Home to the world's most globally recognized universities, cutting-edge research, and up to 3 years of post-study work through OPT and STEM OPT — the USA remains the ultimate academic destination.
The United States hosts more top-100 universities than any other nation. American degrees are universally recognized and carry immense prestige in global job markets. For ambitious students, the USA provides access to world-class faculty, research labs, and an innovation culture that nowhere else matches.
The F-1 Student Visa permits 20 hours/week on-campus work during the semester and full-time work during breaks. After graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of work experience — extended to 36 months total for STEM graduates. Many OPT positions convert to H-1B work visas.
US universities offer extensive scholarship and financial aid programs — international students regularly receive merit scholarships of USD 10,000–30,000+ annually. Pathway's counselors help identify aid opportunities specific to each student's profile.
NYU, Columbia, Fordham, City University. Finance, media, fashion, arts capital. Expensive but unmatched networking.
Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern. Highest density of top universities globally. Strong biotech/healthcare hub.
UCLA, USC, Caltech. Entertainment, technology, aerospace. More affordable than NYC, diverse cultural scene.
Stanford (nearby), UC Berkeley, SJSU. Epicentre of global tech innovation. Highest salaries but also highest costs.
University of Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul. Strong finance, law, and architecture programs. More affordable than coasts.
University of Washington. Amazon and Microsoft HQs nearby. Growing tech community, great outdoors, moderate costs.
12 months of authorized work experience in your field of study. Available pre- or post-graduation. Most graduates use it after completing their degree.
STEM graduates can extend OPT by an additional 24 months — giving a total of 36 months. Covers Engineering, IT, Data Science, Biology, Chemistry, and more.
Many employers sponsor OPT workers for H-1B specialty occupation visas, enabling long-term work and eventually permanent residency (Green Card).
Once accepted, your university issues an I-20 form. You use this to pay the SEVIS fee (USD 350) and schedule your F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy, Kathmandu.
Demonstrate you can cover 1 full year of tuition and living expenses — usually USD 30,000–80,000+ depending on institution. Bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarship letters.
All F-1 applicants must attend a personal interview at the US Embassy, Kathmandu. Our visa coaching sessions prepare you thoroughly for common interview questions.
Demonstrate strong ties to Nepal — family, property, future plans. The consular officer wants to confirm you intend to return after your studies.
Official academic transcripts, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores, and standardised test results (SAT/GRE/GMAT if required by your specific program).
Apply at least 3–4 months before your semester starts. F-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days before the program start date on the I-20.
Pathway coaches you in-house for all three tests — improving your score is improving your options.
Most universities accept 6.0–6.5. Top research universities (MIT, Stanford, Ivy League) require 7.0+. Community colleges often accept 5.5.
Widely accepted across US universities. Increasingly popular choice — results faster and fully computer-scored.
TOEFL iBT is the original and most widely accepted English test in the USA — accepted by 99% of US universities. Community colleges may accept 61 iBT; Ivy League schools typically require 100+.
Over 3,500 US universities now accept DET. Very popular for its convenience — taken online, only 1 hour, results in 2 days. Widely accepted across US institutions.
Over 3,500 US universities and programs now accept DET. Very popular for its convenience — online, 1 hour, results in 2 days.
From application to F-1 visa interview prep — Pathway guides you every step of the way.
Book Free Consultation →Direct partnerships — faster applications, dedicated contacts, and often waived fees for Pathway students.