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International Student Guide

Usmann Farooqui

Written By: Usmaan Farooqui

Published: 8/8/2022

Key Insights:

  • There are 914,095 international students in the U.S.
  • A majority of international students are from India and China
  • Most international students choose to study science and engineering subjects
  • The tech industry and large, publicly traded companies are more likely to hire international students

In addition to gaining a quality education, studying in the U.S. can be an exciting, invigorating, and ultimately rewarding experience for international students. According to

Published: 8/8/2022

Key Insights:

  • There are 914,095 international students in the U.S.
  • A majority of international students are from India and China
  • Most international students choose to study science and engineering subjects
  • The tech industry and large, publicly traded companies are more likely to hire international students

In addition to gaining a quality education, studying in the U.S. can be an exciting, invigorating, and ultimately rewarding experience for international students. According to  about how we make money. "> AD

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Who Is Considered an International Student?

and computer science. Many also end up studying business subjects.

Engineering 20.9%
Math and Computer Science 19.9%
Business Management 15.9%
Social Sciences 8.4%
Physical and Life Sciences 8.2%

Source: Open Doors

Popular Schools for International Students

New York University is home to the highest number of international students in the U.S. Other popular schools include Columbia University and the University of Southern California. The states of California and New York together host over 200,000 international students.

New York University 17,050
Northeastern University 15,880
Columbia University 15,015
University of Southern California 14,992
Arizona State University 13,015

Source: Open Doors

Applying to College in the U.S.

Applying to college in the U.S. can be quite a long and stressful process for international students. Aside from filling out application forms and meeting deadlines, they must also factor in time for visa applications, make travel arrangements, and get their financial documents in order. It can help to know which steps to follow to ensure your application process doesn't run into any unexpected difficulties.

1

Find a School

Find and apply to a college or university that is certified by the by a relevant organization. Gaining acceptance to an SEVP-certified program is required to apply for a student visa. Applications to multiple schools can be made through the Common App.

2

Assess Your Financial Situation

International students are expected to show they can pay for the cost of attending school in the U.S. before enrolling. Sorting out your financial circumstances — in terms of both personal funds and any received aid — is a crucial step in your application process.

3

Apply for a Visa

This is the most crucial part of the application process. Barring an expedited review, visa processing can take several months, so it's essential to apply to the correct visa category as early as possible. Give yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary documents to avoid any possible delays.

4

Arrange Housing

Most schools in the U.S. have on-campus dorms, which can be an excellent choice for international students who may be unable to arrange for a place to live before entering the country. Contact your school's residential services department before the deadline to secure housing.

5

Make Travel Arrangements

Depending on where you're traveling from and where your school is located in the U.S., you may have to take several flights — not to mention other forms of transport — to reach your final destination. Purchasing travel insurance and planning your trip ahead of time can help avoid unexpected travel disruptions.

List of Important Documents

As an international student in the U.S., you should take special care to maintain documents related to your education, identity, and ability to travel domestically and internationally. It's a good idea to make copies of the following documents and store the originals in a safe place — until you need them.

  • Passport: While abroad, your passport serves as the primary document for identification. Make sure it has at least six months of validity at all times.
  • Valid Visa: Your student visa stamp will most likely be located in your passport. This document will allow you to travel in and out of the U.S. while it's valid.
  • I-20 or DS-2019 Forms: These to help pay for their education in the U.S. While they don't qualify for and computer science. Many also end up studying business subjects.

    Engineering 20.9%
    Math and Computer Science 19.9%
    Business Management 15.9%
    Social Sciences 8.4%
    Physical and Life Sciences 8.2%

    Source: Open Doors

    Popular Schools for International Students

    New York University is home to the highest number of international students in the U.S. Other popular schools include Columbia University and the University of Southern California. The states of California and New York together host over 200,000 international students.

    New York University 17,050
    Northeastern University 15,880
    Columbia University 15,015
    University of Southern California 14,992
    Arizona State University 13,015

    Source: Open Doors

Applying to College in the U.S.

Applying to college in the U.S. can be quite a long and stressful process for international students. Aside from filling out application forms and meeting deadlines, they must also factor in time for visa applications, make travel arrangements, and get their financial documents in order. It can help to know which steps to follow to ensure your application process doesn't run into any unexpected difficulties.

1

Find a School

Find and apply to a college or university that is certified by the by a relevant organization. Gaining acceptance to an SEVP-certified program is required to apply for a student visa. Applications to multiple schools can be made through the Common App.

2

Assess Your Financial Situation

International students are expected to show they can pay for the cost of attending school in the U.S. before enrolling. Sorting out your financial circumstances — in terms of both personal funds and any received aid — is a crucial step in your application process.

3

Apply for a Visa

This is the most crucial part of the application process. Barring an expedited review, visa processing can take several months, so it's essential to apply to the correct visa category as early as possible. Give yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary documents to avoid any possible delays.

4

Arrange Housing

Most schools in the U.S. have on-campus dorms, which can be an excellent choice for international students who may be unable to arrange for a place to live before entering the country. Contact your school's residential services department before the deadline to secure housing.

5

Make Travel Arrangements

Depending on where you're traveling from and where your school is located in the U.S., you may have to take several flights — not to mention other forms of transport — to reach your final destination. Purchasing travel insurance and planning your trip ahead of time can help avoid unexpected travel disruptions.

List of Important Documents

As an international student in the U.S., you should take special care to maintain documents related to your education, identity, and ability to travel domestically and internationally. It's a good idea to make copies of the following documents and store the originals in a safe place — until you need them.

  • Passport: While abroad, your passport serves as the primary document for identification. Make sure it has at least six months of validity at all times.
  • Valid Visa: Your student visa stamp will most likely be located in your passport. This document will allow you to travel in and out of the U.S. while it's valid.
  • I-20 or DS-2019 Forms: These to help pay for their education in the U.S. While they don't qualify for in various fields.

FAQs for International Students

Can I Work in the U.S. as an International Student?

Work restrictions vary by visa type for international students. Those with an F visa can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during vacation periods. Additionally, they may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After this time, they may work off-campus through various in various fields.

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