The United States is the most popular study abroad destination in the world. However, with each “change of ownership,” this country implements new immigration and study abroad policies that international students must understand and follow. If you are planning to study in the United States, these are the conditions for studying in the United States in 2020.

Many international students choose to study in the United States. However, in order to enter this country, you must first go through a lengthy process of preparation and procedures. To avoid problems caused by misunderstanding US regulations issued to international students, here are the conditions to study in the US in 2018 that everyone should be aware of.

Age of study in USA

There is no age limit for obtaining a US student visa in the United States. Once admitted to a recognized educational institution in this country, you can apply for a visa and enroll in classes ranging from primary to postgraduate level.

Conditions for studying in the US

International students must have an average GPA, meet the English language standards set by the school, and pass some certificates such as the SAT, ACT (for international students in undergraduate programs), GRE, and GMAT in order to be accepted by a school in the United States (for international students graduate program).

Each school, grade, and program of study has different requirements, so international students studying in the United States must carefully review the school’s entry requirements (often posted on the website) to determine the score they must achieve.

For reference, the following are the average study conditions for admission to some US universities:

Average score
GPA From 7.0 and up
SAT 1000 or more points
GRE 300 points on average
GMAT 700 or more points

English requirements

A good command of the English language is required for study in the United States in order to keep up with the program and integrate into life in this country. Each school in the United States has different English entry requirements, and most large and prestigious schools require students to have an IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT of 90 or higher.

Certificate type Scores
IELTS –         College: 5.5 or more points

–         University, postgraduate: 6.0 – 6.5 and above
TOELF iBT –         College: 61 points or more

–         University: 79 – 90 points or more

Here are the average English requirements to study in the US:

High school students, on the other hand, may not require the above two certificates. To meet the requirements for studying foreign languages in the United States, you can take the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency) test and obtain a minimum score of 45.

Financial conditions

The United States is a country that requires extremely stringent financial proof of international study. Although the US side does not specify a specific amount of money required to qualify for a successful US student visa, the Form I-20 provided by the school to successfully enrolled international students will ask you to Submit a statement of bank balance, which shows the cost of the international student’s first year of study.

This is financial proof that your family is eligible to pay for your studies in America during your first year. This should be in the range of $30,000 to $45,000 USD.

However, simply providing enough money to cover the costs in the United States is insufficient to prove the US financial study. Many American students demonstrate that the higher your bank account balance, the higher the rate of financial proof of success, demonstrating that your family can afford to study in the United States. According to our experience, the amount listed on the Form I-20 should be your tuition fee multiplied by 1.5.

For instance, if your first year costs $ 20,000 USD, you must demonstrate that you have between $ 30,000 and $ 35,000 USD to increase your chances of obtaining a successful US student visa.

Conditions for using study documents

There are two parts to the US student profile. That is the profile for admission to an educational institution in the United States and the application for a student visa in the United States.

  • Conditions for admission documentation

International students must prepare the following documents to apply for study after meeting the school’s GPA and English requirements:

Form of application (according to the application form of the school you are applying for).

  • A copy of your passport.
  • Transcripts and transcripts are in English.
  • An English diploma
  • SAT, GRE, GMAT, IETLS, TOEFL… diplomas (if any).
  • The most recent program of study diploma.
  • Certificates and student cards for those who are still in school.
  • Letter of recommendation: written by a teacher who has worked with international students to demonstrate your qualifications and ability to study in the United States; this is a requirement for anyone planning to study abroad University and College.
  • An essay written by international students to express their personalities and demonstrate their foreign language skills.
  • Application fees range from $ 35 to $ 100 USD.

After submitting the application and being approved by the school, the school office will send you the Form I-20, which you will need to pay the fees, apply for a US student visa, and enter the US.

  • Conditions for US student Visa

To study in the United States, international students must obtain an F-1 visa. The following steps are involved in applying for a student visa:

  • Prepare papers

International students need to prepare the following documents:

  • Diplomas, transcripts, transcripts, and foreign language certificates are examples of learning materials (IETLS, TOELF …)
  • Personal documents include a passport, birth certificate, household registration book, a 5cmx5cm photo taken within the last 6 months (white background, no hair covering the ears, no glasses), and a parent’s marriage certificate.
  • Proof of financial: all proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses for the first year, as well as proof of financial for the remaining years, is required bridge.
    • Steps to apply for a US student visa

** Step 1: Once your application for admission has been accepted by the school, the school will send you the Form I-20 for non-immigrant students. International students sign this form, then pay the $ 350 SEVIS fee and apply for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States (Form DS – 160).

** Step 2: Pay the visa application fee by creating an account on the online application receipt page of the US consulate. The application fee for a US student visa is $ 160 USD, but it is paid in Vietnamese currency (current rates according to HSBC)

After paying, keep your receipt and schedule an online interview at https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Vietnam.

You must enter information such as:

  • Passport
  • Number from the visa fee receipt
  • 10-digit code from Form DS-160 confirmation page

** Step 3: Attending an interview to apply for a student visa to the United States.

You go to the US Embassy or Consulate on the date of your appointment for an interview. Bring the following documents: appointment letter, DS-160 application form, photo card taken within the last 6 months, current and old passports, and visa payment receipt. Furthermore, international students must prepare additional documents proving that they will return to their home country after finishing school, as well as study materials and financial documents.

During the interview, your Consular officer will inquire about your study program in the United States, academic objectives, and future plans. You must persuade them that you have a clear plan to study in the United States and that you will return to your home country after completing the study program.

The process of obtaining a US student visa can take up to 60 days. From interview scheduling to interview date, it takes 9 days (if applying in Hanoi) and 4 days (if applying in Ho Chi Minh City).

The prerequisites for studying in the United States in 2020 are listed above. Studying in the United States is a long-term investment that requires international students to be well-prepared so that they do not violate the host country’s rules and step into the desired school with success.