USA?

The American dream

The higher education sector in the US is a buyers market. You can actually demand, and get, what is best for you.

American society is enormously diverse and complex. Important differences exist between geographical regions, between rural and urban areas, and between social classes.  In addition, the presence of millions of immigrants who came to the United States from all corners of the world with their own culture and values adds even more variety and flavor to American life.

Nearly 600,000 students from all over the world came to the United States last year to study at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Without a doubt, America offers very high quality postsecondary education.

There are more than 4,000  public  and  private  colleges,  universities, and community colleges in the United  States,  including over 600 public four-year colleges and universities and over  1,650  private  four – year   colleges  and  universities.  These   traditional institutions enroll nearly 15 million students. In addition, more than 6,250 other non – collegiate postsecondary institutions  offer specialized vocational and technical training.

Any student can find an appropriate program within the rich and diverse higher education system.  This  is  true  whether  you  are  seeking   career – oriented vocational   and  technical  training  from  a  community   college,  a  liberal arts education from a small private college, an undergraduate science  degree  from a prestigious  research institution, or one of  a  variety  of programs  offered  by a multipurpose university. High quality educational programs are offered in all types of institutions at prices that vary as much as the programs and institutions themselves.

The United States also offers limitless opportunities for sports, recreation, and entertainment.  Cities   large   and small offer numerous indoor and   outdoor opportunities.  Almost every city or town in the United States with college and university students will likely offer those students ways to kick back, run around, and have a good time.

World  class  learning  institutions  with  cutting  edge technology, endless study choices,  worldwide  recognition, a diverse mix of people and culture, flexibility in terms  of  course schedules and hours, and a globally focused course curriculum, all make the US one of the most attractive student destinations in the world.

Fellowships in USA towards partial tuition wavier or full grant depending on the performance   in   the   previous   academic   year. Teaching assistantships are awarded to postgraduate students. Other assistantships include Administrative assistantships and Research assistantships.  In the   US   over   one third of international students receive some partial scholarships mostly after commencing their education program. Some popular ones are The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program and the Hubert H Humphrey program.

For more information Visit on: http://usjournal.com/en/students/info/finaid.html

“Student visa applicants are very important to us and we will continue to give them top priority,” states Coby Lastuka, Vice Consul at the American Consulate General in Mumbai. Lastuka’s statement dispels all myths about the American consulate not being fair to student visa applicants.

The American Consulate General in Islamabad is working very hard to provide accurate and up to date information for student visa applicants. Through outreach programs, the consular section is making the student visa process a much friendlier and smoother process. “We are trying to increase our outreach and keep our officers in formed about the student visa process and the background of the Pakistani education system so when they deal with student visas, they know where the students are coming from. We want to make everything transparent and clear.

For the past few years, the numbers of Pakistani students vying to get to the US has been steadily increasing. While the US has seen an overall drop in the numbers of international students, the Pakistani student population has now overtaken China’s. Rumors of not getting visa interview dates made Pakistani students very nervous.

However, the American Consulate General has made it clear that student visa appointments are relatively easier to get and the waiting period for a student visa appointment is not long. “There are reserved slots for students. Last years officers came in for four consecutive Saturdays and did only student visas,” reminds Lastuka. So now that you are preparing for your student visa interview, keep a few things in mind. You need to demonstrate that you have the funds to pay for your education (the entire duration). More importantly, you need to know why you have chosen a particular university and what exactly you plan to do once you complete your education.” The students will have to articulate what will bring them back to Pakistan at the end of their studies. What they studies should have some relationship to what they plan to do back in Pakistan, One of the Myths that has been circulating among students for many years is that the American Consulate is biased against people with last names such as Muhammad this off, “This rumor is an urban myth. We adjudicate visas on the individual merits of the case.” Recently, the American Consulate General announced that students applying for degrees in “high technology” areas will be subject to additional scrutiny. Before getting into panic mode, consider this,” It only affects 1-2 % of all applicants. This process is under the Visa Mantis program, and there is a misconception that this is really affecting a lot of people. Processing, which barely anyone is subject to, takes about 2 weeks,” reassures Lastuka.

You need to relax about the whole student visa issue. Ignore anyone who tries to press your panic buttons and don’t believe people who say that the US student visa is tricky business. If you are a serious student and can demonstrate that you have adequate funds for your education and reasons to come back to Pakistan, you will be issued a student visa.

To  apply  for a  student  visa  you need to first make an appointment with VFS.
Take with you the following to the VFS office:

1) Application forms

2) 2×2 inch photograph against a white background

3) Application fee drafts

4) Passport and copies of your passport

5) 1-20 and copies of your 1-20
SEVIS fee receipt –
All International students are required to pay some money as a SEVIS fee after they get  admission and  finalize  one university. This fee has to be paid online on

www.fmjfee.com only after you have your 1-20 in hand.

6) To download visa application forms, visit American High Commission, Pakistan website.

7) Currently, the student visa wait period is not much and you will get your visa

appointment in a few days.

Student Visa Requirements for USA

You need F-1 visa to go for academic studies from an approved university or institution in United States to study in English or English language course of study.

F -1 Visa application needs following documents.

• DS-160 form; a non immigrant visa application form must be completed online.
• Passport valid date at least six months after your planned stay in the United States.
• Two photographs of required format not older than last six month.
• Provide proof of payment of your non-refundable visa application processing fee which is US$160 paid in PKR.
• You may need additional documents, details will be provided.
• Academic documents such as previous degrees or diploma certificates.
• Financial documents, evidence that you may have enough funds to afford throughout your stay at US. This can be bank statements, or financial undertaking of your sponsor to bear your educational and accommodation expenses.
• You must have to prove you will leave USA after completion of your course.
• Applicant may have to appear at US embassy for visa interview.