LIFE IN THE COUNTRY

The United States of America is home to stunning, varied landscapes steeped in history. With over 327 million people, it is the third-largest country in the world. It has six time zones, with four between the east and west coasts and one for Alaska and Hawaii. Washington, DC, the capital of the country and the 50 states that make up the United States are all unique geographical regions.

Attitude and Etiquette of the Local People

Based on several essential ideals, including freedom, individual rights, equality, and opportunity, the citizens significantly influence the nation's representative democracy. Therefore, every American should have a basic understanding of American history and governance.

Language

There is no federally recognised official language in the United States of America. Still, English is the most widely spoken language; the population also speaks more than 300 other languages. Therefore, the official language of a few states is listed as English.

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA WITH VARIED COURSE OPTIONS

The United States attracts the most international students worldwide as a study-abroad destination. One can choose from a wide range of courses and programmes at American universities, regarded as the best in the world. International students will feel welcomed and integrated into the community because of the U.S.'s multicultural atmosphere, which includes people of all nationalities, ethnicities, and races.

The academic requirements at American universities are very rigorous, and they offer students a top-notch education. When pursuing their undergraduate and graduate degrees in the U.S., students can choose the programme's structure and course offerings from various possibilities. With 177 institutions, the U.S. has the most significant overall representation. There are 58 U.S. institutions among the top 200. U.S. colleges maintained their position in the top 10 by winning five slots in the most recent Q.S. rating for 2023.

The top universities in the USA are:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Yale University
• Columbia University
• Princeton University

With outstanding programmes in every discipline, the U.S. has one of the best university systems in the world. Traditional academic subjects and professional programmes are both offered in undergraduate programmes. Graduate students can collaborate with some of the most talented individuals in their areas, with chances to participate in privileged research and learning opportunities. The U.S. degree is respected for its top-notch education all around the world.

Some of the top study destinations in the U.S., according to the 2023 statistics:

• Boston
• Chicago
• San Francisco.
• Los Angeles.
• New York.
• Washington, DC.
• San Diego.

PART-TIME AND POST-STUDY WORK OPPORTUNITIES

Working without legal status is a serious offence in the U.S. F-1 students have few employment possibilities and must demonstrate their financial stability before entering the country to cover their living costs and tuition. Therefore, talking to the designated school official (DSO) is the first step if one wants to work.

The DSO will report through SEVIS if one is working illegally, which will result in deleting one's SEVIS record. Thereafter, the student will be deported and not permitted to return to the U.S., so one must leave the country immediately.

One may be qualified for the following jobs, depending on the status and programme of study:

• Employment on Campus: F-1 students with an active status in SEVIS can apply for this kind of work. This employment only applies to work on campus or at an off-campus site connected to the institute. One example is working as an illustrator at a café or bookstore at a university.
• Up to 30 days before the commencement of school, F-1 students may apply for an on-campus job. The DSO must be contacted to apply. One will get a letter of permission from the DSO if they are accepted. The student must submit this authorisation letter to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). For students who want to work, this is a requirement. 
• A student can only work 20 hours per week while in school.
• Off-Campus Employment: Employment outside the school's campus is open to F-1 students who have finished a full academic year of their programme, are experiencing financial difficulties, and meet the requirements for Department of Homeland Security emergencies.

Routes to Permanent Settlement

The status of "lawful permanent resident" (LPR), granted to foreign individuals who have been granted permission to immigrate to the United States, must be attained before a foreign national can establish permanent residency there. They are awarded immigrant visas and an Alien Registration Card (commonly known as a Green Card) as evidence of their legal permanent status. Families, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa all play a role in how immigration is granted.

The means to apply for permanent residence in the United States are:

• Sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.
• An offer of permanent employment.
• An asylum application.
• Designation as a refugee.
• Investment and employment creation.
• The diversity lottery programme, or,
• An executive order of the President and a handful of other miscellaneous methods.