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.
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.
| 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.
New York / New Jersey
Compare housing, commute, course access and part-time work reality before choosing this location.
California
Compare housing, commute, course access and part-time work reality before choosing this location.
Texas
Compare housing, commute, course access and part-time work reality before choosing this location.
Florida
Compare housing, commute, course access and part-time work reality before choosing this location.
Midwest / smaller cities
Compare housing, commute, course access and part-time work reality before choosing this location.
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.
OpenGuideSEVP and legitimacy checks
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenGuideOPT vs CPT
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenGuideAffordable USA universities
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenGuideUSA health insurance
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenGuideUSA vs Canada
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
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 Best Universities / University ShortlistBest universities in California for international transfer students with affordable tuition
California offers numerous universities with transfer-friendly policies and affordable tuition for international students in 2026. Compare options.
Read guide USA / Day 1 CPTDay 1 CPT SEVIS Transfer for International Students
Day 1 CPT allows starting practical training immediately in 2026. Check how SEVIS transfers work for international students moving between US schools.
Read guide USA / SEVIS TransferHow to transfer universities in the USA on an F-1 visa
You must report to your new university by the program start date or within 15 days of the SEVIS release date in 2026. Check key SEVIS transfer steps here.
Read guide Best Universities / University ShortlistBest public universities in the USA for international students on a budget
International students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours weekly on campus in 2026. Compare tuition, living costs, and work options at US public.
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, and transport costs to budget your study in Los Angeles.
Read guide USA / SEVIS TransferSEVIS transfer release date mistakes students should avoid
The SEVIS transfer release date is when your current school releases your record to the new one in 2026. 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 / 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
Understand if international students can work full time during holidays in the USA and what rules to check.
Read guide Best Universities / Course RankingsOne-year masters programs in the USA for international students
Discover one-year masters programs in the USA for international students with key details on costs, visas, and university credibility.
Read guideNeed help with your USA plan?
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