Great News (12 + 24 = 36 Months) STEM OPT Rule Survives!

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

12 Months: Granted to students on F1 (student) visa status completing undergraduate (BS/BA) or graduate (MS/MBA) degrees

24 Months Extension: Students with degrees from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) fields

Therefore, students completing a degree from the STEM field get an OPT period of total 36 months (Regular 12 months + 24 months extension), permitting them to work in the US without H1B visa.

STEM-OPTOPT is a temporary employment authorization that is directly related to a student’s area of study. Students pursuing their education in the US on student (F1) visa are eligible to work in the US under the F1-OPT visa program, which gives them an opportunity to apply the education obtained in an academic degree to a practical work experience.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) that challenged the STEM OPT regulations that allow F1 visa holders who have degrees in STEM fields to extend their one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period for an additional 24 months.

The dismissal ends this lawsuit, and the current rules governing 12-month OPT and the 24-month extension for students from STEM fields remain in place.

American Dream – Bringing it to Reality (Part III)

An overwhelming majority of Indian students who travel to the US for higher education belong to the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) category. For the annual H1B quota of 20,000 visas reserved for this category, about 30,000 applications are usually received. On the other hand, against 65,000 H1B visas allocated for non-STEM applicants, three to four times that number apply.

Therefore, an applicant for an H1B visa from the STEM category invariably stands a much better chance. That is why several students from the non-STEM category, even if they find a job in the US after graduating, have to leave for their country of origin as they fail to acquire an H1B visa. Another factor that works in favour of STEM students is that their OPT (Optional Practical Training) is valid for 36 months, which entitles them to three attempts at seeking the coveted H1B visa.

During those three critical years, they get paid in US Dollars by their employers and recover the cost of their education. That is why we have advised students belonging to the non-STEM category, and their parents, to carefully consider these possibilities before investing in higher education in the US. Most STEM students find good jobs in the US, and statistically speaking, only about 10 percent return to India.

There are, of course, several compelling reasons why students prefer to stay on in the US. They get accustomed to a much more comfortable lifestyle, cleaner surroundings, a pollution-free environment, honest dealings, a high living standard, reliable security, and a good income, to name a few of them. Moreover, genuine opportunities for top-quality education and lucrative careers in research are also attractions that most Indian students cannot resist.  Therefore, their reluctance to return home is perfectly understandable.

Personally, I am of the considered opinion that this cannot be called “brain drain” at all.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that as brains are in such excessive numbers in India, there is nothing wrong with looking at them as potential exports. One’s ‘janma bhoomi’ and ‘karma bhoomi’ need not be one and the same. I believe there is no logical reason why one’s motherland and the land where he lives and works should be identical. People ought to be free to exercise their fundamental human right that entitles them to seek an environment they consider conducive to the realisation of their long-cherished dream.

Perhaps it is pertinent to point out here that, generally, Indian students who live in the US end up remitting some of their earnings to their next of kin back home. Such routine remittances add to the foreign exchange reserves of India. Besides, non-resident Indians also share with their relatives and friends back home new ideas thereby sowing the seeds of new enterprises.  Some such NRIs have founded technology-driven companies in their home country which have generated revenue and created new well-paid jobs. Therefore, I see it as a win-win situation.

Why does the recently re-introduced H1B visa bill seem to be in favor of the Indian Students in USA?

Are you confused as to what the latest news regarding this “ Bill introduced in the US regarding H1B work visa” is? Keep reading further to understand what all the discussion is really about.

The new bill, titled “Protect and Grow American Jobs Act,” has been re-introduced in Congress by certain republicans (this bill was already introduced in earlier years, but was never passed). It proposes key changes in the H1-B program that allows skilled workers from foreign countries to fill high-tech jobs in the US.
The bill has proposed two changes – the gist of which is as follows:

– Making it harder to get H1B for low paying jobs
– Removing Masters quota for H1B

Looking deeper into these proposed changes it looks like these will actually likely help Indian students in the USA!

American economy is currently booming and unemployment rate is at its lowest in two decades, which implies increase in job creation.

H1B visa (work visa) is designed to be used for foreign workers with highly specialized skills. Total of 85000 visas are issued every year, which comprise of 65,000 for general quota and 20,000 for US Advanced degree quota for Master’s students. Last year a whopping 233,000 applications were submitted for the limited quota of 85000.

First, a lottery was conducted for the US Master’s degree quota applications to select 20,000 petitions and then the petitions that were not selected in this this first round were added to general quota pool and lottery was conducted on this pool to select the overall 65,000 petitions for general quota. This is pretty standard over the years.

Currently the Indian IT outsourcing companies use up to 70% to 80% of the general 65000 H1B quota. This causes an acute shortage for H1B visas, creating a shortage for Master’s students from India in the USA who are added up to the general quota for H1B lottery.

For details on top H1V visa sponsor companies in 2017 kindly visit the following report from Myvisajobs.com(http://www.myvisajobs.com/Reports/2017-H1B-Visa-Sponsor.aspx). The report shows that of the top 10 companies sponsoring H1B visas, 89% visa applications are from IT companies with average salary under $100,000 per year, and only 11% are from US companies all of which have an average salary above $100,000.

Most of the American companies that employ highly educated students who have completed their Masters studies in the USA- offer a high starting salary. Also Indian students graduating in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category have a period of up to 3 years on OPT where they can work on student visa before getting their get their H1B work visa. So even if the starting salary is not as high as $100,000 per year, 70% of Indian students (especially those working in computer science related fields) reach that mark within first 3 years depending on their skills and field of work.

Today many talented students with MS decrees are missing out on H1B visas because they are being denied the H1B visas in the lottery system.

Also eliminating Master’s degree quota of 20000 visas for H1B should not affect the Indian students with MS degrees, as the absence of H1B petitions from the IT companies would make room for highly paid foreign employees with advanced education and skills.

All in all, it seems like Indian students studying in American Universities will benefit from proposed bill.

Again, note that this is just a bill not the final rule – and likely will at least take a minimum of 12-18 months before it gets enacted (if it passes this time).

 

US relaxes green card rules for talented individuals with advanced degrees

US has relaxed the tests used to grant a National Interest Waiver (NIW) to EB-2 category of green card applicants

 The EB2 Green card category

Green card also refers to an immigration process of becoming a permanent resident in the USA. The EB-2 Green Card is a category offered to talented immigrants with advanced degrees or especially rare skills. Most of the Indian students who have completed their Masters education in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)category fall under EB2 green card category

EB2 Green Card Processing

Commonly, a permanent job offer and an approved labor certificate are pre-requisites to file for a green card.

Filing the labor certificate is the first step in green card processing. It is a rigorous process where your employer has to be ready to sponsor your green card by offering you a permanent job and has to undergo a series of steps to prove that no US workers are available to fill the position you are employed in, and hence you deserve green card. This process can take from six months to 3 years in some cases.

An NIW allows individuals in the EB-2 category to skip the cumbersome ‘labor certification’ process.

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Petition

On December 27 2016, the US authorities have eased the tests to get National Interest Waiver (NIW).  So, even if a person has no employer, he/she may file an NIW petition on behalf of himself/herself in order to initiate a green card filing process under the EB2 category.

In order to be eligible to file an NIW petition, an applicant must have an “advanced degree” or “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts or business and should demonstrate that he/she seeks employment in an area of substantial merit to the U.S

NIW applications have clear advantages over other regular EB2 green card petitions. Since there is no labor certification or permanent job offer requirement, an NIW is an attractive choice for scholars, researchers, post-doctoral research fellows, PhD students, and other advanced degree professionals.

Apart from offering speedier process in the path towards a green card, NIW holders can also avail of an unlimited H-1B extension, and their spouses too can apply for work authorization.

Indian students with advanced degrees will now have a fairer chance of obtaining an NIW, which in turn will speed up the process of obtaining a green card.

Trump as the new US President: The Benefits for Indian Students

Donald Trump has been elected as the new US President. This blog intends to cover what it means for Indian students intending to pursue MS in US.

It is important to note that skilled immigrants with advanced degrees have started more than half (44 of 87) of America’s startup companies valued at $1 billion or more and are key members of management or product development teams in over 70 percent (62 of 87) of these companies- according to a 2016 National Foundation for American Policy study. Most of these entrepreneurs and key personnel at some point obtained H-1B status, often after studying at a U.S. university.

Thus, skilled immigrants have been a powerhouse of talent, proficiencies and entrepreneurship.

A. Republicans support lawful and skilled Immigration

-Republicans largely oppose illegal and unlawful immigration but they have been in favor of skilled immigration for decades. Today in US, there are over 11 million illegal residents (Largely from Mexico and other Latino countries). Compared that to just 85,000 H1B’s (work permit visas) are awarded every year for skilled foreign workers.
– Now the Republican Party controls both – the US senate and house along with the presidency – which could open up a passage for the skilled immigration bills to pass.This opens up the gridlock of the last 10+ years. Allowing more visas for students with STEM degrees.
– Today getting H1B visas (work visa) after finishing advanced degrees is hard, and permanent residency even harder. With above changes, it should get easier for Indians with advanced degrees to get more student visas and work visas, as 99% of the Indians fall under “skilled immigration (STEM)” category

B. Economy will create more Jobs – Creating higher demand for skilled workforce that America does not have today

– Trump is proposing lowering of taxes. He is also suggesting more manufacturing to happen in the US and is against outsourcing of American jobs. This implies that the US economy will have to create more skilled jobs within America itself. But today America faces a severe dearth of a skilled workforce with advanced STEM degrees. Indian students in US will be in high demand to fulfill those new jobs that will be created in US. Also fewer jobs will be outsourced – which creates increased demand for jobs within the USA, in turn benefiting Indian students in America

C. Trump thinks India as an allied nation
– This will open doors for the stronger relationship with India, as India is a natural ally in this new order. This will open up lot of opportunities for Indians

Choosing the Right Field of Study

A lot of students want to know what a particular field of study covers and what fits best according to their interest. Here are a few fields of study and their scope to help you choose the right field for you!!

Electrical Engineering:

Electrical engineers study and apply the physics and mathematics of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to both large and small-scale systems to process information and transmit energy. To do this, electrical engineers design computers, electronic devices, communication systems, test equipment, and improve systems through problem solving techniques.

The field covers a wide range of sub-disciplines including:

  • Electromagnetics and wave propagation
  • Power electronics
  • Control systems
  • Electro-optics
  • Digital signal processing and communications
  • Telecommunications
  • Nanotechnology
  • Mechatronics
  • Electromagnetics and wave propagation,
  • Optoelectronics,
  • Nanostructures and devices,
  • Computer engineering. (Is considered separate discipline in its own right)

Computer Engineering:

Computer engineers work for companies that build or use computer-based systems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, etc. Many computer engineers also get jobs as programmers. While they have less programming experience than computer science graduates, their understanding of hardware gives them an advantage in dealing with overall systems. Computer engineers have the option of moving into hardware or software positions, or blending the two.

While sharing much history and many areas of interest with computer science, computer engineering concentrates its effort on the ways in which computing ideas are mapped into working physical systems. Emerging equally from the disciplines of computer science and electrical engineering, computer engineering rests on the intellectual foundations of these disciplines, the basic physical sciences and mathematics.

The field covers sub-disciplines as follows:

  • Embedded Systems
  • Networking
  • Design automation
  • Machine intelligence
  • Compilers
  • Computer Security
  • Coding, cryptography, and information protection
  • Communications and wireless networks
  • Robotics
  • Integrated circuits, VLSI design, testing and CAD
  • Signal, image and speech processing

Computer Science:

Computer Science is the study of principles, applications, and technologies of computing and computers. It involves the study of data and data structures and the algorithms to process these structures; of principles of computer architecture-both hardware and software; of problem-solving and design methodologies; of computer-related topics such as numerical analysis, operations research, and artificial intelligence; and of language design, structure, and translation technique. Computer Science provides a foundation of knowledge for students with career objectives in a wide range of computing and computer-related professions.

Computer science covers the following areas:

  • Software Development
  • Database Administration
  • Computer Hardware Engineering
  • Computer Systems Analysis
  • Computer Network Architecture
  • Web Development
  • Information Security Analysis
  • Computer Programming

Software Engineering

Software engineers design and develop many types of software, including computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems, and middleware. They must be experts in the theory of computing systems, the structure of software, and the nature and limitations of hardware to ensure that the underlying systems will work properly.  They apply the theories and principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to create, test, and evaluate the software applications and systems that make computers work.

Software engineering covers the following areas:

  • Requirements engineering
  • Software Design
  • Software Construction
  • Software Testing
  • Software Maintenance
  • Software Configuration Management
  • Software Engineering Management
  • Software Quality Management

Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS is short for Management Information Systems and focuses on solving business problems and creating new opportunities with technology. MIS is also often shortened to Information Systems (IS). MIS is a blend of business, analytics and technology. MIS professionals are business-oriented, technically proficient individuals. An MIS professional will typically not write large and complex computer programs but should know how the code works.

MIS jobs covers the following areas:

  • Business Analysis
  • Systems Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Information Technology Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Business Intelligence Analysis
  • Product Management
  • Solutions Developer
  • Database Administrator

Hope this helps!

 

Indian Students Are Joining American Universities in Increasing Numbers

US UnivData released by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicates a recent surge in the number of Indian students seeking to study in American universities. According their report, there has been a “31.9% increase in the number of Indian students studying in American universities since 2014”. This bucks a trend that goes back almost a decade:  from 2008-09 to 2013-14, the number of Indian students studying at American Universities was a fairly flat 1,00,000 annually. In 2014-15, this figure jumped by around 32% to 1,32,888.

This increase is part of a rise in the number of international students studying in the US. In 2015, that number was up by about 9%. However, a staggering 76% of these were from Asia. So, the fresh influx of students seems to be a largely Asian phenomenon fuelled perhaps, by the robustness of the pan-Asian economic scene.

In this overall picture, students from India accounted for about 13.6% (or 1,32,888) of the 9,74,926 international students who enrolled for undergraduate (Bachelor’s), graduate (Master’s) & doctoral (Ph. D.) programs in the US in 2014-15. A full 31.2% or 3,04,040 of these students were Chinese. One possible reason for this is that very large numbers of Chinese students have started enrolling for the undergraduate courses where the intake is larger while, the majority of Indian students join graduate courses which tend to offer more funding but have a smaller intake.

Another noteworthy trend is that Indian (and more broadly, Asian) students show a heavy preference for courses in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – especially, computer science. Currently, there are 10,54,045 international students on F and M visas in the US. Of these, 4,05,314 students are studying courses in STEM fields and of these in turn, 80% of them are from Asia. As many as 81% of all Indian students are studying STEM fields – this is the highest percentage for any country; and California, Texas and New York have emerged as popular destinations for students studying courses in the STEM category.

If these trends are any indicator, we should see a few more Satya Nadella’s and Sunder Pichai’s emerging in the coming years; If you are an engineer, a student from the field of computer science or one from the STEM category more broadly, this could be your opportunity to make it big in the United States. Even Donald Trump has said that, should he become President, he is willing to welcome bright young minds from India because he knows they contribute to America’s economy – and if Trump says so, the doors must definitely be open!

University Deadlines For Spring 2016 Semester

Spring 2016 Deadlines

The month of June is now approaching which means the spring 2016 application process should now begin. As per our standard practice we are publishing university deadlines for spring 2016 semester.

Keep in mind some universities update deadlines on their websites at different times during the academic year.

The deadlines mentioned below are for the graduate school only. The department deadlines may differ from the graduate school deadlines and hence you should cross check with your respective department for confirmation.

NO.

NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY

DEADLINE

Deadlines in June
1 University of Maryland, Baltimore County 1-Jun
2 Texas Tech University 15-Jun
3 University of Tennessee, Knoxville 15-Jun
Deadlines in July
1 Florida Institute of Technology 1-Jul
2 University of Pittsburgh 1-Jul
3 Washington State University, Pullman 1-Jul
4 North Carolina State University 15-Jul
5 University of Illinois, Chicago 15-Jul
6 University of Rhode Island, Kingston 15-Jul
Deadlines in August
1 Kansas State University 1-Aug
2 North Dakota State University, Fargo 1-Aug
3 University of Michigan, Dearborn 1-Aug
4 Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo 1-Aug
5 Wichita State University 1-Aug
6 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 15-Aug
7 South Dakota School of Mines & Tech 15-Aug
8 South Dakota State University, Brookings 15-Aug
9 University of Kentucky, Lexington 15-Aug
10 San Francisco State University 31-Aug
Deadlines in September
1 East Carolina University 1-Sept
2 Florida International University 1-Sept
3 George Washington University 1-Sept
4 Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago 1-Sept
5 Indiana University, Bloomington 1-Sept
6 Lamar University 1-Sept
7 Mississippi State University 1-Sept
8 Oakland University, Rochester 1-Sept
9 University of Alaska, Fairbanks 1-Sept
10 University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1-Sept
11 University of Oklahoma, Norman 1-Sept
12 University of South Carolina, Columbia 1-Sept
13 University of Texas, Dallas 1-Sept
14 University of Texas, San Antonio 1-Sept
15 Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University 1-Sept
16 California State University, Chico 15-Sept
17 Northeastern University, Boston 15-Sept
18 Texas A & M University, Kingsville 15-Sept
19 Tufts University 15-Sept
20 University of North Carolina, Greensboro 15-Sept
21 University of North Texas, Denton 15-Sept
22 California State University, Fresno 30-Sept
23 California State University, Northridge 30-Sept
Deadlines in October
1 California State University, Long Beach 1-Oct
2 California State University, Sacramento 1-Oct
3 Case Western Reserve University 1-Oct
4 Eastern Michigan University 1-Oct
5 Illinois State University, Normal 1-Oct
6 Indiana University Purdue University 1-Oct
7 Minnesota State University, Mankato 1-Oct
8 Northern Illinois University, Dekalb 1-Oct
9 Oklahoma State University, Still Water 1-Oct
10 Old Dominion University, Norfolk 1-Oct
11 Oregon State University, Corvallis 1-Oct
12 Pennsylvania State University, University Park 1-Oct
13 Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville 1-Oct
14 State University of New York, Stony Brook 1-Oct
15 Stevens Institute of Technology 1-Oct
16 Tennessee Technological University 1-Oct
17 University of Arkansas, Little Rock 1-Oct
18 University of Colorado, Denver 1-Oct
19 University of Detroit, Mercy 1-Oct
20 University of Houston, University Park 1-Oct
21 University of Idaho, Moscow 1-Oct
22 University of Iowa, Iowa City 1-Oct
23 University of Louisiana, Lafayette 1-Oct
24 University of Massachusetts, Amherst 1-Oct
25 University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1-Oct
26 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 1-Oct
27 University of North Carolina, Charlotte 1-Oct
28 University of Texas, Arlington 1-Oct
29 University of Virginia, Charlottesville 1-Oct
30 West Virginia University, Morgan Town 1-Oct
31 Worcester Polytechnic Institute 1-Oct
32 California State University, Los Angeles 15-Oct
33 Duke University 15-Oct
34 Marquette University 15-Oct
35 Texas State University 15-Oct
36 University of Georgia 15-Oct
37 University of South Florida, Tampa 15-Oct
38 Villanova University 15-Oct
39 California State University, Fullerton 17-Oct
Deadlines in November
1 Florida State University 1-Nov
2 Idaho State University 1-Nov
3 Monmouth University 1-Nov
4 University of Louisville, Louisville 1-Nov
5 University of Miami, Coral Gables 1-Nov
6 University of Utah, Salt Lake City 1-Nov
7 University of Wyoming, Laramie 1-Nov
8 Vanderbilt University 1-Nov
9 Arkansas State University 14-Nov
10 City University of New York, City College 15-Nov
11 Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla 15-Nov
12 Montana State University, Bozeman 15-Nov
13 New Jersey Institute of Technology 15-Nov
14 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth 15-Nov
15 Marist College, Poughkeepsie 30-Nov
16 Southern Methodist University 30-Nov
Deadlines in December
1 Lehigh University 1-Dec
2 Louisiana Tech University, Ruston 1-Dec
3 New York Institute of Technology 1-Dec
4 Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn 1-Dec
5 University of Alabama, Birmingham 1-Dec
6 University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 1-Dec
7 University of Houston, Clear Lake 1-Dec
8 University of South Alabama, Mobile 1-Dec
9 University of Southern California 1-Dec
Deadlines in January
1 Louisiana State University, Baton Rogue 1-Jan
2 Wayne State University 1-Jan
3 New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 2-Jan
4 Santa Clara University 10-Jan
5 New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 27-Jan
Deadlines in February
1 University of Maryland, College Park 7-Feb
Rolling Deadlines
1 Wright State University, Dayton Rolling
2 University of Toledo Rolling

Under rolling deadlines there is no fixed application deadline declared by the university. Applications are accepted anytime till the seats for that particular semester are full.

You may also refer to our ‘University Info’ features which provides centralized information about the top 220 universities in America, including the university rank.

We wish you all the best!

Higher Education in America: What Tests You Need to Take

 

If you are considering higher education in America, either an MBA or MS you will need to take the following tests:

Graduate Record Examination® (GRE®): Those seeking admission for a Master’s degree in any field apart from management are required to take the GRE test. The GRE® is a computer-based test and consists of verbal, quantitative and essay sections. The GRE test is scored as follows. The Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 130-170 each and the essay section is scored on a separate scale of 0-6. The score is valid for 5 years. The test can be taken throughout the year at certified test centers.

Graduate Management Aptitude Test® (GMAT®): The GMAT test is required for students seeking a management (MBA) degree in America. The GMAT test too, is computer-based and consists of verbal, quantitative and essay and integrated reasoning sections. There is a combined score on a scale of 200-800 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections. There is separate score for the essay section on a scale of 0-6 and one for the integrated reasoning section on a scale of 1-8. The score is valid for 5 years. The test can be taken throughout the year at certified test centers.

Test of English as a Foreign Language® (TOEFL®): Since English is not our native language, all Indians seeking a degree in America are required to take the TOEFL test to prove English proficiency. The TOEFL test is internet-based and consists or reading, listening, writing and speaking sections. The TOEFL test is out of 120 and can be taken on weekends throughout the year at certified test centers. The score is valid for 2 years.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Like the TOEFL® test IELTS too, is an English test required to prove English proficiency. Many American universities now accept IELTS test scores. Hence you may choose to take the IELTS test in place of the TOEFL. The IELTS is paper-based and consists of reading, listening, writing and speaking sections. The score is out of 9.0 and can be taken throughout the year at certified test centers. The score is valid for 2 years.

Note: Prior registration is required for all these tests.

If you are looking for coaching for these tests click this link

Booming Trend: Why Indian Students Flock to American Universities for MS in US

Photo Credit: NRIPulseIn August 2014 alone, around 35,000 students from India joined various American universities, with the major outflow of students to American universities from Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai, and Pune not far behind. The increasing demand for Indian students for Master’s courses in America has been driven by a resurgent US economy and student-friendly US government initiatives.

As even the White House has recently pointed out, science and engineering in America create the innovative processes and services that make the US economy the most productive in the world today. The revival of the American economy from 2011 onward has fueled the growing demand for working professionals in the fields of engineering and computer science. To meet this demand the American government is encouraging international students to join American universities for Master’s as well as doctoral programs. It has introduced a special category called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and liberally provides visas for students in this category. These students also have a special quota for the work permit (H-1B visa) and are also allowed to work for 29 months after completing their master’s without a work permit under what is called Optional Practical Training (OPT) . This has provided a golden opportunity that Indian students have been quick to capitalize on.

Another vital factor fueling the outflow of Indian students to American shores is the generous financial assistance provided by American universities to their students. This brings the actual cost of education in America down to around 15 to 20 lakhs. Fortunately, most Indian banks and specialized institutions providing loans for education offer liberal loans of up to 20 lakhs for students joining American universities. Since the salary offered after completing a master’s degree in America is in the range of $65,000-$100,000 students generally repay their entire loan amount within two years of getting a job. So, if you are thinking of an ‘MS in US’, now seems to be a pretty good time to go.

For more information and help on applying to American universities for an MS in US, click here.

Obama Announces Executive Action on Immigrant Reform: Good News for Your ‘MS in US’ Plans

 

This is the full coverage of President Obama’s televised speech announcing his immigrant reforms. It covers a lot of ground, but, if you are a prospective ‘MS in US’ student, there is some really good news in it for you. The important part for you comes about three and a half minutes into the video where the US President summarizes the key immigration reforms and measures he intends to undertake. In an indication of the importance he gives it, his announcement that he intends to make it easier for high-skilled graduates and others to live and work in America in the US economy is the second point that he makes. The specifics are not given here, but the intention is very definite: America is going to be made a more welcoming place for high-skilled immigrants, graduates and entrepreneurs – we’ll give you an update on what exactly Obama plans as soon as details become available.

In the mean time, if you are wondering why President Obama and the White House are so eager to have you stay in their country after your studies there, our next post (Why the White House Wants You to Stay in America After Your ‘MS in US’) will tell you why. You will be surprised to find that the American government thinks that it’s a really good idea – for American workers, for the American GDP, and for America’s position as the world’s leading economic power.

So, after years of debate, of pleas from American business and obstruction by the Republican politicians, it seems that, in his last two years in office, President Obama is determined to fulfill his election promises on immigration.This means that if you are thinking that you would like to stay on in the United States after your ‘MS in US’, it won’t be such a hard-to-achieve dream: opportunities in America are opening up to you.

Refer to our blog Why the White House Wants You to Stay in America After Your ‘MS in US’ for further information