
Hey there! Great to see you are interested in the US! Both Rija and I have studied in the US, and let's shout it out:
IT HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF OUR LIVES!
Let's get started!
In this guide, we help you answer questions like:
when to apply for the US?
How to apply?
What is the application process like?
What are the criteria for applying for studying in the US?
Also, most popular: can you go to Stanford too? 😉
Read on as we share.
The usa education system

We have probably answered this somewhere else too. Literally, the US tops the list for having 13 of the 50 best universities in the world. Graduates from these universities get employed even before they graduate!
So what is so unique about the US? Well, the educational system has 1 rule: to research. Research and innovate. Make new things using that research.
To be able to do research, you need 1 skill that is unfortunately absent in Pakistani universities.
That skill is 'critical thinking.'
This is the ability to think about a subject from different viewpoints.
For example, take a telephone.
Observe it. Analyze it.
Can it have different colors? Can it come without a wire? Can it have a shorter size?
Propose alternatives to it.
What are the different ways it can come without a wire? Maybe with a battery. Or with a Bluetooth device. Or with something else.
That's the critically thinking mind.
The questioning mind.
It has led to innovations such as from the telephone to the mobile phone.
What if I told you that in the US, students start practicing critical thinking from school.
They start by simply raising their hand in class to agree or disagree with the teacher's view by giving an example from their experience.
This is called classroom participation, where you discuss actively and not just receive a lecture sleepily.
Amazing, right?
Classroom participation and critical thinking are at the core of the US education system.
A typical grading system has the following components:
- Classroom participation (20%)
- Assignments (40%)
- Project (20%)
- Exam (20%)
Rija and I were literally blown away thinking about how much we gained from each class. We could not choose to sit silently in any discussion simply because 20% class participation was counted towards our final grade.
As a result, we gained far more skills than we ever could if we were in Pakistan.
What type of degree programs are there?
There are two types of degree programs. Bachelors programs (like BA, BSc, BBA, BS). These programs are 4 years long, and like in Pakistan, you qualify for them after completing 12 years of education.
Masters programs or grad school programs are shorter – 2 years long like in Pakistan. For these, you need to have 16 years of education to qualify for a US Masters.
Top Universities

Among the 4000+ universities in the US, Stanford University, Harvard, MIT, Columbia, UCLA are at the top.
What makes them so unique? Well, they invest MILLIONS of dollars into research. How often do you read newspaper headlines' American researchers discover this, discover that'?
All the time.
Those 'researchers' are primarily graduates from top universities.
I often advise students to take up 'assistantships' in the US. These are part-time positions for students to work as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA).
If the professor enjoys working with you, s/he will offer you a permanent position or another future project. Or they may even recommend you to a fellow colleague.
That is an excellent starting point!
I have seen students get job offers as mouth-watering as biryani 😉
That is key to getting employed even before you try on your graduation gown!
But you see, US universities are incredibly selective.
Competition is high.
Even if you have
· A+ grades
· Excellent command of English language
· Superb SAT/GRE scores
· And a dream to change the world
You will still need a mentor! Look around you – do you see a friend, family member, or teacher who studied abroad who can guide you?
A mentor isn't just someone who can guide you. You need someone who has been through the phase that you are going through right now.
Someone who knows the secret to scholarships.
AND THEN,
Apply for scholarships!
I can tell you that the more expensive the university, the more they will give out in scholarships.
Last year, Harvard gave out around $12.3 Million in need-based scholarships.
And Columbia gave out $19.2 Million to international students.
They give out crazy amounts every year.
By now, you are probably wondering where they get all this money from. After all, don't these institutions invest all their income into research?
They do. But graduates from these universities make TONS of money to give back to their university as a thank-you. And to pay for future needy students.
These universities have a system. Take my favorite: Stanford, as an example.
Stanford is located in Silicon Valley, California.
Silicon Valley has headquarters of Google, Apple, and Facebook - Billionaire companies that Stanford has ties with!
Students get a lot of opportunities to network with professionals in these companies.
And 64% of them end up joining them.
The starting salary of a Stanford graduate is about $55,000.
They get rich quick.
I want you to be that hire. To study on a scholarship. And then earn enough to fund the needy students in future batches.
Now, let's get deeper into costs...
Budgeting for Your Studies

By now, you are probably wondering about the costs
'how much will I exactly have to pay?'
Budgeting for Your Studies
The right kind of education is an investment into your future.
As a Pakistani national, you will want to know the average cost of studying in the US. It is about $40000 per year.
This includes an average of $25,000 in tuition fees.
And $15,000 in living expenses.
What is the tuition fee?
Tuition is the cost of your degree that the university charges you. Top-ranking universities (especially private ones) can shoot up to $65,000 a year, but don't worry. Like I said above, you can always apply for scholarships.
What are Living Expenses?
Living expenses include room and boarding, transportation, food, and personal expenses.
This varies a little. For example, rents might be cheaper in the Midwest and American South (e.g., Texas).
Most Pakistani students prefer Texas – that's where the largest Pakistani community is located too.
Texas A&M is another one of the top-ranking universities you could look into!
Many are simply in LOVE with the East Coast (New York and Washington DC region).
Others love California on the West Coast.
Which US city is the cheapest for students?
Great question!
Maybe you are not eligible for a scholarship
Maybe your SAT/GRE scores aren't excellent
Maybe you are thinking, 'what if I still can't afford it?'
I have a formula for you.
San Mateo, located 35 km from San Francisco, is a pretty cheap option for tuition + living combined.
The San Mateo College is in Silicon Valley, home to A-class companies like Google, Linked In, and Facebook.
Its tuition is super affordable (10,000 USD a year only!), and living costs are 15,000 a year.
This is a great option, actually.
Because:
- Like I said above, you need to be close to the industry to benefit from network and job opportunities.
- You also want low transportation costs
- Less travel time to the nearby big city (like San Francisco or Los Angeles)
- Tourist spots are close to you
- Rent is low
So don't just jump to cutting living costs. Consider lower tuition. And better networking opportunities.
Not sure which US University is good for you based on grades, the field of study, and budget? Take my one minute to find out which university is right for you.
TAKE THE QUIZ
- Public vs. Private Universities
I will have this written on my face very soon:
US PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES ARE JUST AS EXCELLENT AS PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES!
Maybe because Rija and I love to talk about Stanford, Creighton, and NMHU, people assume that we consider private universities superior.
But really, the cost of the degree is not related to the quality.
I know many shitty private universities.
And some jaw-dropping Nobel-laureate-producing public ones.
Here are four of them in the global top 50 rankings:
University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of Michigan
Georgia Tech
Arizona State University (#1 for research and innovation!)
University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
See what I did there?
Literally, the only difference between US public/private divisions is:
Public universities get government funding.
Private get theirs from you.
But all of them are hands down worth it!
I feel the difference in how I walk, how I talk, the amount of belief I have in me. The confidence with which I speak my mind.
Traveling the world gets you this confidence.
I wake up every day passionate about changing the world for every student out there the way this experience has changed mine!
Eligibility for International Students

All universities have their own set of admission requirements. But in general, the submission to the following items is necessary for lower-ranking the application process:
- Institutional application form: Application forms ask you to give information about your academic records and personal information.
- Application fee: The fee of the application process ranges from US$ 20-US$ 100 and is non-refundable.
- Transcripts: Transcripts or mark sheets should be attested and will be submitted with your application.
- Financial documents: The universities in the US need proof of substantial funding for your tuition. There needs to be a financial guarantee officially signed by whoever is providing you funding. A copy of their bank statement is required as well.
Here is how I put it to my students:
-if you are good at English,
-you have a sound system for financial support
-and have a consistently impressive academic record
– you can apply to US universities. In fact, these basics make you eligible for scholarships too!
IMPORTANT: US universities rely A LOT on your test scores. These can be the SAT for bachelor's study and GRE for Masters/Ph.D. What are SAT and GRE?
1. SAT – The Scholastic Assessment Test
SAT is an aptitude test. Think of it as the IELTS, which tests your aptitude for English. But SAT examines Math and English. Depending on your program and university, you may have to sit the SAT II exam. SAT II has other subjects like Physics and Biology.
Even if the university you shortlist does not require SAT, you will still have to sit through the university's own test.
1. GRE - The Graduate Record Examination
GRE is a standardized test for students wanting to do a Master's in the US. However, some institutions may not need GRE scores if you are applying for arts and social sciences.
The selection committee could be WOW-ed by your research proposal and waive the requirement altogether 😉
Aren't you impressive!
Prove your English Proficiency:
So they are ready to admit you without any admission test. BUT you will still be required to sit in the TOEFL exam.
Tun tun tun… time for the ESSAY!
The most horrid part of the application is the essay. So many of my students feel lost at this point.
So what exactly is the essay, and why does it matter?
Remember the 'Myself' essay we used to write back in class 1? This is that. But Pro Max level.
In a couple of paragraphs, you tell who you are, why you want to apply to this university, and why you should be selected for admission.
It should be straightforward, right? Actually, not really.
The essay can make or break your application. Therefore, it is one of the essential elements and holds just as much importance as your marks!
It's called the 'Application Essay' for undergraduate applicants and the 'Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Masters and Ph.D. aspirants. But they are precisely asking you to answer this one question: why should they select you?
When I competed for the 3 scholarships that I eventually got, I remember I made at least 5 drafts of each SOP.
Start by brainstorming. No thought is irrelevant.
AND write down immediately.
Type notes out on your phone each time an idea pops into your head (thoughts will slip out quickly if you wait to grab a notebook!).
Make a list of all the extracurricular activities you have been involved in. Include internships, volunteer work, and job experience if you have.
· Letters of recommendation:
You will need to acquire letters of recommendation from your former teachers or professors. For grad school applicants, letters of recommendation from a recent employer are also required.
· Other supporting materials:
Do you have prizes, honors, awards, and work experience under your belt? Then, it's time to use them to your benefit! First, put in as many extracurricular certificates as you can. Think of them as plus points because the more you have, the more the chances of securing a scholarship!
When should you start applying to US Universities?
The process of researching suitable universities and preparing the application takes about a year. So it's recommended to start working on your application 12 months before the due date. Even sooner if you are applying for scholarships.
All universities have their own set of admission requirements. But in general, the submission to the following items is necessary for lower-ranking the application process:
· Institutional application form: Application forms ask you to give information about your academic records and personal information.
· Application fee: The fee of the application process ranges from US$ 20-US$ 100 and is non-refundable.
· Transcripts: Transcripts or mark sheets should be attested and will be submitted with your application.
· Financial documents: The universities in the US need proof of substantial funding for your tuition. There needs to be a financial guarantee officially signed by whoever is providing you funding. A copy of their bank statement is required as well.
Here is how I put it to my students:
-if you are good at English,
-you have a sound system for financial support
-and have a consistently impressive academic record
– you can apply to US universities. In fact, these basics make you eligible for scholarships too!
IMPORTANT: US universities rely A LOT on your test scores. These can be the SAT for bachelor's study and GRE for Masters/Ph.D. What are SAT and GRE?
1. SAT – The Scholastic Assessment Test
SAT is an aptitude test. Think of it as the IELTS, which tests your aptitude for English. But SAT examines Math and English. Depending on your program and university, you may have to sit the SAT II exam. SAT II has other subjects like Physics and Biology.
Even if the university you shortlist does not require SAT, you will still have to sit through the university's own test.
1. GRE - The Graduate Record Examination
GRE is a standardized test for students wanting to do a Master's in the US. However, some institutions may not need GRE scores if you are applying for arts and social sciences.
The selection committee could be WOW-ed by your research proposal and waive the requirement altogether 😉
Aren't you impressive!
Prove your English Proficiency:
So they are ready to admit you without any admission test. BUT you will still be required to sit in the TOEFL exam.
Tun tun tun… time for the ESSAY!
The most horrid part of the application is the essay. So many of my students feel lost at this point.
So what exactly is the essay, and why does it matter?
Remember the 'Myself' essay we used to write back in class 1? This is that. But Pro Max level.
In a couple of paragraphs, you tell who you are, why you want to apply to this university, and why you should be selected for admission.
It should be straightforward, right? Actually, not really.
The essay can make or break your application. Therefore, it is one of the essential elements and holds just as much importance as your marks!
It's called the 'Application Essay' for undergraduate applicants and the 'Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Masters and Ph.D. aspirants. But they are precisely asking you to answer this one question: why should they select you?
When I competed for the 3 scholarships that I eventually got, I remember I made at least 5 drafts of each SOP.
Start by brainstorming. No thought is irrelevant.
AND write down immediately.
Type notes out on your phone each time an idea pops into your head (thoughts will slip out quickly if you wait to grab a notebook!).
Make a list of all the extracurricular activities you have been involved in. Include internships, volunteer work, and job experience if you have.
· Letters of recommendation:
You will need to acquire letters of recommendation from your former teachers or professors. For grad school applicants, letters of recommendation from a recent employer are also required.
· Other supporting materials:
Do you have prizes, honors, awards, and work experience under your belt? Then, it's time to use them to your benefit! First, put in as many extracurricular certificates as you can. Think of them as plus points because the more you have, the more the chances of securing a scholarship!
When should you start applying to US Universities?
The process of researching suitable universities and preparing the application takes about a year. So it's recommended to start working on your application 12 months before the due date. Even sooner if you are applying for scholarships.
All universities have their own set of admission requirements. But in general, the submission to the following items is necessary for lower-ranking the application process:
· Institutional application form: Application forms ask you to give information about your academic records and personal information.
· Application fee: The fee of the application process ranges from US$ 20-US$ 100 and is non-refundable.
· Transcripts: Transcripts or mark sheets should be attested and will be submitted with your application.
· Financial documents: The universities in the US need proof of substantial funding for your tuition. There needs to be a financial guarantee officially signed by whoever is providing you funding. A copy of their bank statement is required as well.
Here is how I put it to my students:
-if you are good at English,
-you have a sound system for financial support
-and have a consistently impressive academic record
– you can apply to US universities. In fact, these basics make you eligible for scholarships too!
IMPORTANT: US universities rely A LOT on your test scores. These can be the SAT for bachelor's study and GRE for Masters/Ph.D. What are SAT and GRE?
1. SAT – The Scholastic Assessment Test
SAT is an aptitude test. Think of it as the IELTS, which tests your aptitude for English. But SAT examines Math and English. Depending on your program and university, you may have to sit the SAT II exam. SAT II has other subjects like Physics and Biology.
Even if the university you shortlist does not require SAT, you will still have to sit through the university's own test.
1. GRE - The Graduate Record Examination
GRE is a standardized test for students wanting to do a Master's in the US. However, some institutions may not need GRE scores if you are applying for arts and social sciences.
The selection committee could be WOW-ed by your research proposal and waive the requirement altogether 😉
Aren't you impressive!
Prove your English Proficiency:
So they are ready to admit you without any admission test. BUT you will still be required to sit in the TOEFL exam.
Tun tun tun… time for the ESSAY!
The most horrid part of the application is the essay. So many of my students feel lost at this point.
So what exactly is the essay, and why does it matter?
Remember the 'Myself' essay we used to write back in class 1? This is that. But Pro Max level.
In a couple of paragraphs, you tell who you are, why you want to apply to this university, and why you should be selected for admission.
It should be straightforward, right? Actually, not really.
The essay can make or break your application. Therefore, it is one of the essential elements and holds just as much importance as your marks!
It's called the 'Application Essay' for undergraduate applicants and the 'Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Masters and Ph.D. aspirants. But they are precisely asking you to answer this one question: why should they select you?
When I competed for the 3 scholarships that I eventually got, I remember I made at least 5 drafts of each SOP.
Start by brainstorming. No thought is irrelevant.
AND write down immediately.
Type notes out on your phone each time an idea pops into your head (thoughts will slip out quickly if you wait to grab a notebook!).
Make a list of all the extracurricular activities you have been involved in. Include internships, volunteer work, and job experience if you have.
· Letters of recommendation:
You will need to acquire letters of recommendation from your former teachers or professors. For grad school applicants, letters of recommendation from a recent employer are also required.
· Other supporting materials:
Do you have prizes, honors, awards, and work experience under your belt? Then, it's time to use them to your benefit! First, put in as many extracurricular certificates as you can. Think of them as plus points because the more you have, the more the chances of securing a scholarship!
When should you start applying to US Universities?
The process of researching suitable universities and preparing the application takes about a year. So it's recommended to start working on your application 12 months before the due date. Even sooner if you are applying for scholarships.
All universities have their own set of admission requirements. But in general, the submission to the following items is necessary for lower-ranking the application process:
· Institutional application form: Application forms ask you to give information about your academic records and personal information.
· Application fee: The fee of the application process ranges from US$ 20-US$ 100 and is non-refundable.
· Transcripts: Transcripts or mark sheets should be attested and will be submitted with your application.
· Financial documents: The universities in the US need proof of substantial funding for your tuition. There needs to be a financial guarantee officially signed by whoever is providing you funding. A copy of their bank statement is required as well.
Here is how I put it to my students:
-if you are good at English,
-you have a sound system for financial support
-and have a consistently impressive academic record
– you can apply to US universities. In fact, these basics make you eligible for scholarships too!
IMPORTANT: US universities rely A LOT on your test scores. These can be the SAT for bachelor's study and GRE for Masters/Ph.D. What are SAT and GRE?
1. SAT – The Scholastic Assessment Test
SAT is an aptitude test. Think of it as the IELTS, which tests your aptitude for English. But SAT examines Math and English. Depending on your program and university, you may have to sit the SAT II exam. SAT II has other subjects like Physics and Biology.
Even if the university you shortlist does not require SAT, you will still have to sit through the university's own test.
1. GRE - The Graduate Record Examination
GRE is a standardized test for students wanting to do a Master's in the US. However, some institutions may not need GRE scores if you are applying for arts and social sciences.
The selection committee could be WOW-ed by your research proposal and waive the requirement altogether 😉
Aren't you impressive!
Prove your English Proficiency:
So they are ready to admit you without any admission test. BUT you will still be required to sit in the TOEFL exam.
Tun tun tun… time for the ESSAY!
The most horrid part of the application is the essay. So many of my students feel lost at this point.
So what exactly is the essay, and why does it matter?
Remember the 'Myself' essay we used to write back in class 1? This is that. But Pro Max level.
In a couple of paragraphs, you tell who you are, why you want to apply to this university, and why you should be selected for admission.
It should be straightforward, right? Actually, not really.
The essay can make or break your application. Therefore, it is one of the essential elements and holds just as much importance as your marks!
It's called the 'Application Essay' for undergraduate applicants and the 'Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Masters and Ph.D. aspirants. But they are precisely asking you to answer this one question: why should they select you?
When I competed for the 3 scholarships that I eventually got, I remember I made at least 5 drafts of each SOP.
Start by brainstorming. No thought is irrelevant.
AND write down immediately.
Type notes out on your phone each time an idea pops into your head (thoughts will slip out quickly if you wait to grab a notebook!).
Make a list of all the extracurricular activities you have been involved in. Include internships, volunteer work, and job experience if you have.
· Letters of recommendation:
You will need to acquire letters of recommendation from your former teachers or professors. For grad school applicants, letters of recommendation from a recent employer are also required.
· Other supporting materials:
Do you have prizes, honors, awards, and work experience under your belt? Then, it's time to use them to your benefit! First, put in as many extracurricular certificates as you can. Think of them as plus points because the more you have, the more the chances of securing a scholarship!
When should you start applying to US Universities?
The process of researching suitable universities and preparing the application takes about a year. So it's recommended to start working on your application 12 months before the due date. Even sooner if you are applying for scholarships.
All universities have their own set of admission requirements. But in general, the submission to the following items is necessary for lower-ranking the application process:
· Institutional application form: Application forms ask you to give information about your academic records and personal information.
· Application fee: The fee of the application process ranges from US$ 20-US$ 100 and is non-refundable.
· Transcripts: Transcripts or mark sheets should be attested and will be submitted with your application.
· Financial documents: The universities in the US need proof of substantial funding for your tuition. There needs to be a financial guarantee officially signed by whoever is providing you funding. A copy of their bank statement is required as well.
Here is how I put it to my students:
-if you are good at English,
-you have a sound system for financial support
-and have a consistently impressive academic record
– you can apply to US universities. In fact, these basics make you eligible for scholarships too!
IMPORTANT: US universities rely A LOT on your test scores. These can be the SAT for bachelor's study and GRE for Masters/Ph.D. What are SAT and GRE?
1. SAT – The Scholastic Assessment Test
SAT is an aptitude test. Think of it as the IELTS, which tests your aptitude for English. But SAT examines Math and English. Depending on your program and university, you may have to sit the SAT II exam. SAT II has other subjects like Physics and Biology.
Even if the university you shortlist does not require SAT, you will still have to sit through the university's own test.
1. GRE - The Graduate Record Examination
GRE is a standardized test for students wanting to do a Master's in the US. However, some institutions may not need GRE scores if you are applying for arts and social sciences.
The selection committee could be WOW-ed by your research proposal and waive the requirement altogether 😉
Aren't you impressive!
Prove your English Proficiency:
So they are ready to admit you without any admission test. BUT you will still be required to sit in the TOEFL exam.
Tun tun tun… time for the ESSAY!
The most horrid part of the application is the essay. So many of my students feel lost at this point.
So what exactly is the essay, and why does it matter?
Remember the 'Myself' essay we used to write back in class 1? This is that. But Pro Max level.
In a couple of paragraphs, you tell who you are, why you want to apply to this university, and why you should be selected for admission.
It should be straightforward, right? Actually, not really.
The essay can make or break your application. Therefore, it is one of the essential elements and holds just as much importance as your marks!
It's called the 'Application Essay' for undergraduate applicants and the 'Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Masters and Ph.D. aspirants. But they are precisely asking you to answer this one question: why should they select you?
When I competed for the 3 scholarships that I eventually got, I remember I made at least 5 drafts of each SOP.
Start by brainstorming. No thought is irrelevant.
AND write down immediately.
Type notes out on your phone each time an idea pops into your head (thoughts will slip out quickly if you wait to grab a notebook!).
Make a list of all the extracurricular activities you have been involved in. Include internships, volunteer work, and job experience if you have.
· Letters of recommendation:
You will need to acquire letters of recommendation from your former teachers or professors. For grad school applicants, letters of recommendation from a recent employer are also required.
· Other supporting materials:
Do you have prizes, honors, awards, and work experience under your belt? Then, it's time to use them to your benefit! First, put in as many extracurricular certificates as you can. Think of them as plus points because the more you have, the more the chances of securing a scholarship!
When should you start applying to US Universities?
The process of researching suitable universities and preparing the application takes about a year. So it's recommended to start working on your application 12 months before the due date. Even sooner if you are applying for scholarships.
USA student visa

There are 3 types of student visas offered by the US. F1, J1, and M1. You cannot pick and choose which one you want. It is according to the immigration rules.
J1 is for exchange visitors – those going on US government-funded scholarships (like the Fulbright and UGrad Exchange Program).
M1 is for vocational studies. For example, suppose you are going for cooking classes or mechanical courses. In that case, you will need an M1 visa.
F1 is the one most relevant to us – the full-time student visa. When you get an offer letter from the university, you can apply for your visa. Although there are still steps down the process. So don't rush and follow along below to avoid rejection.
Steps to US Student Visa
The steps below are for the F1 student visa.
Step 1. Apply to a SEVP university
In the US, only authorized universities are allowed to host international students. Therefore, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is the body you need to double-check to make sure that you apply to the right university.
Don’t worry, GoGetters can sort this out for you. Fill out the form here and we’ll match you up with the updated SEVP universities.
Step 2: Get the I-20
Alright, so you have gotten admitted! Congratulations! The university will now ask you to send your financial documents to see if you can afford to come to the US.
Send them your bank statement showing a one-year tuition fee and living expenses. When satisfied, they will send you a form by courier, which you can apply for the visa. That form is called the I-20.
Covid-19 Alert!
I-20 courier policy has been relaxed by the US government. Your university will now send a scanned copy via email, which you can simply download and print. Take that to the visa interview.
Step 3: Pay SEVIS fee
The I-20 you received has a 'SEVIS ID' on it. You can use that ID number to pay your SEVIS fee online.
Step 4: Fill Out DS-160
The DS-160 is the online visa form that you can now fill out. This form will go to your interviewing officer, who will decide your case based on the information you provide in DS-160. First, print out the confirmation page. Then, pay the visa fee at the authorized bank.
Step 5: Biometric and Interview Appointment
At the consulate or embassy, your fingerprints will be scanned at the biometric appointment. They will also take your photo. After that, you have to wait in queue for the visa interview.
The interviewer may ask you questions about finances, the university you are going to, why you chose a specific university, and your plans after completing the program.
The visa office wants to make sure of three things:
- Prove that you are a genuine student.
How?
A. Arrange your original mark sheets. If you still haven't graduated, show your provisional certificate.
- Show GRE/TOEFL scores
- Prove that you can pay for your studies.
How?
Arrange a 3-months bank statement
- Prove that you will come back to Pakistan after your studies.
How?
Show 'strong ties' in Pakistan. Any assets like property papers and proof that you have family here will count. You can also show your banks accounts in Pakistan or a business you will come back to.
Documents required at the F1 Visa Interview
- A valid passport
- Your DS-160
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Interview appointment letter (both original and copy)
- Form I-20 from your university.
- Visa fee payment receipt.
- IELTS/ TOEFL/ GRE Exam Result
Settling In
You have your visa in your hand, stamped right away by the interviewing officer. Then, you board the flight and get there. So what should you expect when you enter the US?
I'm going to remind you one thing from the time I landed at Stanford: jetlag.
Ouch.
It's going to be 26-some long hours from Pakistan with a stop-over in the UAE or Qatar.
Make sure to drink lots of water during the flight. Also, go easy on yourself and take some rest during the first few hours of landing in the US. These two ingredients will help your body recover from the fatigue of sitting on the plane for hours.
Accommodation
You should have a place booked for your stay months before your arrival. For housing in the US, you will have two options:
ü On-campus residences, halls, and suites
ü Off-campus housing
Generally, US universities have plentiful housing for all sorts of students, international or national. The university emails all admitted students a list of residence options. If you prefer living on-campus, you'll need to express your desire ASAP because these residences are first-come-first-serve. If you don't make it to the university residences, you will still have the option to explore nearby. Again, these are recommended by the university and sent to you via email.
Orientation Week:
Orientation Week is E X C I T I N G!
During this time, you get to meet international students even before your classes begin! My first friends were a Chinese, a Moroccan, and a French guy.
So what is the orientation week about? Well, you're in a new country, a new city, and a new university. The International Office is dedicated to helping you get accustomed to the new place. You, along with other new students, are given a university tour, a guide to its rules, where the local grocery store is, where to find Pakistani restaurants, etc.!
Jobs and Internships

You are convinced that you want to go to the US.
But you don't want to come back.
Excellent!
Let's start with working while you study.
In the US, you can work 20 hours a week part-time. During the first year of studies, you can only work on-campus. There are many jobs available inside the boundary of the university campus. For example, a library assistant working in the library or an admin assistant working in the university's administration department. There are also many jobs available for those interested in tutoring other students in the area of their expertise. You can check out the job boards in the Writing Center for this kind of vacancy.
Two student jobs trendy in the US are TA and RA-ships. When you work as a Teaching Assistant (TA), you help manage a professor's workload by responding to student emails, checking exams, and marking attendance.
Research Assistants (RA) work in a laboratory or on a project field under the supervision of a university professor. These are well-paid jobs that cover almost all of your living expenses while you study!
When you enter your second year of studies, you can go for jobs outside the university. For example, you can work as a bartender, a retail assistant, and even a caterer.
Internships - Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Interning during vacations is a great option.
The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) literally allows you to gain practical experience in your subject. However, it must be completed before your graduation. The great thing is that CPT's are paid. You can work part-time as you juggle studies. Or you can work full time while the school is on break.
You NEED to get at least some work exposure in the US. Even if you plan on coming back.
These experiences will give you unique opportunities to get practical experience in your field. Why is that important? Because while all your friends focus on just the theory, you dip your hands into practice.
You will have an edge above them.
In the job market that you will eventually enter, that experience is gold.
So what kind of options are available to you after you graduate?
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The most remarkable thing about the F1 visa is the OPT. That's one thing J1 and M1 visa categories don't have.
The Optional Practical Training is temporary employment you can get after finishing your studies.
Note that the job you go for must be directly related to your field of study.
OPT allows you to work up to 12 months after graduation. You can get OPT authorization before or after formally completing your studies and start working right away.
Post Study Work
After you graduate, you are eligible for a US work visa. Make sure to apply for the visa before going on to join your full-time position.
Note that the government can only issue you a work permit if your job is directly linked to your study program.
Suppose you graduated with a degree in Accounting but ended up as a retailer. In that case, you won't be eligible for the post-study work permit. Make sure you network with the right people from the very start of your studies. Networking with others in your field and having good relationships with your professors are crucial to landing suitable work opportunities.
Now, about the length of the permit. The actual size of the US work permit will depend on the issuing authority. They will see both your program type as well as the job.
Generally, these permits are 12 to 24 months long. Plus, if you are from the STEM courses side – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – you will be issued a more extended permit to stay and work in the US.
So exciting, right?
I literally see no reason why you should be stopping in your toes!

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