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Study in USA
The world's largest hub for STEM, Business, and Research Master's programs, with OPT and STEM OPT giving graduates up to 3 years of work authorization.
What You Need to Know
Issued for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified institution.
SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350) + DS-160 visa application fee (USD 185).
12 months OPT, plus a further 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM degrees.
F-1 Visa, OPT & STEM OPT
- SEVIS Fee, USD 350Paid before your visa interview, per U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (SEVP).
- Visa Application (DS-160), USD 185Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee set by the U.S. Department of State.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)12 months of work authorization in your field of study after graduation, per USCIS.
- STEM OPT Extension, 24 more monthsAvailable for eligible STEM degrees when the employer is enrolled in E-Verify, with a Form I-983 training plan.
Travel ban does not apply to Indian nationals
A 2025 U.S. travel proclamation restricts entry for nationals of specific countries, India is not on that list, and Indian F-1 applicants are not affected by it.
Possible change to "Duration of Status"
A proposed rule could replace open-ended F-1 status with a fixed admission period and shorten the grace period from 60 to 30 days. This is not yet finalized. We track this and will update guidance if it goes into effect.
What Indian Students Study Most in the USA
More than half of international students in the US are enrolled in STEM fields, and Indian students make up the largest share of that group.
Computer Science & STEM
The single largest field for Indian applicants, AI, data engineering, and software systems lead demand, backed by 3-year STEM OPT eligibility.
Data Science & Business Analytics
Combines statistics, programming, and business context; many programs qualify for STEM OPT even outside traditional CS departments.
Finance & Quantitative Finance
Concentrated in hubs like New York, Chicago, and Boston; Quantitative/Financial Engineering programs are frequently STEM-designated.
MBA
Globally ranked business schools with strong recruiting pipelines into consulting, finance, and product management, best suited to applicants with prior work experience.
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical)
Backed by research-heavy programs at institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Caltech, with strong industry placement.
Thinking About the USA?
Get a clear, honest assessment of your fit, course options, timelines, and what your visa file will need.
