Study in the USA
F-1 student visa and OPT/STEM OPT guidance for 2026, including the proposed Duration of Status changes and rising H-1B costs.
Why students choose United States
Deepest program & research choice
Thousands of accredited universities across every specialisation, from Ivy League to strong state schools.
36 months of work authorization
12 months of standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM degrees.
On-campus work from day one
F-1 students can work on campus without a separate work permit.
CPT for mandatory internships
Curricular Practical Training lets you gain paid, program-relevant experience while still studying.
What Indian students study in United States
Popular universities & institutions
A starting shortlist — your OEVS counsellor will match these against your budget, scores and career goals.
Institutions listed for reference and course-matching purposes. University admission and any scholarship/partnership terms are set by the institutions themselves.
Visa pathway for United States
Student Visa F-1 Visa
The F-1 is the standard visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified US institution.
- Requires a valid I-20 + SEVIS fee (USD 350) + DS-160 visa fee (USD 185)
- On-campus work permitted without separate authorization; OPT available post-graduation
- CPT available for internships that are a required/integral part of your curriculum
- A proposed rule (submitted to OMB May 2026) may replace open-ended status with a fixed 4-year admission period
Post-Study Work OPT / STEM OPT
Optional Practical Training lets F-1 graduates work in their field — extendable for STEM-eligible degrees.
- Standard post-completion OPT: 12 months, any major
- STEM OPT extension: additional 24 months for STEM-classified degrees (36 months total)
- I-765 filing fee raised to USD 1,780 in 2026; unemployment cap tightened to 60 days combined
- H-1B petitions now carry a USD 100,000 employer fee, reshaping entry-level sponsorship
2026 Policy Update — Confirm Before You Apply
Two 2026 developments are worth tracking closely. First, DHS submitted a final rule in May 2026 that would end the open-ended 'Duration of Status' framework for F-1 students, replacing it with a fixed 4-year admission period and possibly a shorter 30-day post-completion grace period — expected as early as September 2026 if finalised. Second, new H-1B petitions now carry a USD 100,000 employer fee, which is already making some employers more cautious about entry-level sponsorship. Neither change affects current program choice, but both affect how you should plan your OPT-to-H-1B timeline.
Cost snapshot
Indicative figures for planning only — actual tuition and living costs vary by city, institution and lifestyle. Use our free Cost of Study Calculator for a personalised estimate.
Intake calendar
Fall Intake
Widest program choice, most assistantships and scholarships available.
Spring Intake
Good backup option; fewer programs and funding opportunities.
Summer Intake
Offered by a smaller number of universities.
Start with a free check
United States — Frequently Asked Questions
When are the main intakes in the USA?
What visa do I need to study in the USA?
How long can I work in the USA after graduating?
What is CPT and who can use it?
How much does it cost to study in the USA?
Will the H-1B fee affect Indian graduates?
Ready to start your USA journey?
Book a free session with our counsellors — no obligation, honest advice on your best-fit universities and visa pathway.
Study in USA — free consultation
Tell us a little about your goals and a counsellor will come back with personalised advice.