Visa tips, university guides, scholarship advice and expert stories from our counselors. Updated regularly by our admissions team.
Canada
IRCC doesn't just check that you have enough money — officers can ask where it came from. Here's what counts as an acceptable source of funds.
Visa Guidance
A proposed shift from "duration of status" to a fixed admission period could change how long F-1 students are authorized to stay. Here's what's known so far.
Visa Guidance
A STEM OPT extension isn't just about your degree — your employer has to meet a specific set of USCIS requirements too.
Canada
Processing times shift constantly based on volume and season. Here's how to think about timelines realistically instead of relying on a single fixed number.
Visa Guidance
If F-1 admission moves to a fixed period, a natural question follows: does your OPT work authorization eat into that same clock?
Visa Guidance
Transferring schools on an F-1 visa is still possible - but the process has to be done correctly through SEVIS, or it can put your status at risk.
Visa Guidance
The period you have after finishing your studies before you must leave, transfer, or change status may be shorter than what many students assume.
Visa Guidance
Not every job offer that mentions STEM OPT is actually compliant. Here's how to verify an employer before you accept.
Visa Guidance
News coverage of a possible new OPT fee has circulated - but a proposal being discussed isn't the same as a rule that has actually taken effect.
Common questions our blog readers ask before starting their journey
Start by identifying your target countries and courses. Then check admission requirements (IELTS, GPA, SOP). Apply to 8–12 universities based on your profile. Our counselors do this entire process for free - contact us!
For Fall 2026 (August intake), applications should ideally be submitted between October 2025 – February 2026. Some universities close as early as December. Start at least 12 months before your target intake.
IELTS is required for UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. USA accepts TOEFL or Duolingo. Germany requires TestDaF for German-taught programs but many English programs accept IELTS/TOEFL. France needs DELF for French programs.
Most universities accept CGPA 6.5/10 or 65%+. Top universities (MIT, Oxford, Ivy League) need 8.0+/10 or 80%+. Germany is GPA-flexible since tuition is free. Canada colleges often accept lower GPAs than universities.
Yes! USA: 20 hrs/week on-campus. UK: 20 hrs/week. Canada: 20 hrs/week (recently increased). Australia: 48 hrs/fortnight. Germany: 120 full days/year. All allow full-time work during holidays.
Varies by country: Germany public universities often charge little/no tuition (~€10k/yr living costs). France tuition from approx. €3,000/yr. Canada CAD 20–40k/yr. UK £15–35k/yr. USA $20–60k/yr. Australia AUD 25–45k/yr. Contact us for personalized budget planning.
