Study in the United States
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
Studying in the United States is renowned for its flexible academic system, general education curriculum, and abundant research and industry resources, attracting a large number of international students from around the world.
• Educational level:
• Undergraduate: The program typically lasts four years. The first two years are for general education, during which students can explore their interests before choosing a major.
• Postgraduate programs: including Master's (1-2 years) and Doctoral (usually 5 years). The focus is on in-depth research and application skills development within the chosen field.
• Core Policy and Risk Changes (2026):
• Visa screening (F-1):
• Application System Changes: Starting April 1, 2026, the F-1 visa issuance system for applicants from mainland China has been migrated from DOS to USCIS. The initial registration process is now fully integrated with the identity management system, and the review process has been significantly strengthened.
• Adjustment of stay period: The maximum validity period of an F-1 visa is 4 years. Doctoral students or students in combined bachelor's and master's programs need to apply for an extension separately after the expiration of the visa, and additional fees may be incurred.
• Visa appointment restrictions tightened: It is recommended to limit the number of appointment changes to no more than 2, as frequent changes may trigger scrutiny.
• Visa refusal rate risk: The refusal rate for international student F-1 visas is expected to rise significantly to 38% in 2026.
• Status and Immigration Management: The duration of stay for international students' I-20 forms is directly linked to their academic program. If a visa is canceled due to departure within its validity period, the I-20 may automatically become invalid, and the reinstatement process will be very complex. It is recommended to minimize unnecessary departures.
• The "grandfather clause" rule: Students enrolled in Fall 2025 or earlier will continue to be subject to the existing OPT rules and will not be retroactively affected by the new policy. Therefore, students who already hold a 5-year long-term visa should exercise caution when traveling abroad.
Studying in the United States is renowned for its flexible academic system, general education curriculum, and abundant research and industry resources, attracting a large number of international students from around the world.
• Educational level:
• Undergraduate: The program typically lasts four years. The first two years are for general education, during which students can explore their interests before choosing a major.
• Postgraduate programs: including Master's (1-2 years) and Doctoral (usually 5 years). The focus is on in-depth research and application skills development within the chosen field.
• Core Policy and Risk Changes (2026):
• Visa screening (F-1):
• Application System Changes: Starting April 1, 2026, the F-1 visa issuance system for applicants from mainland China has been migrated from DOS to USCIS. The initial registration process is now fully integrated with the identity management system, and the review process has been significantly strengthened.
• Adjustment of stay period: The maximum validity period of an F-1 visa is 4 years. Doctoral students or students in combined bachelor's and master's programs need to apply for an extension separately after the expiration of the visa, and additional fees may be incurred.
• Visa appointment restrictions tightened: It is recommended to limit the number of appointment changes to no more than 2, as frequent changes may trigger scrutiny.
• Visa refusal rate risk: The refusal rate for international student F-1 visas is expected to rise significantly to 38% in 2026.
• Status and Immigration Management: The duration of stay for international students' I-20 forms is directly linked to their academic program. If a visa is canceled due to departure within its validity period, the I-20 may automatically become invalid, and the reinstatement process will be very complex. It is recommended to minimize unnecessary departures.
• The "grandfather clause" rule: Students enrolled in Fall 2025 or earlier will continue to be subject to the existing OPT rules and will not be retroactively affected by the new policy. Therefore, students who already hold a 5-year long-term visa should exercise caution when traveling abroad.
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicant requirements
The application process uses a "holistic review," and the following are the basic hardware requirements:
• Academic performance (GPA):
• Undergraduate: High school transcripts are required, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher generally required; top universities average 3.5-3.8 or higher.
• Graduate students: Submit undergraduate transcripts, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher recommended; top universities recommend 3.5-3.8 or higher. Some schools do not require international transcripts to be converted to US GPA.
Standardized tests:
• Undergraduate: SAT/ACT submissions will be mandatory for all applications, including those to top universities such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Penn for Fall 2026.
• Graduate Studies: While the GRE/GMAT is optional for some programs, a high score will significantly enhance your competitiveness. Top programs such as CMU's MSAII require GRE submission, while CMU's EPP program explicitly does not accept the GRE. Please refer to the official website of your target school for specific details.
• Language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS):
• Differentiated requirements: Some prestigious universities (such as Columbia University) have different requirements for TOEFL scores taken around January 20, 2026: the old standard was 105 points, and the new standard needs to be updated on the official website. Some public universities, such as the University of Georgia, may also have different standards for in-person and online testing.
• General recommendations: Top universities generally require a TOEFL score of 100+, while the top 20 universities recommend 105-110+; IELTS requirements are usually 6.5-7.0+, with top universities requiring 7.0-7.5+.
• Application documents and letters of recommendation: Documents are important materials for showcasing personal qualities. Strong letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 from academic mentors) can effectively demonstrate the applicant's academic ability and personal qualities.
The application process uses a "holistic review," and the following are the basic hardware requirements:
• Academic performance (GPA):
• Undergraduate: High school transcripts are required, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher generally required; top universities average 3.5-3.8 or higher.
• Graduate students: Submit undergraduate transcripts, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher recommended; top universities recommend 3.5-3.8 or higher. Some schools do not require international transcripts to be converted to US GPA.
Standardized tests:
• Undergraduate: SAT/ACT submissions will be mandatory for all applications, including those to top universities such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Penn for Fall 2026.
• Graduate Studies: While the GRE/GMAT is optional for some programs, a high score will significantly enhance your competitiveness. Top programs such as CMU's MSAII require GRE submission, while CMU's EPP program explicitly does not accept the GRE. Please refer to the official website of your target school for specific details.
• Language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS):
• Differentiated requirements: Some prestigious universities (such as Columbia University) have different requirements for TOEFL scores taken around January 20, 2026: the old standard was 105 points, and the new standard needs to be updated on the official website. Some public universities, such as the University of Georgia, may also have different standards for in-person and online testing.
• General recommendations: Top universities generally require a TOEFL score of 100+, while the top 20 universities recommend 105-110+; IELTS requirements are usually 6.5-7.0+, with top universities requiring 7.0-7.5+.
• Application documents and letters of recommendation: Documents are important materials for showcasing personal qualities. Strong letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 from academic mentors) can effectively demonstrate the applicant's academic ability and personal qualities.
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
• Thorough preparation and financial planning: Assess your family's finances in advance. The total annual cost of a private university is approximately 600,000-800,000 RMB, while the total annual cost of a public university is approximately 450,000-650,000 RMB. The total visa application fee is approximately $635 (including the I-901 SEVIS fee of $350, the visa application fee of $185, and the newly added integrity check fee of $100).
• Social and Financial Review Preparation: When applying for an F-1 visa, you need to provide all your social media accounts from the past 5 years for review. Any sensitive statements may lead to visa refusal. It is also recommended to provide bank statements showing at least one year's tuition and living expenses (approximately 400,000-700,000 RMB) deposited in the bank for at least 6 months.
• Make good use of the advantages of OPT and STEM:
• Graduates of general majors are entitled to 12 months of OPT work authorization.
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students can apply for an additional 24-month OPT extension, for a total of up to 36 months of work experience in the U.S. Note that only one STEM extension can be applied for per academic level (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral).
• Core of Academic Performance and Identity Maintenance:
• If you discover that your passport, visa, or I-20 document is missing at any time, you must report it to the police within 24 hours.
• Entry time is strictly calculated according to the start date of school on your I-20, and entry is only permitted up to 30 days in advance. Arriving too early may result in being denied entry.
US Study Abroad Application Process
• 1. Early Planning and Background Enhancement: Define goals as early as possible, improve GPA, and participate in research, internships, or volunteer activities. Start preparing for language and standardized tests no later than the second year of high school (for undergraduate applications) or the third year of university (for graduate applications).
2. Take standardized tests: Prepare for and take tests such as TOEFL, SAT, or GRE/GMAT, and strive to obtain satisfactory scores before the application deadline.
• 3. Prepare application materials: These generally include transcripts, proof of enrollment or graduation certificate and degree certificate, language test scores, standardized test scores, personal statement and related documents, letters of recommendation, resume, portfolio (if applicable), bank statement and passport copy.
4. Finalize your school choices and submit your application:
• Undergraduate applications: Most schools use the Common App system. ED (binding early decision) / EA (non-binding early action) deadlines are usually November 1st or 15th; RD (regular decision) deadlines are in early January.
• Graduate applications: Application deadlines vary by school, with earlier deadlines for business schools or STEM programs being as early as December or early January of the following year.
5. Receiving Admission Notice and Confirming Enrollment: Admission results are usually received in March or April. After selecting a school, pay the enrollment deposit according to the school's regulations (e.g., before May 1st for undergraduate students) to confirm enrollment.
6. Applying for I-20 and Preparing for Visa: After confirming enrollment, the school will issue an I-20 form. Pay the SEVIS fee ($350), complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee ($185 + $100), and schedule a visa interview.
7. Visa Interview and Pre-departure Preparation:
• Core documents: Passport valid for at least 6 months, DS-160 confirmation page, visa interview appointment confirmation, I-20 form, SEVIS fee receipt, visa photo, proof of funds, and educational documents.
• Pre-departure preparation: Book flights and accommodations, purchase health insurance covering your studies in the US, and attend a pre-departure orientation session. Important note: Documents carried upon entry must be valid throughout your stay. It is recommended to submit your old and new passports, I-20, and acceptance letter together with US Customs officials for inspection.
8. Entry and Enrollment: You may enter the country as early as 30 days before the start date of your I-20. Attend the school's orientation on time and complete your course registration.
• Thorough preparation and financial planning: Assess your family's finances in advance. The total annual cost of a private university is approximately 600,000-800,000 RMB, while the total annual cost of a public university is approximately 450,000-650,000 RMB. The total visa application fee is approximately $635 (including the I-901 SEVIS fee of $350, the visa application fee of $185, and the newly added integrity check fee of $100).
• Social and Financial Review Preparation: When applying for an F-1 visa, you need to provide all your social media accounts from the past 5 years for review. Any sensitive statements may lead to visa refusal. It is also recommended to provide bank statements showing at least one year's tuition and living expenses (approximately 400,000-700,000 RMB) deposited in the bank for at least 6 months.
• Make good use of the advantages of OPT and STEM:
• Graduates of general majors are entitled to 12 months of OPT work authorization.
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students can apply for an additional 24-month OPT extension, for a total of up to 36 months of work experience in the U.S. Note that only one STEM extension can be applied for per academic level (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral).
• Core of Academic Performance and Identity Maintenance:
• If you discover that your passport, visa, or I-20 document is missing at any time, you must report it to the police within 24 hours.
• Entry time is strictly calculated according to the start date of school on your I-20, and entry is only permitted up to 30 days in advance. Arriving too early may result in being denied entry.
US Study Abroad Application Process
• 1. Early Planning and Background Enhancement: Define goals as early as possible, improve GPA, and participate in research, internships, or volunteer activities. Start preparing for language and standardized tests no later than the second year of high school (for undergraduate applications) or the third year of university (for graduate applications).
2. Take standardized tests: Prepare for and take tests such as TOEFL, SAT, or GRE/GMAT, and strive to obtain satisfactory scores before the application deadline.
• 3. Prepare application materials: These generally include transcripts, proof of enrollment or graduation certificate and degree certificate, language test scores, standardized test scores, personal statement and related documents, letters of recommendation, resume, portfolio (if applicable), bank statement and passport copy.
4. Finalize your school choices and submit your application:
• Undergraduate applications: Most schools use the Common App system. ED (binding early decision) / EA (non-binding early action) deadlines are usually November 1st or 15th; RD (regular decision) deadlines are in early January.
• Graduate applications: Application deadlines vary by school, with earlier deadlines for business schools or STEM programs being as early as December or early January of the following year.
5. Receiving Admission Notice and Confirming Enrollment: Admission results are usually received in March or April. After selecting a school, pay the enrollment deposit according to the school's regulations (e.g., before May 1st for undergraduate students) to confirm enrollment.
6. Applying for I-20 and Preparing for Visa: After confirming enrollment, the school will issue an I-20 form. Pay the SEVIS fee ($350), complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee ($185 + $100), and schedule a visa interview.
7. Visa Interview and Pre-departure Preparation:
• Core documents: Passport valid for at least 6 months, DS-160 confirmation page, visa interview appointment confirmation, I-20 form, SEVIS fee receipt, visa photo, proof of funds, and educational documents.
• Pre-departure preparation: Book flights and accommodations, purchase health insurance covering your studies in the US, and attend a pre-departure orientation session. Important note: Documents carried upon entry must be valid throughout your stay. It is recommended to submit your old and new passports, I-20, and acceptance letter together with US Customs officials for inspection.
8. Entry and Enrollment: You may enter the country as early as 30 days before the start date of your I-20. Attend the school's orientation on time and complete your course registration.