Move to the United States

United States F-1 student visa

The F-1 visa is for academic or language study at a US school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is a temporary visa; a visa does not guarantee admission at the US border.

Fee

$185 per person

Decision

—

United States post-study practical training

Post-completion OPT lets an eligible F-1 student undertake temporary work directly related to their major field of study after finishing their programme. It provides up to 12 months of OPT, reduced by any pre-completion OPT used at the same education level.

Fee

$470 per person

Decision

—

United States H-1B specialty occupation visa

This is a temporary route for work in a specialty occupation. A prospective employer must obtain an approved petition before you apply for the visa; entry restrictions and nationality-based visa suspensions may also apply. ([travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html))

Fee

$205 per person

Decision

—

United States O-1 extraordinary ability visa

The O-1 is a temporary visa for work in the United States in a field where the applicant has extraordinary ability or achievement. A qualifying petitioner must obtain approval of Form I-129 before the applicant can apply for the visa.

Fee

$1,055 once

Decision

—

United States priority worker immigrant visa

This employment-based immigrant visa covers people with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational managers or executives. It can lead to lawful permanent residence, but visa availability and nationality-based restrictions may affect an application. ([travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/employment-based-immigrant-visas.html?utm_source=openai))

Fee

$715 once

Decision

—

United States EB-5 immigrant investor visa

This route is for foreign investors who invest in a qualifying US commercial enterprise and create jobs. An approved petition can lead to an immigrant visa and conditional permanent residence; visa availability and restrictions on issuance depend on the applicant’s circumstances. ([uscis.gov](https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5?utm_source=openai))

Fee

$11,160 once

Decision

—

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Stanford University

Tuition and fees, a living and academic stipend, and funding for one return journey each year, for up to three years.

USC Admission Merit Scholarships

University of Southern California

Awards range from a few thousand US dollars to full tuition; none covers the full cost of attendance.

Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

American University

Full tuition, room and board for up to four years; insurance, flights and other personal costs are not covered.