Studying in…
UNITED STATES
of AMERICA
What can we help you with?
Looking for Essentials?
VISA
A VISA is a document that allows a person from another country to enter the U.S for a specific purpose, in your case, moving. It is usually stamped in a passport and must be approved by the U.S government.
DISCLAIMER: Having a visa does not guarantee entry; border officials make the final decision
If you are a foreign student planning to study in the U.S., you will need a student visa.
Here are the 3 main visas types:
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This is for Academic students (universities, colleges, high school and language programs
Full time study at accredited institutions
You are able to work on campus (part-time) and do optional practice training (OPT) after graduation
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This is for Vocational students (trade schools or technical programs)
Full time study in non-academic programs
You are able to work a limited amount (only related to the training programs)
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This is for Exchange students (cultural or educational exchange programs)
Study, research or training programs
You can work, but only in approved exchange programs (e.g., internships)
Student Visas for the U.S.
How to apply for a U.S Student Visa?
Now that you know what the different visa types are, here is a quick step-by-step guide how to apply for one:
Firstly you need to get accepted by a U.S. school. They will send you an I-20 or DS-2019 form.
Then you have to pay the SEVIS fee (Student Exchange and Visitor Information System)
Fill out the DS-160 visa application form
Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate
Attend the interview and bring all documents being passport, I-20 or DS2019 and financial proof
If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport
A small tip, apply for the student visa about 3-6 months before your program to make sure you get the visa in time before your studies start!
What are I-20, DS-2019 and DS-160 Forms?
As you are moving to the U.S. as a student or exchange visitor, you will need to deal with three important forms:
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F-1 and M-1 students need it
It’s purpose is for proof of student status and needed for a visa application
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J-1 exchange students need it
Its purpose is proof of exchange visitor status and needed for J-1 visa application
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All non-immigrant visa applicants
Online visa application required before a U.S. visa interview
Banking & Taxes
When moving to the U.S, having a U.S bank account is essential for getting paid, paying bills and managing expenses. So here is all the information you need about everything you need to open a bank account and information about them.
What Do I Need for a Bank Account in the U.S?
Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account:
Passport (or any other for of government-issued ID, like a Drivers License)
U.S Visa or Immigration Documents (if applicable)
Proof of U.S. Address (eg., utility bull or lease agreement)
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Not always required but is very useful
What is a SSN or ITIN?
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A 9-digit number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).
Used to track earnings, pay taxes, and qualify for benefits.
Needed for jobs, bank accounts, credit cards, and renting an apartment.
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A 9-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes.
Used by foreigners who need to file U.S. taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN.
Does NOT give work authorization or access to Social Security benefits
How to apply for an SSN?
If you are applying for an SSN, here is a quick step-by-step guide how to do so:
Where do I get an SS-5 Form? Here are 3 different ways on how to acquire the form:
Download online at the Social Security Administration Website
Visit a local Social Security Office, walk in or schedule an appointment to submit your form in person
Request by Phone: Social Security Administration (SSA) 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a mailed copy
Fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).
Go to a Social Security Office (or do the other ways mentioned above) and provide your passport, visa, I-94 form, and proof of work eligibility.
Receive your SSN card in 2-4 weeks.
How to apply for an ITIN?
If you are applying for an ITIN, here is a quick step by step guide how to do so:
Where do I get an W-7 form?
Download online at the International Revenue Service Website
Visit a local International Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), and pick up a physical copy
Request by Phone: International Revenue Service (IRS) 1-800-829-3676 and ask for a mailed copy
Fill out Form W-7 (Application for an ITIN).
Submit it with your tax return to the International Revenue Service (IRS).
Include a certified copy of your passport or visa.
ITIN processing takes 6-8 weeks.
Do I need to worry about Taxes as a Student?
Yes you do, but it varies on the type of visa and income you have.
If you are wondering what type of taxes international students pay, here is a quick breakdown:
If you have EARNED an income:
Federal Taxes (Required, based on income)
State Taxes (Depends on the state)
FICA Taxes (Social Security and Medicare) - F-1 and J-1 students are usually EXEMPT from paying the first 5 years
If you have NOT EARNED an income:
Just file a 8843 Form (to confirm you are a non resident for tax purposes)
What is a 8843 and 1040-NR Form?
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ALL Foreign students on F-1, J-1 or M-1 visas even if you did not work or earn any money in the U.S.
Confirms you are a non resident for tax purposes (so you do not have to pay certain U.S. taxes)
Must be files every year while you are in the U.S. on a student visa
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Students who earned an income in the U.S. (job, internship, scholarship, etc.)
J-1 researchers, scholars or trainees who received a stipend
Used to report income and calculate taxes owed or refunds
As a nonresident, you file 1040-NR instead of the regular 1040 used by U.S. citizens
Healthcare
As an international student in the U.S., health insurance is very important because medical care is expensive. Unlike some countries with free or low-cost healthcare, the U.S. requires most people to have private health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Types of Health Insurance for students
There are three main ways to get health insurance in the U.S. as a Student:
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Many U.S. universities offer their own health insurance plans for students.
It is often required for students unless you prove you have another approved plan.
Cost: Typically $1,000 - $3,000 per year, added to your tuition fees.
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If your school allows it, you can buy your own plan from a private insurance company.
Sometimes cheaper than university plans but may offer less coverage.
Cost: Typically $500 - $2,000 per year (depends on the plan).
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Some students can keep their home country’s insurance if it covers them in the U.S.
Your school may ask for proof of coverage before accepting it.
Do International Students need Health Insurance?
To put it simply, yes, you need to get insurance if you want to avoid and cannot afford the eventual high bills in the case of an accident.
Some visas actually require you to have it, like F-1 student visa and J-1 student visas.
Housing & Renting
As a foreign student, renting a place in the U.S. can be very different from what you're used to. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to find a place to live.
What Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?
If you are going the Off-Campus route and renting an apartment, there is a couple of things you need to have sorted before you can do that.
Here is everything you need:
Passport and Visa - to prove your identity
Proof of Income - this can be pay stubs, job offer letter, or bank statements
Bank Account - some landlords may ask for a U.S bank account
SSN or ITIN - some landlords use credit checks, but you can explain if you do not have one
References - a letter from a previous landlord if applicable
Security Deposit - usually 1-2 months’ rent upfront
NEVER RENT RENT WITHOUT A CONTRACT, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU GET A WRITTEN LEASE YOU AND THE LANDLORD SIGN.
Types of Student Housing
There are 3 different options when it comes to renting as a student in the U.S.
Here is a quick breakdown of what the 3 different options are:
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Managed by the university
Close to classes & campus life
Utilities (Wi-Fi, electricity, water) included
Meals may be included (if there’s a dining hall)
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More independency and privacy
Often cheaper than dorms
Can choose roommates
Can cook your own meals
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Includes meals and Utilities
Cultural experience
Support from a local family
Transportation
Getting around in the U.S. depends a lot on the city you live in. Some cities have great public transportation, while others require a car to get around.
Public Transportation in the U.S.
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New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Boston have trains, buses, and subways.
Costs: $2 - $3 per ride, or $80 - $130 per month for a pass.
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Public buses exist but are less frequent and slower than cars.
Many people use Uber, Lyft, or taxis instead.
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Useful for long-distance travel (e.g., NYC to Washington D.C.).
More expensive than buses but comfortable.
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The U.S. is huge! Many people fly between cities instead of driving.
Budget airlines (like Spirit, Southwest, Frontier) offer cheap flights.