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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
EDUCATION - College/University Admissions
Applying to U.S. universities is a unique challenge that our consultants– all former admissions officers who worked at highly selective American colleges – understand. They've helped international students from nearly all West African countries gain admission into the U.S. higher institutions.
Packages for international students offer one-on-one advising with a dedicated consultant. Student and parents will receive updates throughout the process. Advisors work by appointment at the office, phone, email, and/or video conference when possible.
Education system in the US
Home to the highest number of international students, the US provides a diverse range of courses for all study levels. Here’s a rundown on the education system of the US.
Study levels in the US
- Elementary school
- Middle school/Junior high school
- High school
- Higher education
Here's an overview of the qualifications available in the US:
Associate degree
2 years
Job oriented programs that allow a graduate to launch a career, it is also equivalent to first two years of a 4-year bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
3 - 4 years
Undergraduate degree that includes core courses, major, minor and elective. The four years are known as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior.
Master's degree (Professional)
1 to 3 years
Leads students from first degree to particular profession; duration depends on field of study
Master's degree (Academic)
2 years
Generally awarded in traditional disciplines of humanities, arts, and science; may lead students to doctoral programs
Doctorate or PhD
5 to 8 years
Completed under the supervision of faculty advisor, PhD is awarded on completion of dissertation and successful defense before a panel of faculty members
Types of institutions
There are various types of institutions in the US that provide quality education. These can be categorized into:
Colleges
Smaller than the universities, colleges generally provide undergraduate degrees. Community colleges, an affordable study option in the US, offer two-year associate degrees after which you can continue your studies in the university for another two years to gain an undergraduate degree.
Universities
Offer research-based masters, doctoral and post-doctoral degrees. There are mainly two types of universities in the US:
- Public universities: Mostly state universities, established and run by the state government
- Private universities: A mix of profit and not-for-profit supported by tuition fee and donations; approximately 20% of students attend private universities
Universities may further be categorized into:
Ivy League
Ivy League, which is actually a sports conference of eight private colleges in the Northeast includes some of the oldest American institutions. These are perceived to be some of the most esteemed places to study and therefore extremely competitive for admissions.
Public Ivies
Group of over 30 state-funded or public universities in the US. Although this is not an official classification of universities, these universities have earned their reputation and are considered prestigious and academically rigorous. Education costs are slightly lower than the Ivy League universities.
Liberal Arts Philosophy
This philosophy promotes a well-rounded academic education that develops the overall thought process of students. The courses begin with a wide variety of courses in humanities, languages, arts and the social sciences before specializing in a particular field. The primary focus for faculty is on undergraduate teaching rather than research, with a small student population and high student to faculty ratio.
Specialist institutions
universities and institutes that specialize in providing degrees in a certain field such a degrees in music, visual and applied arts, etc.
Land Grant Colleges and Universities
Large, publicly-funded universities
Research Intensive Institutions
Universities offering the highest level of research and are a good starting point for students seeking doctoral degree.
Fee structure
Tuition fee solely depends on the type of qualification and university or college you choose. Courses in medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The tuition fee spent annually can range anywhere between US$ 10,000 and US$55,000.
Financial aid
You can fund your studies by availing various kinds of financial aids available. These can be classified into:
- Need-based aid
- Athletic Scholarships
- Scholarships / Tuition Waivers
- Fellowships / Grants
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Administrative / Residence Assistantships
These aids may be provided by the government, private organizations or educational institutions. Keep in mind that the competition for such aids is high and thus you must apply for them in advance.
Cost of Studying in the USA for International Students
How much you spend to study in the USA depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. Most people consider studying in the US is an expensive affair, but if you budget yourself well, it can help you better manage your expenses. Keep in mind - it’s not just the tuition fee alone you should be calculating to get your estimations. .
Study Program Average Fee (in $*)
English language studies $700 to $2000 a month
Community colleges Courses $6000 to $20,000 per year
Undergraduate bachelor degree $20,000 to $40,000 per year
Graduate programs $20,000 to $45,000 per year
Doctoral degree $28,000 to $55,000 per year
External link below
Student visa requirements for the US
Applying for a US student visa
The US Government provides an opportunity to all students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the US. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
The US Government offers three different student visa types:
Types of student visa
F-1 Student Visa
to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute
J Exchange Visa (J-1)
for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
M Student Visa (M1)
for non-academic or vocational study or training in the US
**For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website
As a primary step, you must first apply and be accepted by a US school or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution's international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
For an exchange visitor visa, you’ll have to file your application under J-1 visa, and as a pre-requisite, you have to submit DS-2019 form that will be given by your sponsoring US institution.
Documents required for a US student visa
When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the SEVIS
- Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Your photograph in the requested format, and number
- If you are opting for Optional Practical Training (OPT), then in addition to the Form I-20, you must apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Some additional documents that might be required include:
- Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include:
- Bank statements
- Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs
- A scholarship program
- Evidence that you will leave the US once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the US to your home country
You will also have to appear for a personal interview at the US embassy or consulate.
F-1 Student visa
Most students who wish to pursue their studies overseas opt for the F-1 Student Visa. There are three major steps to its procedure, being:
Step 1
SEVIS fee and I-20 form collection
Once you pay the SEVIS fee, you are given an I-20 form from your new school or college. Duly fill the form and bring along for your F-1 interview.
Step 2
VISA fee and form collection
Pay your visa fee at the designated bank and collect the visa form. Duly fill the form and bring along for your interview.
Step 3
VISA interview
Schedule a visa interview with the US embassy in your country. The waiting time may vary depending on the visa type.
You can not apply for visa more than 120 days in advance of school start date
Applying for your visa online
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the US Embassy Nigeria website or at https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/
Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
Visa fee
As an applicant from outside the US, you will have to pay US$160 as an application visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying).
There is now a US$350 SEVIS fee on F and M visa applications and US$220 on most of the J Visa applications, this includes the cost of the computer system which is used to record your stay in the United States (SEVIS). (do check the latest fee when applying).
English language requirements
To gain your US student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency tests for study, work and migration, with more than five million tests taken in the past year.
Tourism - Vacation
- Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
TOURISM
USA Visitor Visa is a tourist visa to the United States of America. It is also known as B2 Visa. It is a non-immigrant visa issued to people entering the US temporarily for pleasure, tourism, or medical treatment. Any foreign citizen who wants to visit USA for tourism, visiting with family and friends, attending special events like family functions and ceremonies, or for medical treatment may qualify for and can apply for the Visitor Visa.
How to get Visitor Visa for USA?
Getting a visitor visa to USA is subject to approval. Each applicant must have a valid passport, submit the application form, pay the fee, and appear for the visitor visa interview at the nearest applicable US consulate in their country.
Quick Facts about USA Visitor Visa
- -Visitor visa or tourist visa is also known as B1-B2 or B2 visa for USA.
- -Visitor visa is subject to approval. You have to apply for and get the visitor visa stamped in your passport.
- -Tourist visa is granted for a specific purpose only, like tourism, medical treatment, etc.
- -Person entering the United States on visitor visa should not be involved in study, business, or work. If the purpose of your trip is business, you must apply for US Business Visa (B1 Visa) instead.
- -Maximum length of stay in US on visitor visa is subject to grant at a US port of entry on arrival.
The following is the visitor visa application process
- Step 1. Get a digital photograph of each applicant
- A digital photograph is required for while applying for a US visitor visa. The photograph must meet certain criteria. A good photographer or studio can get this picture if you mention photograph needed for US visa purpose.
- Step 2. Complete visitor visa application form DS160
- Visitor visa application (form DS160) must be completed online, over the internet. You can complete the application here.
- After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode. Take a printout of this page. This will be needed for setting up your visa interview appointment.
- See complete details on how to fill US visitor visa application form DS160.
- Step 3. Pay the visitor visa application fee
- The fee can be paid either electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated bank branches throughout Nigeria. In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in a timely manner, first create a profile at US visa Service website and choose the Schedule Appointment option. You must take an appointment within a year from your visa payment date for your visa interview.
- Step 4. Take appointment for visa interview
- After you pay the fees, you will have to schedule an appointment as part of the visitor visa process. The appointment is with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview.
- Take online visa appointment at official website for US visa appointment. (www.ustraveldocs.com/ng).
- Step 5. Go for visa interview at designated US consulate
- On the day and time of your appointment for interview, go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled. Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals.
Carry the following to your interview:
- Your passport (and your old passports if any)
- Your photograph
- The DS160 Confirmation page
- Visa application fee receipts
- Interview Appointment letter
- Supporting documents.
Top 10 USA Visa Myths Busted
Getting a US visa is a dream for many. There are lots of myths and misconceptions people have relating to US visas.
Here are a few:
1. One must travel within 6 months of visa grant, else visa will become invalid.
This is completely untrue. Visa has a expiry date and is valid to travel any time before the expiry date, unless it is revoked or cancelled by the U.S. immigration authorities for some reason.
2. There is a limit on the number of visas given out per year.
There is no limit on non-immigrant visitor/tourist visa. The limitation is on immigrant visas.
3. If all children are in the USA, then visa will not be granted for the parents.
This may be a valid concern for the consulate authorities, however this is not the only criteria for visa denial. If all conditions match a genuine case then you do get the visa.
4. If visa was refused in the past, a letter from a US congressmen or senator can get you a visa.
NO. The United States law assigns the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. Additionally, United States law is designed to insulate the decisions in visa cases from outside influences. An applicant can influence a reversal of a prior denial only through presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.
5. If any child is a US citizen, visitor visa will be denied for the parents.
This is not true. Any genuine case that demonstrates and proves the purpose of the travel is temporary and has no intension to stay back in USA forever will get the visa.
Do you have questions about travel medical insurance?
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6. If you request a 6 month visa you have less chances of a visa grant.
The length of trip requested in visa application should justify the purpose of your trip logically. If the applicant is employed and has a 2 months leave sanction letter and is requesting for a 6 months visa, it will certainly raise questions about the intention of the visit.
7. If you were refused of any visa in the past, it is unlikely to get the visa.
There are certain conditions and qualifying criteria for visa granting, which depends on many factors and can include your denials in the past. Although, any past visa refusal doesn't necessarily have a negative impact on your next attempt. All genuine cases do get the visa if all conditions are matched.
At the time of visa refusal, the consulate officers do tell the reason for the visa refusal. If you think that you have overcome that situation and now meet the conditions you may get the visa next time.
8. If you have traveled in the past to some other countries, you will get the US visa.
Not true. US visa has certain qualifying criteria which must be met in order to get the US visa. Just because you have visa for other countries does not make your case any stronger.
9. If you had a US visa in the past, getting the visa next time is guaranteed.
Not necessarily, the conditions and situations changes. Each time you apply for visa the conditions should match with the requirements. If in the past you have overstayed, or acquired a criminal record, or violated any other rules, or didn't have sufficient funds, etc, it may have an adverse affect on your next visa application.
10. If you apply for a B1/B2 visa extension, next time your visa will be cancelled.
Not entirely true. First of all try not to overstay and leave the USA within the allowed stay period (Form I-94 expiry date). Overstay can have serious problems Unless you have applied for an extension.
Any overstay can lead to:
Adverse effect on your next visa application.
More extensive questions and answers at POE (port of entry) on your next trip. You could be denied entry to USA if you can not satisfy the officer at POE. Must keep all the documents and copies of extension/I94 etc if applied for extension during any of your prior trips.
immigration
Immigrate
Are you interested in immigrating to the United States or want to sponsor someone? The United States provides for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa. Click on the icons below to learn more.
Family Immigration
Family Based Immigration
A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:
Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
Keep in mind that U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent
• Brother or sister
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
Overview
Every fiscal year (October 1st – September 30th), approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are made available to qualified applicants under the provisions of U.S. immigration law. Employment based immigrant visas are divided into five preference categories. Certain spouses and children may accompany or follow-to-join employment-based immigrants.
Employment First Preference (E1): Priority Worker and Persons of Extraordinary Ability
There are three sub-groups within this category:
- Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants in this category must have extensive documentation showing sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in their fields of expertise. Such applicants do not have to have specific job offers, so long as they are entering the U.S. to continue work in the fields in which they have extraordinary ability. Such applicants can file their own Immigrant Petitions for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
- Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years experience in teaching or research, who are recognized internationally. Applicants in this category must be coming to the U.S. to pursue tenure, tenure track teaching, or a comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education. The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
- Multinational managers or executives who have been employed for at least one of the three preceding years by the overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch of the U.S. employer. The applicant’s employment outside of the U.S. must have been in a managerial or executive capacity, and the applicant must be coming to work in a managerial or executive capacity. The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
Employment Second Preference (E2): Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability
A Second Preference applicant must generally have a labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. A job offer is required and the U.S. employer must file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, on behalf of the applicant. Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability receive 28.6 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas, plus any unused visas from the Employment First Preference category.
There are two subgroups within this category:
- Professionals holding an advanced degree (beyond a baccalaureate degree), or a baccalaureate degree and at least five years progressive experience in the profession.
- Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means having a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.
Employment Third Preference (E3): Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)
A Third Preference applicant must have an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, filed by the prospective employer. All such workers generally require labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) receive 28.6 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas, plus any unused visas from the Employment First Preference and Second Preference categories.
There are three subgroups within this category:
- Skilled workers are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or work experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
- Professionals are members of the professions whose jobs require at least a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. university or college or its foreign equivalent degree.
- Unskilled workers (Other workers) are persons capable of filling positions that require less than two years training or experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
Employment Fourth Preference (E4): Certain Special Immigrants
A Fourth Preference applicant must be the beneficiary of an approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, Form I-360, with the exception of Certain Employees or Former Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad (see number 3 below). Labor certification is not required for any of the Certain Special Immigrants subgroups. Special Immigrants receive 7.1 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas.
There are many subgroups within this category:
- Broadcasters in the U.S. employed by the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors or a grantee of such organization
- Ministers of Religion
- Certain Employees or Former Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad - Must use Form DS-1884, Petition To Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) As An Employee Or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad
- Certain Former Employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government
- Certain Former Employees of the U.S. Government in the Panama Canal Zone
- Certain Former Employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government on April 1st, 1979
- Iraqi and Afghan interpreters/translators who have worked directly with the United States armed forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator/interpreter for a period of at least 12 months and meet requirements. This classification has an annual numeric limitation of 50 visas. See Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters for more information.
- Iraqi and Afghan nationals who have provided faithful and valuable service while employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq for not less than one year on or after March 20th, 2003 and prior to September 30, 2013, or while employed by, or on behalf of the U.S. government, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), or a successor mission in Afghanistan for a period of not less than two years between October 7th, 2001 and December 31, 2022, and have experienced an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment. See Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqis - Worked for/on behalf of the U.S. Government and Afghans - Worked for/on behalf of the U.S. Government for more information.
- Certain Foreign Medical Graduates (Adjustments Only)
- Certain Retired International Organization Employees
- Certain Unmarried Sons and Daughters of International Organization Employees
- Certain Surviving Spouses of deceased International Organization Employees
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (no family member derivatives; Adjustments Only)
- Persons Recruited Outside of the United States Who Have Served or are Enlisted to Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Certain retired NATO-6 civilians
- Certain Unmarried Sons and Daughters of NATO-6 civilians
- Certain Surviving Spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees
- Persons who are beneficiaries of petitions or labor certification applications filed prior to September 11th, 2001, if the petition or application was rendered void due to a terrorist act on September 11th, 2001
- Certain Religious Workers
Employment Fifth Preference (E5): Immigrant Investors
Immigrant Investor visa categories are for capital investment by foreign investors in new commercial enterprises in the United States which provide job creation. Select Immigrant Investor Visas to learn more about this employment-based category.
Can My Family Members also Receive Immigrant Visas?
Based on your approved petition, your spouse and minor unmarried children, younger than 21, may apply for immigrant visas with you. Like you, they must also fill out required application forms, obtain required civil documents, pay the required fees, and undergo medical examinations. Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses.
*** Part or all of the above information is available on US Dept. of State website, the copyright owner. *** https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html
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