ABOUT US AND SERVICES OFFERED
Q: Will I get a dedicated for the entire application and visa process?
A: Yes. Once you sign up with Focus Education, you will be assigned a dedicated who will guide you through the entire process.
Q: Does Focus Education have any special relationship with U.S. institutions?
A: Yes. Focus Education has relationships with a number of U.S. institutions, giving you the benefit of improved turnaround times for application processing and assessment.
Q: What can Focus Education do for me?
A: Focus Education will offer you academic organize d on programs and universities in the U.S. and help you with the entire application and student visa process. Your will checklists for you every step of the way and track your applications, fee payments and visa deadlines. In addition, your will provide a detailed pre-departure orientation to prepare you for life as a student in the U.S.
ACCOMMODATION
Q: What type of student accommodation is available?
A: When you apply for an international student pathway through this website, we arrange your accommodation for you, provided you apply before any published accommodation deadlines. Master’s degree students who need accommodation should arrange it privately or through the university.
Residence hall accommodation varies, but most are co-educational, meaning that men and women live in the same building, but on separate floors. You will probably live in a room on campus shared with one or more other students. Your room will be equipped with basic furniture like a bed and mattress, a desk and chair, and some storage space for each student. Internet (wireless or Ethernet), telephone, and television connections are normally provided. Bathrooms are usually shared with a number of rooms.
Q: Can I stay in my room over the vacations?
A: Most US universities are closed during the Thanksgiving holiday in late November, the Christmas holiday (which normally lasts about four weeks), the Spring vacation in April (approximately 10 days), and the summer vacation. Depending on the university, you might be allowed to stay in your campus accommodation at an extra charge, or you will need to find other accommodation outside the campus while the university is closed.
APPLYING FOR A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
Q: How long does it take to apply through Focus Education?
A: In most cases, it generally takes three weeks to get a decision from U.S. institutions.
Q: What admissions tests do I need to take for entry to U.S. institutions?
A: Admissions test requirements vary from institution to institution. Most institutions request an English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL. You may need to take other tests, such as GMAT, GRE and SAT, depending on the program you are applying for.
Q: What are the requirements to apply for a Bachelor’s Degree in the U.S.?
A: The minimum admissions requirement is successful completion of the Year 12 examination from a organize d board. Some institutions may also require you to take an admissions test like SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL.
Q: What are the admissions requirements to apply for a Master’s and Ph.D. degree program in the U.S.?
A: The minimum admissions requirement is the successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a organize d university. Some universities may also require you to take an admissions test, such as GRE, GMAT, IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the program you apply for.
For admission to a Ph.D. program, in addition to completing a Master’s degree, you need to demonstrate evidence of research acumen and may need to write a GRE subject in addition to a GRE general and IELTS or TOEFL.
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: See Colleges and Universities pages for application deadlines. We offer rolling admissions, so you can submit your application at any time of year and you will be considered for the next available start date. It is recommended that you begin your application process at least 12 to 15 months prior to the intake to allow sufficient time to prepare your application and study for any tests
Q: When can I start studies in the U.S.?
A: Colleges and Universities accept new students into bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the start of the fall semester, and at the start of the spring semester. ESL and university preparation programs usually have three intakes each year – fall, spring and summer.
- Fall semester starts between mid-August and early-September
- Spring semester starts between early and mid-January
- Summer semester starts in May (intakes for bachelor’s degree preparation and Pre-Master’s programs)
Q: What is the best institution for me?
A: There is no official ranking of U.S universities; institutions are judged based on their accreditation status. The best institution for you is one that matches your academic profile and meets your study, career and life goals.
Q: Can I transfer credit from my previous college or university to a college or university in the USA?
A: If you have been a student at an accredited higher education institution in your home country, you may be able to transfer to one of our partner colleges or universities. The number of credits eligible for transfer will be determined by the college or university. Your application must be accompanied by an official transcript in your original language and accompanied by certified (English) translation. A certified evaluation of your transcript may be required upon request.
CLIMATE/WEATHER
Q: What is the weather like in USA?
A: The vast size of the USA means that the climate varies considerably from region to region. Temperatures reach both extremes of the scale from freezing cold –80ºF in Alaska to a piping hot 135ºF in California’s Death Valley (hence the name). In general the climate is temperate. In winter (December – April) the northern states are the coldest, experiencing bitter, freezing temperatures. Low temperatures in January and February are made slightly warmer by the Chinook winds originating from the Rocky Mountains. The southern states, known as the ‘sunbelt’ are quite the opposite, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing.
Summers (June – September) are hot in the US but for New England, Oregon and Washington which tend to be rainier and less predictable. The Pacific Northwest states are generally temperate while the south, east coast and Midwest are more humid. Heat waves are common in the Southwest.
Spring and autumn are generally mild, warm and sunny with the exception of some wet areas, the Pacific Northwest in particular.
Tornado season arrives in the Midwest between April and June, and hurricanes are common in early summer along the southern East Coast and Gulf of Mexico coast – TV and radio will broadcast warnings for both, but the chances of encountering one on a short visit are remote.
CURRENCY
Q: What is the currency of USA?
A: The currency of USA is U.S. dollar.
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Q: Can I get financial aid to study in the U.S.?
A: Yes. U.S. institutions offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, bursaries, on-campus jobs, teaching assistant ships, administrative assistant ships, research assistant ships, internships etc. The amount of aid varies depending on the level of study and the program type. Offers of financial aid are competitive and successful students must demonstrate exceptional academic and extracurricular skills.
PERMANENT RESIDENCY (PR)
Q: How do I know apply for the Permanent Residency (PR)?
A: If your student visa has not expired, there may be ways for you to obtain permanent residency. Only certain categories of immigrants can apply for permanent residency. Usually the qualifying categories include asylum based, family based, and work based. A student visa will not automatically qualify, but while your status is legal, you can convert your status to another type.Your newly-converted status will allow you to remain in the United States and make you eligible to apply for permanent residency. For example, if during the time you have attended school in the United States, you and your family have become political targets of your native government, you may be able to apply for asylum. Once you are granted asylum status, you may then apply for permanent residency.
PRE-DEPARTURE
Q: Will Focus Education help me with pre-departure formalities?
A: Yes. Focus Education will organize a pre-departure orientation program which will help you in your transition to life as a student in the U.S.A. The program will address topics ranging from cross-cultural issues to ticketing, medical insurance, foreign exchange rates, documents you should take with you while traveling to the U.S.A., arriving to college or university, orientation at college or university, insurance policy, airport pick-up and accommodation booking, etc.
TUITION AND LIVING COST
Q: What is the tuition and living cost in the U.S.?
A: Tuition fees generally range from US$10,000 to US$55,000 per year. Living costs are variable and range from less than US$12,000 to around US$24,000 per year depending on the city you live in, your accommodation and lifestyle preferences, and ancillary expenses such as books, clothing, entertainment, travel costs etc.
VISAS/DEPENDENT VISAS
Q: What are prerequisites for a visa?
A: Prerequisites are health, no criminal record, ability to be financially independent and the intention to leave the USA after completion of your studies.
Q: What are medical requirements like?
A: Medical requirements contain vaccinations, an HIV test and an x-ray of the chest.
Q: What kind of visa do I need?
A: There are three types of student visas:
- F1 – Student Visa: The F1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. A full-time course load must be maintained and the studies must be completed by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form. Students get an extra 60 days at the end of their stay.
- J1 – Exchange Visitor Visa: J-1 visas get issued to individuals who take part in a wide range of an exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, businesses, and a variety of organizations and institutions. These programs are envisioned for business and industrial trainees, scholars, students, international visitors, teachers, research assistants and on cultural missions. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship programs for university students, and au-pair programs.
- M1 – Vocational Student Visa: The M1 visa is issued for students attending non-academic trade and vocational schools. It is valid for one year. Students may not change their field of study or switch to a F1 visa.
Q: How many days prior can a student apply for a visa and enter the USA?
A: You may apply for F1 student visa within 120 days prior to the course start date. You may travel to US within 30 days of commencement of the course of study as stated on your I-20 Form, regardless of how early your visa was issued.
Q: What documents do I need to take with me while going for the visa interview?
A: The following is the list of documents, in order as suggested by the U.S. Embassy, you need to present to the consular officer at the time of interview:
- F1 – Student Visa: The F1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. A full-time course load must be maintained and the studies must be completed by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form. Students get an extra 60 days at the end of their stay.
- J1 – Exchange Visitor Visa: J-1 visas get issued to individuals who take part in a wide range of an exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, businesses, and a variety of organizations and institutions. These programs are envisioned for business and industrial trainees, scholars, students, international visitors, teachers, research assistants and on cultural missions. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship programs for university students, and au-pair programs.
- M1 – Vocational Student Visa: The M1 visa is issued for students attending non-academic trade and vocational schools. It is valid for one year. Students may not change their field of study or switch to a F1 visa.
Q: How much is the visa application fee? How much is the SEVIS fee?
A: The visa application fee is $ 160 (equivalent of NPR 16,000 currently) and the SEVIS fee is $ 200 (equivalent of NPR 20,000 currently).
Q: Do I require paying any fee in addition to the visa application fee and the SEVIS fee?
A: Yes, in addition to these fees, student visas require additional issuance fees. The fee is $ 200 (equivalent of NPR 20,000 currently) and is payable only after a consular officer has told that you qualify for the visa.
WORKING IN THE USA
Q: Can I work while I am a student in the US?
A: Depending on visa type, there are different conditions:
F-1 visa status
Yes. The US government allows students on an F-1 visa to work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the university semester. You can work on-campus 40 hours a week during breaks and the summer vacation. You must apply for US Immigration Department for permission before you can work off campus, and again only up to 20 hours per week. There are three types of off-campus work authorizations for full-time students:
Unexpected, extreme financial hardship
You must have been studying on an F-1 visa for at least one year to be eligible. You must prove you have less money than expected (e.g because of large currency devaluations or loss of your parent’s job).
Curricular practical training
If your academic department grants credit for internships, you may be allowed to complete an off-campus internship. Contact your academic advisor for help applying.
Internship with an international organization
You must be a full-time student while you do your internship. You may work full-time or part-time for one year. You will need a written offer from an international organization.
J-1 visa status
Anyone wishing to take up prearranged employment, training or research in the United States under an officially approved program sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution requires an exchange visitor (J-1) visa.
M-1 visa status
You may not work on M-1 visa. However, you may apply for practical training after you complete your studies. If approved, you will be allowed to have one month of practical training for every four months of study you have completed. You will be limited to six months total practical training time.
Working without following the regulatory guidelines is a serious status violation. Students terminated for unauthorized employment are not eligible for reinstatement and must leave the United States immediately.
Q: Do you offer job placements?
A: International students with an F1 student visa are expected to return to their countries once they have finished their education in the United States. However, you can extend your stay with paid work experience through an Optional Practical Training (OPT) placement in the US. OPT is a temporary employment authorization that gives F1 students an opportunity to use valuable skills gained during their degree studies in a practical work setting. Currently there are more than 70,000 international students taking advantage of this scheme, and getting a head start in the job market.
Q: What type of degree should I have for Optional Practical Training?
A: OPT is available to students with both Bachelor’s and Master’s level degrees.
Q: How long can I work on an OPT placement?
A: The standard period allowed is 12 months. However, students studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics can extend their program for an additional 17 months making a total of 29 months.