, Finland, Norway) or Switzerland. They are global activists in these areas. But remember that there can always be exceptions to this rule.For a Mba, it is better to go US, UK, Canada <h4>Step-2: Choose your University</h4>Once you have decided on the country of study and your major, the next step is choosing the most suitable university. Here you should pay attention to the cost and rating not only of the university itself, but also of the selected program. One of the most useful resources is the ranking of The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.It is also recommended to take into account how comfortable the university is for Indian students, whether there is the necessary adaptation support and international programs.It is important to choose the type of university: private or public. A private university exists at the expense of its own earnings and sponsors. Education here is quite expensive, but more elitist. Public universities exist at the expense of public funds. Education here is more accessible (up to $1,000 per semester).Education in a private university is not always better. For example, UC Berkeley is public, and Stanford is private. But these two universities historically compete for the best students.<h4>3. Prepare all your documents</h4>The final list of documents depends on the specific country, university and program. But the minimum set of required documents usually looks like this:• Authorized translation of previous degree with transcripts• Motivation letter/Essay/Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose.• 70% of your ultimate success depends on this paper!Letters of reference• Language certificates.• For studying in English — IELTS Academic(6.5 and above) or TOEFL Additional exams. For example, GMAT/GRE for graduate school in business and finance or portfolio for designers and artists.<h4>Step-4: Selection of scholarships and grants</h4>There are several main types of scholarships and grants:• Government-sponsored. Given by the government of the receiving or sending country. As a rule, they are not tied to a particular university or major, usually providing the largest coverage. Countries with large government scholarships for international students: China, Germany, France, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway• University-sponsored. Given for entering a particular university, usually partially or fully covers tuition fee• External funds and organizations. Quite narrowly focused, covering a specific direction or program. Some top examples are the World Bank, United Nations, etc.The number of scholarships and grants also strongly depends on the country and major.There is a limited number of information aggregators about scholarships and grants:• Germany — DAAD;• France — CampusFrance;• China — CSC Scholarships• StudyFree — accumulates scholarships 34 countries<h4>Step-5: Consider Major deadlines</h4>Usually documents for general admission to a foreign university are submitted from March to June to start studying in September the same year.However, deadlines for scholarship applications end much earlier. Applications for top large scholarships at prestigious universities are accepted around September or October for programs starting next autumn. Some scholarships finish accepting applications in November and February. Most available scholarships no longer consider candidates after March.By the time you apply for a scholarship, you must have a package of ready documents. This means that you need to prepare at least a year before or even a year and a half.Entering a foreign university with full funding is possible. You just should not be afraid of the process itself, start studying in advance, choose the direction and country, and prepare all the documents. If you find that the process is too complicated…Do contact Marthala Solutions, the best abroad study consultancy. Who have successfully helped in changing careers of more than thousand students all over india.Any questions? Leave a comment

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All about USA Study Visa’s – Details Inside

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All about USA Study Visa’s – Details Inside

Study abroad in USA/UK - FAQ's

Study programs in Canada for International Students

Study Abroad in Canada – FAQ’s

Study in Germany

5 steps to Kickstart your Free Abroad Study