Study in United States from India — process, costs, visa, work rights

DHS published a final rule replacing 'duration of status' with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students: up to 4 years (24 months for English-language training; 12 months aggregate for public high school), plus 30 days each for arrival and departure; students needing more time must file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) with USCIS or depart and re-enter. Effective 2026-07-17. Source: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-quick
A new USD 250 'Visa Integrity Fee' for most nonimmigrant visas (including F-1) was created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed 2025-07-04, in addition to the existing MRV and SEVIS fees; as of this check (2026-09-28) an official DHS/State Department page confirming the collection mechanism and start date could not be opened, so families should verify the current amount and process directly with their consulate before paying. Source (legislation): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1

Enrol only at a school listed as SEVP-certified on the official school search tool before paying any fees - an uncertified school cannot issue a valid I-20.
Under the 2026-07-17 rule, F-1 admission is no longer open-ended 'duration of status'; track the fixed end date on the I-94/I-20 and file for an Extension of Stay in time if the programme runs long.

The basics

Bachelor's: 4 years (bachelor's)
Master's / PhD: 1-2 years (master's); PhD typically 5-6 years
Intakes: Fall (August/September) — main · Spring (January)
Exams — bachelor's: SAT/ACT (policy varies by college; many test-optional) · TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo for English proficiency
Exams — master's: GRE/GMAT (varies by programme) · TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo
Work while studying: Pre-completion OPT/on-campus work: up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, full-time when school is not in session (USCIS).
Work after graduating: Optional Practical Training (OPT): up to 12 months post-completion (pre-completion OPT time is deducted from it); STEM-degree graduates working for an E-Verify employer may add a 24-month STEM OPT extension (USCIS).

for the main intake

Up to 12 months before the programme startEarliest point to apply for the F-1 visa, per EducationUSA India
After admission, before visa interviewReceive Form I-20 from the university, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com
Before the interviewCreate a ustraveldocs.com/in account, complete Form DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the visa application (MRV) fee, book biometrics (VAC) and interview appointments
At interviewCarry passport, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, and I-20 to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
No more than 30 days before the programme start dateEarliest date a student may enter the United States on the F-1 visa

rupees at ECB rates of 2026-09-25

Tuition — bachelor's: USD 9,800–40,700 / year · about ₹9.4 lakh–39 lakh (NCES national averages, published tuition & fees: public 4-year in-state $9,800; private nonprofit 4-year $40,700 (2022-23, most recent NCES Fast Facts figures). International students are usually charged at or above the out-of-state/private rate, which can run well above this range at selective private universities.)

Visa: F-1 student visa ↗
Money to show: The I-20 issued by the school states the estimated cost of attendance; the visa interview and Form I-20 process require evidence of funds to cover at least the first year (per EducationUSA India guidance).
Processing: Interview wait times vary by consulate/season; check the visa appointment wait-times tool for current estimates before booking.

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships and other Fulbright-Nehru awards — PG/research; USIEF states 330 Fulbright awards for 2025-26 across all categories

by ARWU 2025 world rank