Based on the student type and education level, below is an overview of important information on the process of studying in the United States of America. This guide includes information about every step in the international student process, from researching a program to graduating and the options post-graduation.

Prepare

If you want to study in the United States, the first step is to research the university or program that most interests you. The United States has several postsecondary options for international students, including community colleges and undergraduate- and graduate-level programs.

Apply to an SEVP-Certified School

Only schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can accept international students. Once you confirm that your school of choice is certified to accept international students, you can apply for admission. Remember that it is common for postsecondary schools in the United States to require standardized tests, like SAT or GRE for admission, so plan accordingly.

Receive Your Form I-20
Once accepted into an SEVP-certified school, you will receive a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,”. The Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout the international student process. 

Pay Your I-901 SEVIS Fee
After you receive your Form I-20, the next step is to pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee. Regulation requires that all international students pay this fee before the Department of State issues them a visa.

Apply for a U.S. Visa
After being accepted to an SEVP-certified school and getting a receipt for payment for the I-901 SEVIS Fee, you can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Remember that a student visa does not guarantee entrance into the country, but it does give you permission to arrive at a U.S. port of entry.

Arrive at U.S. Port of Entry
You may enter the United States up to 30 days before your official program start date listed on your Form I-20. When you arrive at the U.S. port of entry, you will meet a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer who has the authority to admit or deny your entrance into the country. 

Receive a form I-94
If CBP admits you into the country, they will give you an admission stamp in your passport and issue an electronic Form I-94, “Arrival and Departure Record.” The Form I-94 includes information about when you were admitted, what status you must maintain (F-1) and how long you can stay in the United States.

Study

While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your status which relates to the purpose or reason for why you want to come to the United States. As an F-1 student, your primary purpose for coming to the United States is to complete a full course of study at an SEVP-certified school. 

Work in the United States
You may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.

Off-campus employment is work that takes place outside of a school campus. Off-campus employment is only available to you if you have completed at least one full academic year of your program of study and have an economic hardship that qualifies for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.

Participate in a Training Opportunity
As an F-1 student, you may be eligible to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).

If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization

Post OPT options

For international students in the United States wishing to stay longer than their OPT period, an H-1B visa can be a great way to stay employed in the country and continue gaining experience in a given field. Generally this visa is granted for a period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years for special circumstances. 

If you have maintained your status and finished a program of study or your authorized period of post-completion OPT, and considering departing the United States of America, you have a 60-day grace period to depart from the United States.