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  • Student VISA GUIDE FOR USA |J-1 AND M-1 VISA

    Student VISA GUIDE FOR USA |J-1 AND M-1 VISA

    Student visas range from four-year visas to universities, seminaries, elementary schools, and language training programs. The school or institute to which you are applying must also be eligible by the US government to take international students. In this article, we will discuss all about getting a student visa for the USA, its categories, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

    Categories of Student Visa for USA

    There are different categories of student visas depending upon the course of your study, and the type of school you are planning to attend. You will select a Visa according to your requirements.

    Generally, three types of student visas are:

    1. F Type
    2. J Type
    3. M Type 

    This visa guide will cover the complete details about J-1 and M-1 visa types Eligibility criteria, Requirements, and Procedure for application.

    J-1 Visa Guide

    J-1 Visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa issued to a foreign national student to participate in the approved exchange visitor visa program in the USA. This visa is specifically for those who live outside the USA and want to participate in a study or work-related program in the USA J-1 Visa has around 15 categories

    When you apply for a J-1 Visa under the college or university student program, you can study in that college or university and stay in the USA for the duration of your program’s completion. This duration can vary from months or over the summer to years in the case of the research scholar program.

    student visa for USA
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    Student Visa for USA Requirements

    Passport

    This passport has at least 6 months of validity after you depart from the country 

    Photograph

    Photographs are according to the guidelines. You are required to upload a photo online but for any reason if you are unable to upload a photo then bring a physical copy for an interview

    Nonimmigrant visa application form

    This is form DS-160 which you can fill out online and bring the confirmation page to the embassy or consulate in which you will be applying for that visa

    Visa Fee Receipt 

    • This is required to pay before the visa interview 

    Form DS-2019

    It shows that you are accepted into the exchange program, and after your acceptance into the program, your sponsor registers you into the SEVIS ( Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and afterwards, you will receive the DS-2019 form. You may be required to pay a fee for this but make sure to check with your sponsor since they might be covering those expenses 

    Form DS-7002

    • This is required only if you have participated in the J-1 trainees or intern category 

    J-1 Visa Health Insurance

    • You need to pay for your health insurance in the USA because a single visit to the doctor can cost you thousands of dollars so it’s better to get your health insurance done

    Be aware that these are some general requirements. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may require more documents.

    You can also check

    Student Visa for USA Application Procedure

    This is a multi-step procedure. Given below are the steps, but remember these steps can vary depending on your program and sponsor. You can also take the help of an immigration lawyer to get through the process

    1. Find a J1 visa sponsor
    2. Apply for the form DS-2019
    3. Complete the form DS-160
    4. Set up an interview with the embassy or consulate
    5. Pay the application fee
    6. Prepare your required documents
    7. Attend your visa interview
    8. Enter the United States 

    1:Find a J1 Visa Sponsor

    You can apply for the exchange program ( study or work) through an assigned sponsor in the USA once you get accepted into that exchange program you can then apply for the J-1 Visa

    2: Complete the form DS-2019 and DS_7002 Form

    Once you receive an approval email from your exchange program you can now Download and complete your DS-2019 form. This DS-2019 is not a Visa application form or a J-1 Visa instead it certifies your credibility and allows you to apply for J-1 Visa 

    After entering your information, download the form and print it as this is required throughout your visa procedure, and the embassy doesn’t accept the digital form. 

    Take special care while filling in the information, such as your name, dates, etc., in the form, as incorrect information can lead to visa denial. Once printed, sign your name at the bottom of the DS-2019 Form under Exchange Visitor Certification on the first page. Your signature is an explicit acceptance of the terms and conditions of the program listed on page 2 of the form. Your DS-7002 was signed electronically and does not need another signature.

    Please inform InterExchange Career Training USA immediately if you discover any errors

    3: Receive your SEVIS ID and Print your SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt

    All applicants must pay the SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to cover the SEVIS administration costs. You will receive a SEVIS ID number. Keep that number safe to retrieve your form InterExchange will submit payment on your behalf, and it is non-refundable once payment has been submitted. The fee is $220, and this is already included in your program fees. 

    Please be sure to print the SEVIS fee payment receipt as you will be required to show this at the embassy. As an exchange visitor, you are required to pay the SEVIS fee. However, if you are bringing any dependents, they do not have to pay a separate SEVIS fee.

    4: Complete the Form DS-160

    DS-160 is an online nonimmigrant visa application form. You are required to submit all your social media handles on the form DS-160. It includes all social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or others if you have any. Carefully enter all the information as any incorrect information can lead to visa denial during an interview

    5: Set up an Interview with the USA Embassy or Consulate

    After you finish filling out the DS-160 visa application, the next step is to book an appointment at the embassy. How to do this can vary depending on which embassy or consulate you plan to visit. To make it easier, here are the typical steps:

    1. Check the application instructions on the embassy’s website for nonimmigrant visas.
    2. Go to the embassy’s appointment scheduling website. You can usually find these websites on the Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service site or USTravelDocs.
    3. Pay the necessary visa application fee.
    4. Set up your appointment. 
    5. Make sure to look at the current wait times for visa interviews and processing at the embassy.

    Please note that this process might differ slightly from one embassy to another, so always double-check the specific instructions on the embassy’s website where you intend to apply for your visa.

    6: Prepare Required Documents and Attend a Visa Interview 

    You are required to complete and print all the documents that will be required in an interview and attend the visa interview. Keep yourself calm, carry all the required documents, and wear formal clothes to the interview. 

    7: Enter the United States

    After your visa is approved, you may enter the United States, but not more than 30 days prior to the start of your program. Entering before this time frame is not permitted.

    M Type Visa

    M-1 visa shares many similarities with the F-1 Visa however in terms of eligibility criteria, and the process of application there are some differences due to the nature of the programs they cover 

    Here we will cover those differences.

    Differences Between M-1 and F-1 Visa 

    F-1 Visa M-1 Visa
    Required for academic programs including degrees at colleges universities and language institutes M-1 applicants will receive I-20A-B as a certificate of eligibility from their vocational institute 
    M-1 VISA costs approximately $160 and it is nonrefundable. There could be additional charges depending on the embassy M-1 applicants will receive for I-20A-B as a certificate of eligibility from their vocational institute 
    Duration of stay for F-1 VISA is from few months to years F-1 Visa costs approximately $510 and it’s nonrefundable. There could be additional charges depending on the embassy 
    F-1 visa holders have more extensive opportunities for on-campus and off-campus employment, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).M-1 visa holders have limited work options and must primarily focus on their vocational training.
    F-1 Visa Allows for dependents (F-2 visa) to accompany the student, including spouses and children, who may be eligible for certain benefits.The duration of stay for an M-1 Visa is shorter often ranging from a few months to 2 years 
    Institutions hosting F-1 students must be accredited by appropriate accreditation bodies.Institutions hosting M-1 students must be SEVP-certified but may not necessarily require academic accreditation.
    F-1 Visa costs approximately $510 and it’s nonrefundable. There could be additional charges depending on the embassy F-1 Visa costs approximately $510 and it’s nonrefundable. There could be additional charges depending on the embassy 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1) How difficult is it to get a Student Visa?

    Ans: It’s not that difficult if you have all the necessary documents and meet all the requirements as stated above

    2)How to prepare for a USA visa?

    Here are some tips to assist you in getting ready for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your home country.

    1. Ties to Home Country

    2. English

    3. Speak for Yourself

    4. Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans

    5. Be Concise

    6. Supplemental Documentation

    7. Not All Countries Are Equal

    8. Employment

    9. Dependents Remaining at Home

    10. Maintain a Positive Attitude

  • GRE-Complete Guide (Graduation Record Examination)

    GRE-Complete Guide (Graduation Record Examination)

    GRE stands for “The Graduate Record Examinations.” It is the standardized test required for admissions to Master’s and Doctoral degree programs in various universities across the USA, Canada, and many other countries. However, ETS conducts this exam.

     The exam measures a student’s skills in essay evaluation, critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving. Moreover, the test assesses how you manage time and the way you work under stress. That is why it’s globally a good measure of a student’s aptitude and readiness for a graduate-level program. More than half a million students from all across the globe attempt this test every year before applying for master’s and doctoral-level programs

    GRE Guide

    Types of GRE

    There are two types of tests

    •  Computer-based GRE 
    • Paper-based GRE.

    Paper-based Tests 

    These tests are offered where computer-based testing is not available. They offer the paper-based test up to three times per year.

     Computer-based Tests

    Computer-based tests are offered throughout the year and can be retaken any time after 21 days, up to 5 times every 12 months 

    Pattern of GRE

    GRE test standardizes on the multiple-choice computerized test. This test access how you work under stress and manage your time

    Furthermore, its test-taker-friendly design lets you skip questions within a section, go back and change answers, and have the flexibility to choose which questions within a section you want to answer first.

    Duration of Test

    The computer-based test takes 1 hour 58 minutes, and the paper test takes 3 hours 30 minutes.

    Components of the Test

     It has 5 main sections: 

    • ‌Analytical Writing
    • ‌Verbal Reasoning 
    • ‌ Quantitative Reasoning.

    In addition, you will see one of the following sections:

    • ‌Unscored (may be either Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning)
    • ‌Research (used for ETS research purposes)

    Analytical Writing

    It consists of one section with two separately timed tasks. One task is the ” Analyze an issue task”

    This task will demand your opinion concerning the situation, and the other is the “Analyze an argument task.” Additionally, this task will help judge your understandability, analysis, and evaluation skills.

    You must complete each task in 30 min 

    Verbal Reasoning

    It consists of reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence

    In reading comprehension, you are given an unseen passage, and then multiple-choice questions are based on it.

    There are two kinds of MCQs: one where you will select only one answer and the other where you will select one or more correct answers. However, the last question is a select-in-passage question.

    In the text completion section, you must select the most suitable answer from the options provided to complete the text and convey its meaning.

    For sentence equivalence, you must pick two answers that will fit the sentence’s meaning 

     and comprise 20 questions per section. 30 minutes are provided for each section

    Quantitative Reasoning

    It consists of two sections having 20 questions per section. 35 minutes are provided for each section

    It comprises mathematics, algebra, data analysis, and geometry.

    Scoring of GRE 

    The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170. The mean score for Verbal Reasoning is 152, and the mean score for Quantitative Reasoning is 156. The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, and the mean score is 4.0.

    Cost of GRE

    In 2023, the GRE cost was $220 for all testing locations except China. However, the fee includes sending score reports to up to four graduate institutions of your choice.

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    FAQs

    1)How long is the GRE?

    On GRE Test Day, you can expect to sit for the exam for approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes

    2) Are there any breaks between the tests?

    No, there is no break in between the tests

    3) How early you’re required to reach the test center?

    ETS recommends arriving at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your test.

    4) When to take the GRE?

    To apply for grad school, look at the deadlines for the programs you like. Ensure your GRE score is valid for your earliest deadline; it’s good for five years.

    Plan to study for the GRE for 1-3 months, and to get some high scores survey for over 100 hours

  • Student Visa Guide for Canada

    Student Visa Guide for Canada

    For international students aspiring to pursue their education in Canada, this comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into the process of obtaining a visa,  visa requirements, and its eligibility criteria. Explore the complete pathway and essential steps required to fulfill your dream of studying in this diverse and welcoming country, Canada.

    What is a Study Permit?

    A study permit is a document issued by Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institute in Canada.

    Validity of the Student Permit Canada

    If the school you have applied to asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program, your study permit will be valid for the length of courses plus 1 year. When you’re accepted into the main program, you must apply to extend your visa and stay as a student in Canada.

    Student Visa Guide for Canada

    Eligibility Requirements to Study in Canada

    To study in the Canada you are required to have:

    • Enrolled at a DLI (designated learning institute).
    • Prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and a family member who comes with you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. 
    • Obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate.
    • Show strong ties with your home country and prove to the visa officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.

    Canadian Study Permit Process

    • Get an admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
    • Apply for the permit online or download an application package
    • Pay the fee for your application and keep the receipt
    • Have a medical check-up from a panel physician registered in your country

    Applying Through Student Direct Stream

    You can apply faster by processing through the Student Direct stream, but for this, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements these are:

    • Be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
    1. Antigua and Barbuda
    2. Brazil
    3. China
    4. Colombia
    5. Costa Rica
    6. India
    7. Morocco
    8. Pakistan
    9. Peru
    10. Philippines
    11. Senegal
    12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    13. Trinidad and Tobago
    14. Vietnam
    • Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
    • Live outside of Canada when you apply
    • Proof that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
    • Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
    • Have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
    • This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec.
    • Get a Medical Exam before you apply (if you need one)
    • Get a Police Certificate before you apply (if you need one)
    • Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
    • Have the minimum score required for one of the qualifying language tests

    You may also need to provide other documents depending on where you’re applying from. Ensure you include all the documents required by the visa office to process your application.

    You can also Check

    Visa Guide for Australia

    VISA GUIDE FOR USA | F-1 VISA GUIDE

    Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students

    The cost of studying in Canada for International Students will vary based on the degree you pursue and the university you decide to attend. Generally, tuition fees will range between $15,000 and $50,000 per year.

    Study program Average Annual Tuition Fees
    Bachelor’s degree $15,000 to $50,000
    Master’s degree $20,000 to $30,000
    Doctoral Degree $12,000 to $20,000



    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What can I do if my study permit expires before I finish my course?

    If your study permit expires before you complete your courses must immediately apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t apply, you will have to leave Canada and stop studying.

    2. What If my Study is Completed before the Study Permit Expires?

    No matter what date is printed on your study permit, within 90 days of completion of your study, your permit will stop being valid.

    Please Note

    Your studies are officially completed on the date your school first notifies you about any one of the following. 

    1. Completion letter
    2. Transcript
    3. Degree or diploma 

    3. Will I be able to Work or Live in Canada after Graduation?

    Yes, you may be able to work temporarily or even permanently, but you need a work permit. The work experience you gain while working helps you qualify for permanent residence. 

    4. Who does not need a Permit to Study in Canada?

    1. The ones coming for the program that lasts for 6 months or less don’t require a study permit.
    2. Those who are members of the foreign armed forces of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act (VFA ) don’t require a study permit.
    3. If you have a registered Indian status in Canada, you don’t require a study permit.

    5. What is the Cost of a Study Permit?

    It cost you around $150.

    6. What is the Processing Time for a Student Visa Permit?

    The average processing time is 11 weeks, but note that this doesn’t include the time you need to provide biometrics.

  • TOFEL-Complete detail

    TOFEL-Complete detail

    TOFEL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized test to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who want to enrol in English-speaking universities.

    List of countries accepting the TOEFL Exam

    • United States – 90% of universities accept TOEFL scores.
    • United Kingdom – 100% of universities accept TOEFL scores.
    • Australia – 100% of universities accept TOEFL scores.
    • New Zealand – 100% of universities accept TOEFL scores.
    • Canada – 100% of universities accept TOEFL scores.
    • Ireland – 100% of universities accept TOEFL scores.

     Several European universities also accept this Exam.

    TOFEL Exams

    Types of TOFEL Exam

    There are two main types of TOFEL exam

    • TOEFL- PBT : Paper Based Test
    • TOEFL- iBT  : Internet Based Test 

    Along with these main types, there are other tests, including TOEFL Junior and IPT. This article will highlight the main types of TOFEL exam 

    TOEFL- PBT : Paper Based Test

    This is one of the common types of tests. It is conducted in an offline mode. The paper-based test is conducted in those areas where the Internet is unavailable.

    Duration of the test: 2 hours 25 minutes. 

    Test Format: This test comprised three sections: listening, reading, and writing.

    Reading

    This section has a total Duration of 35 minutes. It’s McQ-based and has a total number of 20 MCQs.You will have two comprehension passages with each 10 questions

    Listening

    This section has a total Duration of 36 minutes. The total number of MCQs in this section is 28. There are 2 conversations with 3 lectures and a total of 28 questions 

    Writing

    This section has a duration of 29 minutes. You must have to write two constructed responses.

    TOEFL- iBT  : Internet Based Test

    Another main type is the internet-based TOEFL exam. This type is preferred and has been replaced by the computer-based test, which has ceased to exist since 2006.

    Duration of the test: Total duration is 2 hours

    Test Format

    The Internet-based TOEFL Exam has 4 sections: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. 

    Reading

    This section includes Reading passages. You must complete it in 35 minutes by answering 20 questions from these passages.

    Writing

    The writing section consists of 2 questions. And you have to complete this writing task in 29 minutes.

    Listening

    You have to listen to lectures and conversations and answer 28 questions. The duration for this section is 36 minutes 

    There is a 10 min break provided after the listening section 

    Speaking

    You are given 4 speaking tasks. And the duration to complete them is 16 minutes 

    Also Explore:

    IELTS – COMPLETE DETAIL

    Validity of TOFEL Exam

    TOEFL is only valid for two years.

    Fee Required for TOFEL Exam

    The TOEFL fee is about $205, equal to 46,276 PKR. However, the registration fee for the TOEFL exam varies from location to location.

    In addition, candidates need to pay extra for other services, such as late registration, rescheduling the exam, and score review.

    Scores Of TOFEL Required 

    Countries require different TOEFL scores to get admission to their universities. The county vice scores required are listed below:

    United States

    University Minimum scores required 
    Stanford University 89
    Yale University 100
    Cornell University 100
    New York University 100
    Harvard university 104

    United Kingdom

    University Minimum scores required 
    Lincoln University 79
    International College of Auckland 79
    UC International College 46
    International college of Auckland 46
    University of Otago 80 ( UG) 90 (PG)

    Ireland

    University Minimum scores required 
    Trinity college Dublin 88
    Dublin City university 92
    Trinity College Dublin 90
    University College cork90
    Maynooth University 93

    Canada

    University Minimum scores required 
    University of Montreal 104
    University of Toronto 100
    University of Waterloo 90
    University of Alberta 90
    University of British Columbia 100

    Australia

    University Minimum scores required 
    Sydney Film School 46
    Victoria University 70
    University of Western Australia 82
    University of Melbourne 79
    Monash University 79

    FAQ’s

    1. What are the eligibility criteria for the TOEFL exam?

    Generally, a person who has passed a 10+2 level of education from any recognized institution is an acceptable qualification for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test. In other words, a candidate should have passed high school or equivalent to appear for the TOEFL test.

    2. How can I prepare for the TOEFL test?

    TOFEL preparation requires familiarising yourself with the test format, practising sample questions, improving your English language skills, and considering using study materials available online or in books. Additionally, taking practice tests can help assess your readiness.

  • IELTS – COMPLETE DETAIL

    IELTS – COMPLETE DETAIL

    IELTS is an English proficiency language exam, and it stands for “International English Language Testing System”.It is developed and run by the British Council in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.

    IELTS is recognized as the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. It is accepted in many different countries.

    It is trusted by more than 11,500 organizations in over 140 countries around the world. IELTS is accepted by many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. If you want to go abroad to study, job, an Internship, etc you can check first if your organization is accepting IELTS or not.

    Components of IELTS

    IELTS was developed by some of the world’s leading language experts. They will test you on the following four components.

    Listening

    The duration for this part is around 30 minutes. It has 4 sections and 40 questions.

    Reading

    The duration of the reading part is around 60 minutes. It has 3 sections and 40 questions.

    Writing

    The duration of the written part is around 60 minutes. It has 2 tasks, and you have to write> 400 words.

    Speaking

    The time given to you for speaking is 10 to 14 minutes. It consists of 3 parts, and you have to speak face-to-face with the person.

    Also Read

    TOFEL-Complete detail

    Total Duration of IELTS

    You have to complete the test in 2 hours and 40 minutes. There are no breaks between the parts of the test. Your Speaking test may be offered on the same day as the other sections of the test or up to a week before or after.

    Validity of IELTS

    The validity of your IELTS results is two years. However, your IELTS results are valid for Skilled Migration applications for three years.

    Exam Fee for IELTS in Pakistan

    This test will cost you around 50,850 PKR.

    Time Required for Preparation

    Time for preparation varies with different individuals; however, it mostly requires around 4 months to prepare for the test fully. For some people takes around 15 days, while for others, it may take more than 6 months to prepare, so you can set preparation time according to your schedule.

    Best Books for IELTS Preparation

    Here is the list of the top 5 books for IELTS Preparation:

    • Barron’s IELTS Superpack.
    • The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS.
    • Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio.
    • Official IELTS Practice Materials.
    • Road to IELTS.

    Lowest and Highest Band Scores

    IELTS results are on the band scale on a scale from 1 to 9. They are also known as band scores.1 is the lowest, and 9 is the highest band score. A band of 7.5 to 8 is considered a good band score.

    FAQS

    How can I prepare for the IELTS test?

      Preparation for the IELTS test involves familiarizing yourself with the test format, practising sample questions, improving your English language skills, and considering taking preparatory courses or using study materials available online or in books.

      How often can I take the IELTS test?

      There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS test. However, it’s advisable to prepare adequately before retaking the test to improve your score, as well as to allow sufficient time between test attempts.