How to Come to America for Further Studies

Things You'll Need:

          * Certification of satisfactory proficiency in the English language
          * Documentation of the availability of financial resources needed Get Admitted to a College or University

Step 1:
Select five to 10 schools that fit your interests and your financial situation. You can get advice from the Peterson's or the Princeton Review websites. Request or download the admissions packet for international students.

Step 2:
Choose a credential service based on the school's recommendation or get a referral from the embassy.

Step 3:
Pay to send your transcripts to an academic credential evaluation service. They will forward them directly to your selected schools in America when they are finished. You should also request an unofficial copy for your records.

Step 4:
Take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) exam. Each school will inform you which test they prefer for applicants.

Step 5:
Register to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test or obtain alternate certification of your English proficiency. The exam is normally mandatory for students from non-English speaking countries and non-native English speakers, regardless of country of residence.

Step 6:
Identify and apply for scholarships and fellowships available to international students.

Step 7:
Submit financial statements to prove your family's ability to cover all of your education and living expenses for at least one academic year. This form will be sent to you after you have been admitted. It must be signed by your parent or guardian, if you are not independent.

Get an International Student Visa

Step 1:
Contact the closest Education USA office in your country or region to get more detail about application requirements and the process in your country.

Step 2:
Apply for the F-1 student visa at the United States embassy or consulate office that serves your country. Choose one school before you apply for the visa. You will need the Form I-20 that your selected college in America sent you.

Step 3:
Assemble all other required student visa application documents.

Step 4:
Make an appointment for a visa interview at the closest U.S. embassy. Contact the embassy as soon as you receive the I-20. Appointment wait times vary by country and by season.

 
Step 5:
Arrive on time for your student visa interview. Bring all requested documents with you. The embassy will let you know soon after if your visa was approved.

Tips & Warnings

Start the application and visa process as early as possible. Anticipate and plan for international mail delays.

Keep copies of your letter of acceptance and all documents related to your applications. Keep receipts for all money paid.

Many larger schools in America have staff and offices dedicated to helping international students with the admissions process. Try to find out if the schools you are interested in have one.

Do not get scammed. Avoid brokers claiming to have the inside track on U.S. study.

Use trusted websites and your schools or country's educational advisors.