Savanna Hoffman
International students in the United States are considered non-immigrants who enter the country with the sole purpose of completing a study program at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The U.S. has long attracted international students due to its advanced education system, the prestige of its institutions, and the promise of better career opportunities. International students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, supporting job creation and local economies, with the largest numbers of international students found in states like California, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number | Over 1 million |
| Purpose | To complete a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school |
| Status | Nonimmigrants (F-1, M-1, F-2, M-2) |
| Tuition fees | Higher than American students |
| Benefits | Scholarships, internships, career prospects, global connections |
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What You'll Learn
International students' visa requirements
International students in the United States are considered nonimmigrants as they are in the country solely to complete a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security categorizes nonimmigrant students as F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2. F-1 students are enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program, while M-1 students are enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs. F-2 and M-2 statuses are given to the spouses or qualifying children of F-1 and M-1 students, respectively.
To study in the U.S. as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those in vocational studies. J-1 exchange visitor visas are also available for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study exchange programs.
To obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, you must be enrolled at a SEVP-certified school and in a qualifying program of study. You must also be enrolled as a full-time student and be proficient in English or be taking courses to become proficient. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies and that you maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
The process of obtaining a student visa involves applying to a SEVP-approved school and, once accepted, receiving a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." With this form, you can apply for a student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, where you will typically be required to attend an interview. You should schedule this interview in the country where you live and ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including a valid passport. It is recommended to apply for your visa early, as processing times can vary.
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The economic impact of international students
International students in the United States are considered nonimmigrants, as their sole purpose for being in the country is to pursue a course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The US Department of Homeland Security manages two categories of students: F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrants. F-1 students are international students who intend to pursue a full course of academic or professional study at an SEVP-certified school, while M-1 students aim to undertake a full course of study at an SEVP-certified vocational or non-academic institution.
International students have had a significant positive economic impact on the United States. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 1.1 million international students contributed approximately $44 billion to the US economy, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. This contribution supported over 378,000 jobs, with one US job created or supported for every three international students. The economic impact was felt across various sectors, including real estate, restaurants, retail, and entertainment.
International students also contribute to the country's scientific and technical research, bringing diverse perspectives to classrooms and helping prepare American undergraduates for global careers. Their spending supports local economies, particularly in states with high concentrations of universities, such as Texas, which saw a $2.5 billion contribution from international students in the last academic year.
The decline in international students can have serious financial consequences for universities. International students often pay higher tuition fees, and their presence helps subsidize lower costs for US students. A decrease in international student numbers can also impact the long-term competitiveness and innovation of the US economy, as many successful entrepreneurs and innovators began their careers as international students in the country.
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The history of international students in the US
International students have been coming to the United States since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the earliest students coming from China and Japan. These early international students were funded by programmes such as the Boxer Indemnity Scholarship, which used reparations to fund studies at American universities. The motivations for studying in the US included access to advanced education unavailable in their home countries, the prestige of American institutions, and the belief that it would offer better career opportunities upon returning home.
The US has long attracted international students due to its advanced education system and prestigious institutions. The country's ability to attract the world's top talent has been one of its greatest competitive advantages. International students bring valuable revenue to US universities, subsidising the cost of attendance for domestic students and allowing universities to increase domestic student enrolment. International students also contribute significantly to the US economy, supporting job creation and local businesses.
However, there have been challenges for international students in the US, particularly regarding immigration policies and visa restrictions. International students are typically admitted on non-immigrant visas, which do not provide a direct path to permanent residency. This creates obstacles for those who wish to stay and work in the US after graduating. The availability of work visas is the main barrier, and while some students may find employers willing to sponsor them, the process can be uncertain and time-consuming.
Despite these challenges, the number of international students in the US has generally increased over time, reaching a peak of 1,095,299 in 2018. Indian students make up the largest group, with approximately 331,602 students in 2023-2024, contributing $5.01 billion to the US economy in 2015-2016. The popularity of US universities among international students is expected to continue, with predictions of over 1 million Indian students per year by 2030.
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International students' enrolment process
International students make up nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA, and the numbers are growing. The USA has the world's largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience at a US college or university. The application process for US colleges and universities can be extensive and confusing, and many international students are intimidated by the number of steps required.
International Students Enrolment Process:
- Research: Start by researching schools and programs of study that best suit your needs and qualifications. With listings of all universities and colleges in the USA that accept and enrol international students, you can match schools based on the program of study and degree, state or other geographical location, tuition range, public vs private, and many other data points. It is important to begin this process early as it can be time-consuming and competitive.
- Standardised Tests: Most US colleges and universities require that you take one or more standardised admissions tests such as SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- Application Requirements: You will need to write personal statements and request recommendations from teachers or others who know you well. You may also need to submit transcripts to a credential evaluator who will examine your credentials and translate the documents into the US curriculum for review.
- Application Deadline: Meet the application deadlines of the universities to which you are applying, which may be up to ten months before the beginning of the school term.
- Acceptance: Once accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, each school will send you a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." This form indicates that you have been accepted to pursue a full course of study at an SEVP-certified school.
- Visa: If you are not already in the United States, you will need to apply for a student visa. Present all required documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you arrive at a US port of entry. Make at least two copies of all your travel and immigration documents—one copy to leave with your family before you depart and one copy to give to your school officials in the United States.
- Enrolment: Report to your school by the program start date listed on your Form I-20. Once school starts, follow specific rules to legally remain in the United States, such as engaging in a full course of study.
- Transfer: International students may also be eligible to transfer to a new school, although the circumstances vary depending on their student status (F-1 or M-1).
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Post-graduation options for international students
International students in the United States are considered nonimmigrants, as their purpose for being in the country is solely to complete a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The US Department of Homeland Security categorizes students as F-1 nonimmigrants or M-1 nonimmigrants. F-1 students are in the US to pursue a full course of academic or professional study, while M-1 students are enrolled in a full course of study at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution.
International students can work in the US both during and after their studies, with several options available to them, including CPT, OPT, STEM OPT extension, H-1B status, and green cards.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months. This can be extended by 24 months for STEM fields. To be eligible for OPT, students must ensure that their employment is related to their field of study and that they are deemed eligible by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
STEM OPT Extension
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training directly related to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. To be eligible, the student's employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, and the student must have graduated with a STEM degree.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a work visa that allows international students to work in the US. However, obtaining this visa can be challenging due to the limited number of visas issued annually and the competitive nature of the application process.
Green Card
The green card, or employment-based immigrant visa, is another option for international students wishing to work in the US after graduation. This process can be lengthy and challenging, as it requires labor certification to ensure that no qualified US workers are available for the position. Most graduates will fall under specific categories, including persons of extraordinary ability in sciences, art, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational executives and managers.
Returning Home
Many international students may also choose to return to their home country after graduation and use the knowledge and skills gained in the US to contribute to their home country's development.
It is important to note that international students should consult with their university's international student department to understand the different options available to them and to ensure compliance with visa requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student in the USA is anyone studying in the country who is not a US citizen or permanent resident. International students are considered nonimmigrants because their sole purpose for being in the country is to complete a program of study.
International students must obtain a valid student visa to enter the USA. The two main types of student visas are the F visa (for most college, university, high school, and elementary students) and the M visa (for students attending vocational programs). To obtain a visa, students must first be accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
International students in the USA have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that may not be available in their home countries. They also benefit from the prestige of American institutions, which can lead to better career opportunities upon their return. Additionally, international students may be eligible for certain benefits while studying in the USA, such as the ability to transfer to a new school or change their visa status.
