{"id":4642,"date":"2017-04-17T11:26:11","date_gmt":"2017-04-17T18:26:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/toefl\/?p=4642"},"modified":"2020-12-10T13:41:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T21:41:53","slug":"studying-u-s-international-student-resource-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/toefl\/studying-u-s-international-student-resource-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Studying in the U.S.: International Student Resource Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Magoosh helps students all over the world <\/strong>achieve their dreams by providing access to quality test prep. When applying to colleges and graduate schools in the United States, international students are required to take some additional steps, including going through the process to obtain a student visa. So in an effort to provide some clarity around these steps, we\u2019ve put together a list of resources to help you navigate the complicated visa process, from selecting a school to getting a student visa.<\/p>\n

The Student Visa Process<\/h2>\n

You can learn about the steps to apply for a U.S. student visa through the U.S. Department of State\u2019s step-by-step process<\/a><\/strong>. You\u2019ll find a helpful overview that will help you decide if studying in the U.S. is right for you, and where in the U.S. you may want to study. They also outline how to apply for your visa based on which level of school you\u2019ll be attending\u2014undergraduate or graduate. Be sure to review the list of advising centers<\/a>, which are located around the world\u2014there may be a center near you where you can ask questions about the student visa process.<\/p>\n

 
\nIf you have additional questions concerning a student visa, check out the Bureau of Consular Affairs overview on student visas<\/a>. \u00a0This site is updated based on changes to immigration policies, so be sure to check back often to stay up-to-date. <\/strong>Note: according to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, you have to apply to and be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program school before you can apply for a student visa, so make sure the schools you are considering are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s approved list of schools<\/a>.
\n 
\nOnce you\u2019ve selected a school where you\u2019d like to study, don\u2019t forget to reach out to the school directly to ask any questions you have about the visa process.<\/strong> Schools often have dedicated staff to help guide you through the student visa process and answer questions you may have about what it\u2019s like to study in the U.S. or at that particular school. \u00a0And if you haven\u2019t selected a school yet, be sure to check out How to Choose a U.S. College from Halfway around the World<\/a>.
\n 
\nAnother way to stay informed on any changes to student visas is by viewing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a> website where any updates to immigration laws and policies are listed in their news feed.<\/p>\n

Application and Financial Aid Process<\/h2>\n

For students interested in undergraduate studies, College Board, the organization that administers the entrance exams for U.S. colleges, provides a helpful 8 step process for studying in the U.S<\/a>. Note: according to College Board, the process for applying to study at a university in the U.S. can take as long as two years<\/strong>. Be sure to plan accordingly.<\/p>\n

 
\nScholarships and financial aid are a critical part of studying in the U.S. for both domestic and international students<\/strong>. One great resource for information about scholarships for international students is U.S. News and World Report\u2014be sure to check out their article, Scholarships to Help International Students Afford U.S. Colleges<\/a>, and keep an eye on their site for updates to scholarships and financial aid.<\/p>\n

American Organizations for International Students<\/h2>\n

There are many organizations dedicated to helping individuals navigate the process to become a student in the U.S<\/strong>. Here are a few organizations you can reach out to directly if you have additional questions or concerns:<\/p>\n