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Access globally ranked institutions across every state with unmatched program choice.
Study in the USA
Study in USA – Student visa process for Indian students.
A verified, step-by-step F-1 visa roadmap - counselling, university shortlisting, Form I-20, DS-160, SEVIS and MRV fees, the visa interview, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT - built around your profile and budget.
Why students pick the USA for higher education.
The USA hosts many of the world's highest-ranked universities with flexible program structures, research funding, and wide scholarship opportunities. Students can combine majors, access assistantships, and use OPT work authorization after graduation.
Ratnas Overseas helps you shortlist universities that match your academics and budget, plan GRE, GMAT, or SAT scores, organize financial documents, and face the F-1 visa interview with confidence.
US Dollar ($)Currency
EnglishLanguage
$18,000 - $55,000Annual tuition
Aug-Sep, Jan, MayMain intakes
12 months OPT + STEM extensionPost-study work
F-1Student visa
Why study here
Reasons students choose the USA.
Flexible academics
Choose majors, minors, and electives that match long-term career goals.
Research and assistantships
Graduate students can fund studies through RA, TA, and GA positions.
Strong career outcomes
OPT and STEM extensions give graduates real US industry exposure.
Top universities
Institutions our students frequently target.
Arizona State University
Large international community with strong engineering and business programs.
University of New Haven
Known for generous merit scholarships for Indian students.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago-based tech university with strong placement support.
University of Colorado Denver
Urban research campus with healthcare and data science strengths.
Kent State University
Affordable public option with aviation and business programs.
Bay Atlantic University
Washington DC location with career-focused master's degrees.
Tuition fees
What programs cost per year.
| Program level | Indicative annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | $20,000 - $45,000 per year |
| Master's degree | $18,000 - $55,000 per year |
| Community college / pathway | $8,000 - $18,000 per year |
| PhD (often funded) | $15,000 - $45,000 with stipend |
Living expenses
Monthly cost of living.
Budget roughly $12,000 - $22,000 per year depending on the state. Towns in Texas, Arizona, or the Midwest cost far less than New York or California.
| Expense | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $700 - $1,500 per month |
| Food and groceries | $300 - $500 per month |
| Transport | $60 - $150 per month |
| Health insurance | $1,500 - $2,500 per year |
Scholarships
Funding options worth pursuing.
University merit awards
Automatic consideration at many universities, from $5,000 up to full tuition based on academics.
Graduate assistantships
RA/TA roles cover partial or full tuition plus a monthly stipend.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Prestigious government-backed funding for outstanding master's applicants.
Departmental awards
Program-specific scholarships for strong SOPs, portfolios, or research proposals.
Eligibility
Academic requirements at a glance.
For bachelor's programs
Completion of 10+2 with at least 70-75% average. SAT is optional at many universities now but strengthens competitive applications.
For master's programs
A four-year bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent with GPA 3.0+/60%+. GRE or GMAT is expected by many top programs; several waive it for strong academics.
English requirements
Accepted tests and scores.
Most universities accept any one of these tests. Duolingo is the fastest option and is accepted by hundreds of US institutions.
| Test | Typical score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 - 7.0 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 - 100 |
| PTE Academic | 58 - 70 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 - 120 |
Intakes
When can you start?
Fall intake
Largest intake with maximum courses, scholarships, and assistantship options.
Spring intake
Solid second choice with fewer programs but shorter wait times.
Summer intake
Limited programs, mainly useful for bridging or transfer students.
Student visa process
Your USA visa, step by step.
Ratnas Overseas prepares every document in sequence so your USA visa file stays complete from first submission to final decision.
Receive your I-20
Once admitted, the SEVP-certified university issues an I-20 confirming your program, dates, and funds.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay $350 at fmjfee.com using your SEVIS ID and print the receipt for the interview.
Complete the DS-160 form
File accurately at ceac.state.gov with your social media history, and save the barcode confirmation page.
Pay the MRV fee and book appointments
Pay $185, then schedule biometrics at a VAC and the consular interview via usvisascheduling.com.
Attend the F-1 interview
In-person interviews are mandatory. Carry your I-20, financials, and academic records, and explain your study plan clearly.
Travel to the USA
After stamping, enter up to 30 days before your program start date and report to your DSO immediately.
PR opportunities
Settlement pathways after graduation.
The USA does not offer direct permanent residency from student status. The standard route is OPT employment, then an H-1B work visa, followed by an employer-sponsored green card.
- 12 months of OPT for all degree holders, extended by 24 months for STEM programs
- H-1B specialty occupation visa through employer sponsorship and annual lottery
- Employment-based green cards (EB-2 / EB-3) take several years for Indian nationals
- Extraordinary-ability and family categories offer alternative pathways
Job market
Where graduates find work.
The USA remains the world's largest job market for skilled graduates, with strong demand in technology, finance, consulting, healthcare, and engineering. Cities like Austin, Seattle, Chicago, and Atlanta offer growing opportunities at lower living costs than coastal hubs.
Salary after graduation
Typical starting salaries by field (per year).
| Field | Average starting salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | $85,000 - $110,000 |
| Data Science / AI | $85,000 - $120,000 |
| Finance / Business Analytics | $65,000 - $95,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| Nursing / Health Sciences | $70,000 - $95,000 |
Student testimonials
Hear it from students like you.
Srikar D.
Arizona State University
★★★★★
“Ratnas Overseas planned my entire application calendar around ASU deadlines. My profile evaluation helped me secure a $64,000 scholarship for my bachelor's degree.”
Harshavardhan R.
University of New Haven
★★★★★
“From shortlisting to my F-1 mock interview, everything was structured step by step. The team reviewed my financial documents twice before submission.”
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about studying in the USA.
How much bank balance is needed for a USA student visa?
Show liquid funds covering at least one year of tuition plus living costs, roughly $40,000 - $60,000 depending on the university, plus a credible funding plan for remaining years.
Can I study in the USA without GRE?
Yes. Many universities have made GRE optional or waived it entirely for strong academic profiles. Our counsellors maintain an updated list of no-GRE programs.
How many hours can I work while studying?
F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Are education gaps acceptable?
Yes, with valid justification such as work experience or health reasons. A well-documented gap explanation prevents complications.
What improves F-1 visa approval chances?
Genuine intent, a clear study plan, strong financials, and focused interview answers. Students with organized documentation consistently perform well.
Do you help with education loans?
Yes. We guide students through collateral-free loan options from Indian banks and NBFCs, including sanction letters required for the visa file.
Free counselling
Get free the USA counselling.
Talk to an experienced counsellor about universities, budgets, scholarships, and visa timelines for the USA. No charges, no obligation.