Studying in the US follows an integrated immigration pathway: from the F-1 visa, OPT and STEM OPT practical training, to transitioning to H-1B and an EB-2/EB-3 green card.
Unlike pure study-abroad consulting, M2W selects the school, major and state based on post-graduation work and settlement opportunities, not just on securing a study visa.
Study-in-the-US pathway integrated with immigration
Theo Study in the States (US Department of Homeland Security), international students studying full-time at an SEVP-certified school apply for a F-1. M2W designs study-in-the-US pathways tied to the goal of staying to work and settle, not stopping at getting a student visa.
Step 1 — F-1 Visa
Enrol at an SEVP-certified school; apply for an F-1 visa, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and attend an interview at the US Consulate.
Step 2 — CPT internship
Intern in your field of study while still enrolled under CPT to gain US work experience.
Step 3 — 12-month OPT
After graduation, work full-time for 12 months under OPT in your field of study.
Step 4 — STEM OPT +24 months
STEM fields get an additional 24-month extension (36 months total) — enough time for an employer to sponsor an H-1B.
Step 5 — H-1B → Green Card
Transition from the H-1B work visa to a Green Card under EB-2/EB-3 for the whole family.
Choose a school & field based on opportunities to stay
Only occupations included in the DHS STEM designated degree list before qualifying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. M2W advises on choosing a major, school and state with a strong job market and high job-conversion rate, rather than simply picking a school that is easy to get into.
An F-1 application requires: an I-20 admission letter from the school, payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee, proof of funds covering tuition and living costs, and an interview at the US Consulate.
Why choose M2W for studying in the US
M2W selects schools, industries and states based on the labour market and job-transition rates, not just schools that are easy to get accepted to.
Each case has a dedicated M2W consultant following it closely, from school selection and I-20 processing through to interview coaching — with no intermediary.
Tuition, the SEVIS I-901 fee and service fees are disclosed upfront; you know every payment in advance.
OPT/STEM OPT duration, the H-1B quota, and the Green Card pathway are taken directly from government sources, with no exaggeration.
Frequently asked questions about studying in the United States
Is IELTS mandatory to study in the US?
Most schools require an English certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) for admission, but the F-1 visa itself does not require IELTS. Some schools offer intensive English (Pathway) programmes for students not yet meeting the entry score.
Which field of study in the US makes it easiest to stay and work?
Fields on the Department of Homeland Security's STEM list get an additional 24 months of STEM OPT (36 months of work in total), giving a higher chance of finding an employer to sponsor an H-1B than non-STEM fields.
How long does it take to immigrate after studying in the US?
After graduation, students have 12–36 months to work under OPT and STEM OPT. During this time, an employer sponsors an H-1B, then files a Green Card under EB-2/EB-3. The whole pathway usually takes several years, depending on the field and profile.
How much does studying in the US cost?
Tuition fees vary widely by institution type: community colleges are lower than public universities, and public universities are lower than private universities. Beyond tuition there is also the SEVIS I-901 fee, living costs and proof-of-funds requirements. M2W provides a detailed breakdown for each institution you choose.
How is studying in the US through M2W different from ordinary study-abroad consulting?
M2W advises on study pathways aligned with immigration goals: choosing schools, industries and states based on the chance of staying and the OPT → H-1B → Green Card pathway from the very first consultation, rather than just focusing on getting the F-1 visa.
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M2W builds a study → job → Green Card pathway from the very first consultation, selecting schools and industries based on real chances of staying in the US.
