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United States

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At a glance

Living index rating
Expensive
Monthly rent
$700 – $1,500 shared (NYC, Boston, Bay Area $1,500 – $2,500+)
Monthly food
$300 – $500
Other monthly expenses
$250 – $500 (incl. health insurance often required by the university)
Visa processing time
Varies by embassy: interview waits from a few weeks to several months
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • F-1 student visa: admission to a SEVP-certified school and a Form I-20
  • SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) and visa application fee ($185)
  • In-person interview at a US embassy or consulate; interview waivers no longer apply to most F-1 applicants (since September 2025)
  • Proof of funds for at least the first year of tuition and living costs
  • Evidence that you intend to return home after your studies
  • Online presence (social media) checks are now part of the screening
  • A new $250 'visa integrity fee' has been legislated but may not yet be collected
  • Work limited to 20 hours a week on campus during term

Work permit after studies

  • OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months of work in your field after graduation
  • STEM graduates can extend OPT by 24 months (up to 36 months in total)
  • After OPT, most people need an employer-sponsored H-1B visa, which is allocated by lottery
  • OPT and STEM OPT are under review in 2026 and proposals to restrict them have been reported, so check the latest rules

Citizenship route

  • No direct route from a student visa
  • Typical path: F-1 → OPT → H-1B work visa → employer-sponsored green card → citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident (3 if married to a US citizen)
  • Green card waiting times can be many years for applicants born in India or China

Family details

  • Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come on F-2 visas
  • F-2 spouses can't work in the US; they can only study part-time
  • Children can attend state primary and secondary schools
  • You must show extra funds for each dependant on your I-20

Universities in the United States

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (2852), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.