🇺🇸 Study in the USA

STEP 5A: Visa Application Support

We Provide:
– DS-160 form assistance (step-by-step guide)
– Document checklist (nothing missing!)
– Visa interview preparation:
– Mock interview (30-45 mins)
– Common questions + answers
– What to say, what NOT to say
– Body language tips

Critical Visa Interview Prep:

We Practice These Questions:
1. “Why do you want to study in USA?”
Good answer: “To pursue MS in CS at USC because of their AI research lab and Professor [Name]’s work in machine learning”
Bad answer: “Because USA has best universities”

2. “Why this university?”
Good answer: Specific reasons (program strengths, professors, research)
Bad answer: “It’s a good university”

3. “What will you do after graduation?”
Good answer: “Return to Pakistan and work in tech industry, apply knowledge to help Pakistani companies”
Bad answer: “I want to stay in USA” ← REJECTION!

4. “How will you fund your studies?”
Good answer: “My parents will fund. My father is [profession], my mother is [profession]. Here are bank statements showing USD 150,000”
Bad answer: Vague, no proof

Mock Interview:
– We act as visa officer
– Ask tough questions
– Give feedback
– Practice until confident

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STEP 5B: Pre-Departure Preparation

After Visa Approval:

Flight Booking:
– Best routes: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar (via Doha), Turkish (via Istanbul)
– Cost: PKR 180,000-250,000 one-way
– Book 1-2 months advance
– Arrive 1-2 weeks before classes start

Accommodation:
– On-campus: Apply 3-4 months early (fills fast!)
– Off-campus: Use university housing FB groups, Craigslist (be careful of scams!)
– Temporary: Book Airbnb for first week while apartment-hunting

What to Pack:
BRING:
✓ Original documents (I-20, passport, admission letter, transcripts) — HAND LUGGAGE
✓ Prescription medications (3-6 month supply)
✓ Glasses/contacts (expensive in USA)
✓ Formal clothes (interviews, presentations)
✓ Winter jacket (if going to cold city)
✓ Pakistani spices, tea (within limits!)
✓ Photos from home (reduce homesickness)

DON’T BRING:
✗ Too many clothes (you’ll buy in USA)
✗ Heavy books (buy/rent in USA)
✗ Large electronics (buy in USA, voltage different)

Money:
– Carry: USD 3,000-5,000 cash (for first month)
– Rest: Wire transfer after opening US bank account

Pre-Departure Checklist (We Provide):
✓ 50+ items covering everything
✓ Accommodation arranged
✓ Health insurance activated
✓ Documents organized
✓ Bank account plan (which bank to open)
✓ Phone plan research (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon)
✓ Winter clothes (if needed)
✓ Gifts for future roommates (Pakistani snacks!)

First Week Guide:
Day 1-2:
– Arrive, get to accommodation
– Rest, adjust to timezone

Day 3-5:
– Attend international student orientation (MANDATORY)
– Open US bank account (bring I-20, passport, proof of address)
– Get US phone number (T-Mobile, AT&T — student plans available)
– Explore campus

Day 6-7:
– Buy essentials (Target, Walmart for bedding, kitchen items)
– Get groceries
– Locate: Nearest halal store, mosque, Pakistani restaurant

Week 2:
– Register for classes
– Apply for Social Security Number (if working on-campus)
– Join MSA (Muslim Student Association)
– Join Pakistan Student Association
– Attend club fairs (find Pakistani students!)

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STEP 5C: Post-Arrival Support

We Provide (First 3 Months):
– WhatsApp support (Mon-Sat, business hours Pakistan time)
– Answer questions:
– “Which bank should I choose?”
– “How do I apply for SSN?”
– “Where can I find halal meat?”
– “I’m feeling homesick, what do I do?”

– Connect you with our alumni in your city:
– NYC: 8+ alumni
– Chicago: 5+ alumni
– Bay Area: 10+ alumni
– Boston: 6+ alumni
– They help with settling in, local tips

What We DON’T Provide:
– 24/7 support (emergency = call university security or 911)
– Job placement (we guide job search, you apply)
– Ongoing counseling after 3 months

Deliverable:
– Comprehensive pre-departure checklist
– First month survival guide
– Contact list (alumni, emergency numbers)
– 3 months WhatsApp support