AIRC (American International Recruitment Council). AIRC is a non-profit organization that provides the only comprehensive, independent certification for education recruitment agencies sending students to the USA. It is considered the gold standard for verifying an agent's quality and ethical standards.
Bethesda, Maryland
8 to 15 months. The US process is lengthy due to the need for standardized tests, rigid application deadlines, and a multi-stage visa process.
F-1 Visa. This is the standard visa category for students enrolled in full-time academic programs at accredited universities, colleges, or other academic institutions in the United States.
The student makes an initial query. The consultant conducts an in-depth analysis of the student's academic background, financial status, career aspirations, and extracurricular activities.
Initial Documents Required: Academic transcripts from Class 9 onwards, including university marksheets; Passport copy; List of extracurricular achievements.
Unlike many other countries, the US heavily relies on standardized tests. The consultant advises on which tests are needed and helps create a study plan.
Tests to Prepare For:
- SAT/ACT (Scholastic Assessment Test / American College Testing) for undergraduate admissions.
- GRE/GMAT (Graduate Record Examinations / Graduate Management Admission Test) for graduate/business school admissions.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo (Test of English as a Foreign Language / International English Language Testing System).
Based on the student's profile and test scores, the consultant creates a balanced list of 6-8 universities, categorized as "Ambitious" (dream schools), "Target" (good fit), and "Safe" (high chance of admission). The strategy considers program, location, cost, and ranking.
This is the most intensive stage. The consultant provides guidance on preparing a holistic application packet that showcases the student's strengths.
Key Application Components:
- Application Form: Filled out via the "Common Application" (Common App) for undergraduates or the university's specific portal for graduates.
- Essays: Writing a compelling SOP (Statement of Purpose) or Personal Statement, along with multiple university-specific "Supplemental Essays".
- LORs (Letters of Recommendation): Securing 2-3 strong recommendations from professors, school counselors, or employers.
- Financial Documents: Preparing an "Affidavit of Support" and collecting bank statements to prove the ability to fund the entire duration of study.
- Transcript Evaluation: Some universities may require transcripts to be evaluated by a third-party service like WES (World Education Services).
The consultant ensures all components are submitted correctly before strict deadlines (e.g., Early Decision in November, Regular Decision in January). They then help the student track the application status through university portals.
Universities typically release decisions between March and April. The student receives an official admission letter (or rejection/waitlist notification). The consultant helps compare offers and make a final decision.
After accepting an offer and paying an enrollment deposit, the student submits final financial proof to the university. The university's DSO (Designated School Official) then issues the crucial Form I-20, officially titled the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". This document is required to apply for the F-1 student visa.
The consultant guides the student through the meticulous visa application steps:
1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee that funds the program.
2. Complete the DS-160 Form: An extensive online nonimmigrant visa application form.
3. Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee).
4. Schedule Appointments: Book two separate appointments – one for biometrics (fingerprinting) and one for the visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
This is a mandatory, in-person interview and the most critical step. The consular officer's primary goal is to assess three things:
The consultant's role is crucial here, conducting several rounds of mock interviews to prepare the student for questions like, "Why this university?", "Who is sponsoring you?", and "What are your plans after graduation?".
Documents to Carry to the Interview: Passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, visa appointment letter, all original academic documents, standardized test score reports, and original financial documents.
Once the visa is approved and stamped in the passport, the consultant assists with final preparations. This includes pre-departure orientation sessions covering US culture, academic expectations, accommodation arrangements, flight bookings, and foreign currency exchange.
The process is not over until the student clears immigration at the US port of entry. The student must present their passport with the F-1 visa and the signed Form I-20 to a CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer. The officer will ask a few basic questions and, upon satisfaction, will stamp the passport, officially granting entry into the United States in F-1 status.