Study in USA

A valid passport, your Form I-20 from an SEVP-certified university, the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, interview appointment letter, academic transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores, and financial documents proving you can cover the first year shown on the I-20. SA Associates prepares the full file.

There is no visa-level English requirement — the score is set by each university. TOEFL iBT around 79–80 or IELTS 6.5 is typical, while the most competitive programs ask for TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+. Duolingo and PTE are accepted at a growing number of institutions. Always check the specific program page.

There is no single fixed figure. You must show funds covering the full first-year cost printed on your I-20 — tuition plus living expenses — which commonly falls between USD 45,000 and 82,000 depending on the university. Consular officers look for stable, well-documented funds rather than a large deposit made shortly before the interview.

Fall (August) is the main intake — the widest program choice, the most funding, and the largest assistantship pool. Start 12 months ahead. Spring (January) is a solid second option with fewer scholarships. Summer (May) is limited to a small number of programs.

No. Your spouse can join you on an F-2 dependent visa, but F-2 holders are not permitted to work in the United States and may only study part-time. This is a significant difference from Canada, where the spouses of graduate students can often obtain an open work permit.

The interview decision is usually given on the day, but the wait for an appointment slot at the US Embassy in Dhaka is the real variable and can stretch to several months in peak season. Book your slot as early as your I-20 allows. Administrative processing after the interview can add further weeks in some cases.

Optional Practical Training gives eligible F-1 graduates 12 months of work authorisation in their field of study. Graduates of designated STEM programs may apply for a further 24-month extension, bringing the total to 36 months. You apply through your university's international office, normally before you graduate.

It is possible but not automatic, and it takes longer than in Canada. The common route is OPT, then an employer-sponsored H-1B work visa, then an employer-sponsored green card. The H-1B is subject to an annual lottery, so outcomes depend on your employer, your field and timing. We are candid with students about this from the start.

Yes, and US funding is often more substantial than elsewhere. Undergraduates can receive merit scholarships and need-based aid; graduate students frequently secure teaching or research assistantships that cover tuition and pay a stipend. Fulbright is also open to Bangladeshi applicants. We help identify realistic targets and build the application.

It depends on your goal. The USA leads on university ranking, research funding and graduate assistantships, and starting salaries are typically higher. Canada is cheaper and offers a clearer route to permanent residency. If your priority is academic reputation and earnings, the USA is strong; if it is settling permanently, Canada is more predictable. We will give you an honest comparison for your profile.