Study in the USA: F-1 Visa, Costs and Work Options
Study in the USA with practical information on F-1 visa rules, SEVP schools, I-20, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, health insurance, cost and university fit.
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USA study snapshot
Use this before you compare universities. The best destination choice depends on cost, recognition, visa readiness, housing and how the course supports your next step. Rules last reviewed August 27, 2026.
| Student route | F-1 is the main academic student route; the school must be SEVP-certified to issue Form I-20. |
|---|---|
| University check | Check SEVP certification, accreditation, campus, program fit and whether credits can transfer. |
| Work while studying | On-campus work and off-campus training rules are limited; CPT/OPT must be authorized before work starts. |
| Post-study option | OPT can give eligible F-1 students practical training; STEM OPT may extend this for qualifying STEM degrees and employers. |
| Cost pressure | Tuition, health insurance and housing vary widely by state and university type. |
| Best-fit students | Students who want choice, transfer flexibility, research depth, tech/business exposure or a US degree brand. |
City and campus realities
The city can change rent, commute, safety, job access and student experience as much as the university name.
Cities to compare: New York / New Jersey, California, Texas, Florida, Midwest / smaller cities.
Checks before you apply
Do these checks before paying a deposit or treating an offer as safe.
Use these USA guides before you shortlist
These pages help you test the destination through cost, visa, work, recognition and transfer risk.
F-1 visa guide
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenSEVP and legitimacy checks
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenOPT vs CPT
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenAffordable USA universities
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenUSA health insurance
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenUSA vs Canada
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenCompare USA with other options
USA vs Canada for International Students
OpenSide-by-side comparisonUSA vs UAE for International Students
OpenUniversity shortlistBest Universities in the USA
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Study in Canada
Study in Canada with practical information on DLI checks, study permits, PGWP eligibility, province choice, cost, work rules and housing.
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Study in UK
Study in the UK with practical information on CAS, Student visa sponsorship, city cost, work rules, Graduate visa planning and course fit.
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Study in Australia
Study in Australia with practical information on CRICOS checks, subclass 500 visa planning, work rules, OSHC, housing, costs and 485 considerations.
OpenUSA guides
Guides that cover USA directly, across cost, visas, work rights and universities.
Best universities in Texas for international students
Texas offers a range of SEVP-certified universities for international students in 2026. Compare public and private options, costs, and support services.
Read guide USA / OPTWhat Is OPT for International Students
OPT allows up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension possible in 2026. Check eligibility, timing, and rules for international.
Read guide USA / SEVIS TransferF-1 Transfer Release Date: Set It Without Losing Status
Learn how to choose an F-1 SEVIS release date, protect your status, avoid missed enrollment, and understand the fees and timing that matter.
Read guide Visa & Work Rights / Work RightsCan international students work full time during holidays in the USA
International students on F-1 visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours weekly during term and full time during official breaks in 2026. Check visa.
Read guide USA / SEVIS TransferHow to transfer universities in the USA on an F-1 visa
You must contact your new school's DSO within 15 days of the program start date on your new I-20 to maintain F-1 status in 2026. Check transfer steps.
Read guide Best Universities / Course RankingsOne-year masters programs in the USA for international students
One-year masters programs in the USA last 12-15 months and may affect 2026 OPT eligibility of up to 12 months. Check program length, costs, and visa rules.
Read guide Best Universities / University ShortlistBest universities in California for international transfer students with affordable tuition
California offers a large number of universities with transfer-friendly policies and affordable tuition for international students in 2026. Compare.
Read guide USA / Day 1 CPTDay 1 CPT SEVIS Transfer for International Students
Day 1 CPT lets F-1 students start practical training immediately in 2026. Check how SEVIS transfers work when moving between SEVP-certified US schools.
Read guide Costs and Scholarships / Living CostsCost of living in Los Angeles for international students
Rent in shared apartments ranges from $800 to $1,300 per month in 2026. Check rent, food, transport, and health insurance costs to budget your study in LA.
Read guide USA / SEVIS TransferSEVIS transfer release date mistakes students should avoid
The SEVIS transfer release date in 2026 is when your current school releases your record to the new one. Check 3 common mistakes to keep your F-1 status.
Read guide USA / F-1 VisaSEVIS Fee for International Students: What It Is and How to Pay It
The SEVIS fee is mandatory for most F-1 visa applicants in 2026. Check the payment process, fee status, and who must pay before your visa interview.
Read guide USA / F-1 VisaUS Boarding Schools With ESL: Shortlist and Costs
Shortlist US boarding schools with ESL support, then check SEVP status, full boarding costs, admissions timing, and the F-1 risk families often miss.
Read guideFind universities in USA that fit your grades, goals and budget.
Tell us what you want to study, your academic background and your budget. Get a starter shortlist with estimated costs, why each option could fit, and what to check before applying.
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