Wide institution choice
Compare universities, liberal-arts colleges, community colleges and graduate schools by programme and budget.
STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES
Study in the USA.
Match the school, programme and F-1 pathway.
Explore undergraduate, graduate and research pathways with support for school matching, applications, funding planning, Form I-20 readiness and F-1 visa preparation.
SEVP-certified school check 2026/27 intake planning F-1 visa readiness
U.S. guidance reviewed · 24 Aug 2026
United StatesCourse fit · funding plan · current immigration readiness
Multiple study routesUniversities, colleges and graduate programmes
School matchingCompare programme, location, cost and SEVP certification
Funding readinessPlan tuition, living costs and school financial evidence
F-1 preparationForm I-20, SEVIS and visa-interview readiness
Adviser supportFrom shortlist through pre-departure preparation
WHY UNITED STATES?
A broad study market where school fit, total cost and visa preparation must align.
The U.S. has many institution types and programme structures. The strongest shortlist is built around academic fit, realistic funding and an SEVP-certified school.
Flexible academic structures
Programme pathways, majors and transfer options vary considerably by institution.
Large geographic choice
Location can significantly affect cost, climate, transport and campus experience.
Practical-training routes
F-1 students may have CPT/OPT options when eligible, but these are regulated and not guaranteed employment.
STUDY LEVELS
Choose a pathway that matches your academic stage and future plan.
Programme structures, admission criteria and immigration implications vary. These are pathway categories, not guaranteed eligibility.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate pathways
Four-year degrees and selected transfer pathways, subject to institutional admission requirements.
- Entry-profile matching
- Course/application preparation
- Offer-condition planning
Graduate
Graduate pathways
Master’s and professional graduate programmes with course-specific academic and test requirements.
- Academic and course-fit review
- CV/SOP readiness
- Funding and intake planning
Research
Research pathways
Doctoral and research-intensive programmes where funding, assistantships and supervisor fit may differ.
- Research-route identification
- Proposal/readiness discussion
- Current route verification
Community college / transfer
Community college / transfer pathways
Lower-cost or transfer-oriented options can be appropriate for some students, but the academic and transfer plan should be verified.
- Programme suitability review
- Duration and route check
- Current rules verification
INSTITUTION & PROGRAMME FIT
Shortlist the right type of study environment.
TILBAJ should confirm the exact institution and programme against current records before any application or payment decision.
Research universitiesLarge institutions with broad undergraduate, graduate and research portfolios.Check fit
Liberal arts collegesSmaller undergraduate-focused environments with different campus and curriculum models.Check fit
Community collegesTwo-year and transfer pathways; always map the next institution before relying on a transfer plan.Check fit
Graduate schoolsProgramme-specific graduate opportunities where funding, tests and prerequisites vary widely.Check fit
CURRENT UNITED STATES ROUTE SNAPSHOT
Plan the F-1 route against current U.S. government requirements.
Reviewed against Travel.State.gov, ICE and DHS guidance on 24 August 2026. Fees and procedures can change, so official sources must be checked again before payment or interview.
School status
SEVP-certifiedThe school must be able to issue Form I-20 for an F-1/M-1 student after admission.
Official sourceForm I-20
Core documentAdmitted F/M students use Form I-20 to support the student-visa process.
Official sourceI-901 SEVIS fee
US$350Current I-901 fee for F/M students, according to ICE Form I-901 instructions.
Official sourceVisa application fee
US$185Current non-petition-based F student visa application fee shown by the U.S. Department of State.
Official sourceTravel timing
30-day entry ruleNew F/M students may receive a visa up to 365 days before the start date but cannot enter more than 30 days before it.
Official sourceAccuracy note: these route summaries are time-sensitive. TILBAJ should re-check the official linked source immediately before an applicant relies on the information for payment, immigration evidence or submission.
ROUTE & FAMILY PLANNING
Do not choose a U.S. school only because someone promises work after graduation.
F-1 employment and practical training are regulated. OPT is tied to the student’s status and field of study; qualifying STEM graduates may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Use current official rules
Immigration, work, dependant and post-study rights can change. Programme selection should be based first on academic fit and a realistic funding plan.
SEVP certification firstConfirm the institution is certified to enroll F-1 students and can issue Form I-20.
Understand the funding requirementSchools and visa officers expect a credible plan for tuition and living costs.
Treat OPT as eligibility-basedPractical training requires authorization and is not a promise of a job.
Prepare for the interviewYour academic plan, funding and intent should be clear and consistent with the documentation.
SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDING
Budget for the school—not for a generic “USA average.”
U.S. tuition and living costs vary widely by institution and location. Use the school’s official cost-of-attendance figures and required financial evidence.
Tuition & feesUse the current programme and international-student cost information from the school.
Living expensesHousing, insurance, transport and location can materially change the total cost.
SEVIS & visa costsSeparate government fees from school tuition and deposit requirements.
Scholarships / assistantshipsAvailability is institution- and programme-specific and should never be presented as guaranteed.
YOUR UNITED STATES STUDY JOURNEY
From first assessment to pre-departure.
A clear process helps students know what happens next and what information is needed at each stage.
1EligibilityProfile, goals and budget.
2School shortlistOptions matched to your route.
3ApplicationApplication prepared carefully.
4AdmissionAdmission or offer requirements reviewed.
5Form I-20Current route evidence prepared.
6SEVIS & visaOfficial immigration stage completed.
7Pre-departureTravel and arrival preparation.
UNITED STATES STUDY FAQ
Questions students ask before applying.
Answers are intentionally cautious because requirements differ by institution, programme, intake and individual circumstances.
What is an SEVP-certified school?
It is a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to enroll F/M students and issue Forms I-20 after admission.
How much is the F-1 visa application fee?
The Department of State currently lists US$185 for the non-petition-based student visa application fee. Check the official page again before payment.
What is the SEVIS I-901 fee?
ICE currently lists US$350 for F/M students. This is separate from the visa application fee.
When can a new student enter the United States?
A new F/M student cannot enter more than 30 days before the programme start date shown on the relevant documents.
Does F-1 status guarantee OPT?
No. OPT requires eligibility and authorization. Eligible STEM graduates may qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Does studying in the USA guarantee a work visa or permanent residence?
No. Any later employment or immigration category has separate legal requirements and is not guaranteed by admission or graduation.
READY TO EXPLORE UNITED STATES?
Start with your academic profile, course goals and funding plan.
Get a structured United States eligibility review before committing to an application route.