The USA is home to some 150 QS-ranking universities well-known for cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse educational programs with the most affordable fees. The United States is a vast 50-state country offering countless academic opportunities for students. Leaning in the US as a Canadian becomes more straightforward when focusing on your budget, ideal location, financial aid opportunities, and proximity to family and friends. With a world-class education and top-renowned universities, the United States of America is the world's top study destination. The US education system caters to comprehensive, skillful, and advanced learning. The USA is also ranked no. 1 for the education system that it provides.
Canadian citizens who plan to study in the US do not need a visa, but they must register with SEVIS and obtain an I-20 certificate from the US school they plan to attend.
The US offers an unstoppable mix of world-class education, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. Studying in the US as a Canadian is more than earning a degree. It’s about welcoming new experiences, developing your skill set, and creating a foundation for a bright future.
Here are some of the reasons to study in USA:
Canadian citizens do not need visas to study or participate in an exchange program in the US. However, Canadian students must obtain an I-20 (or DS-2019) Certificate of Eligibility from the universities, schools, or exchange programs they plan to attend.
International students entering the United States must apply for the visa type that corresponds to their program of study. Each visa category has distinct eligibility requirements, permitted activities, and work conditions. Understanding these differences helps applicants choose the correct pathway and prepare for long-term academic and career goals.
F-1 Visa (Academic)
The F-1 visa is issued for full-time academic study at SEVP-approved institutions, including universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programs. It permits on-campus employment and, with authorization, off-campus opportunities such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
The J-1 visa applies to students engaged in exchange programs, research placements, or internships. It requires an approved sponsor and comes with a federal mandate for health insurance coverage. Work opportunities are tied to the program and subject to sponsor approval.
M-1 Visa (Vocational)
The M-1 visa is designed for students in vocational or technical training programs. Unlike the F-1 visa, work opportunities are restricted and governed by strict conditions. It is suitable for short-term, skills-based courses at recognized institutions.
Pathway and International Programs
Some students enter the U.S. through pathway or international programs, which combine academic courses with English language instruction or provide conditional admission. These programs are typically issued under an F-1 visa and, in some exchange contexts, may use a J-1 visa.
Below are the lists of top universities in the USA for Canadians:
| University | International Students Acceptance Rate |
| New York University | 12.80% |
| North-eastern University | 20.50% |
| Columbia University | 3.67% |
| University of Southern California | 12% |
| Arizona State University | 88.40% |
| University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | 63% |
| University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 38% |
| Boston University | 20% |
| Purdue University | 67.20% |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 9% |
An applicant must fulfill the eligibility criteria to apply for a US student visa:
To apply for a US student visa, an applicant must provide the required documentation:
A Canadian citizen or a Temporary resident does not require a US student visa. Instead, they need an eligibility form to prove they can stay in the US. Below are the steps to study in the US from Canada:
Step 1: Secure your I-20 or DS-2019 form
Step 2: Fill out the application form correctly
Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fees
Step 4: Sort out the required documents
Step 5: Request a visa status at the port
Applying for a U.S. student visa involves several important stages, from selecting an institution to preparing for travel. While the exact timeline varies depending on the applicant’s country, intake season, and personal circumstances, the following outline provides a general guide to the process and expected durations. Proper preparation and accurate documentation help ensure a smoother application experience.
Step-by-Step Timeline
| Step | Typical Duration | Key Action | Tip |
| Choose a program | 1–3 weeks | Research and shortlist SEVP-certified schools; confirm funding availability | Select reputable providers that align with your academic and career goals |
| Obtain I-20 or DS-2019 | 2–8 weeks | Secure admission and receive the official form (I-20 for F/M visas or DS-2019 for J visas) | Keep financial and academic records consistent and ready for review |
| Complete DS-160 | ~1 week | Fill out the online application form, upload required details, and pay the visa fee | Double-check that all details match your I-20/DS-2019 exactly |
| Interview & Biometrics | 1–3 weeks | Schedule and attend the consular interview, including biometrics as required | Bring original documents, remain clear and concise in responses |
| Decision & Travel | 1–2 weeks post-approval | Book flights, arrange housing, and secure health insurance | Carry all visa documents, financial proofs, and I-20/DS-2019 when entering the U.S. |
Health insurance is an important part of studying in the United States. While requirements vary depending on the visa category, nearly all students must arrange adequate coverage before beginning their studies. Many universities also enforce their own insurance policies to ensure students have access to quality healthcare during their academic program.
F-1 and M-1 Students
J-1 Students
For a US student visa (F-1) from Canada, applicants need to pay an application fee (DS-160) and a $350 SEVIS fee, for a total cost of approximately $535.
As a Canadian citizen, you don't apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy; instead, you request F-1 status at the port of entry, which can take a few days to a few weeks to process.
As a Canadian student studying in the US, an applicant can work in the US via two programs:
Every International student studying in the US wants to work in the US with a Post-study work visa. The post-study work visa is an essential factor for students who are pursuing higher education in the USA. Canadian citizens can work off-campus for Optional Practical Training (OPT). An F1 visa status holder can only apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits International students to stay and work in the USA for 12 months in their field-related degree. STEM graduates can extend their Post-study work visa to 36 months
There are two types of Optional Practical Training (OPT):
Note: It's mandated that the job you get after graduating is related to your field of study. The period that international students get to find a job after graduation is 90 days.
Eligibility Requirements for Optional Practical Training (OPT )
Degrees that are available for Few STEM-Related Degrees Valid for an OPT Extension
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables a US employer to hire skilled professionals in specialty occupations that require a bachelor's degree or higher. For Canadians seeking post-study work opportunities in the US, the H-1B visa is the pathway for temporary employment in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
To apply for an H-1B visa, an applicant must fulfill the eligibility requirements for both employer and employee:
For Employer
For Employee
The NAFTA (Now USMCA) TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in the US in specific professional roles. A Trade NAFTA (TN) visa is required to work in the US for a pre-arranged job. It demonstrates the qualifications for the Profession with extensions possible as long as temporary status is maintained.
Eligibility requirements to apply for NAFTA
Living expenses in the United States vary widely depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. Major metropolitan areas generally have higher costs, while mid-sized or regional cities may offer more affordable options. International students should budget carefully to cover housing, food, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses in addition to tuition.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses by City
| City | Estimated Monthly Range |
| New York City | $2,500–3,800+ |
| Boston | $2,200–3,200 |
| Los Angeles | $2,000–2,800 |
| Austin | $1,600–2,300 |
Additional Costs to Consider
The U.S. student visa framework is evolving to balance academic opportunity with compliance and integrity. International students should stay updated on recent changes that affect visa eligibility, financial requirements, work rights, and application procedures. The following key updates are particularly relevant for F-1, J-1, and M-1 visa applicants.
Expanded Social Media Screening
Shift to Fixed-Term Visas
Increased OPT (Optional Practical Training) Oversight
Y-Axis is the world's No. 1 visa and overseas immigration consultancy, providing unbiased and personalized immigration consultancy for over 25 years. Our team of visa and immigration experts is here to assist you with everything and help you make an informed decision before you embark on a journey of studying in US. Our impeccable services include:
Studying in the USA offers numerous benefits, such as:
An International student can stay in the US and have a 60-day grace period after graduating from the US student.
Canadian citizens can study in the US without a visa, but they need a Form I-20 or DS 2019 certificate from their university. They must present it along with other documentation.
For International students applying for US universities, English language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, is required, though this is waived for Canadians as it is an English-speaking province.
Canadians do not need a student visa to study in the US; they need a visa status and the confirmed Form I-29, which is valid for five years.
Yes, you can visit Canada while studying in the US if you have the necessary documentation, such as:
For US study permit (F and M visas), the processing fee of the visa is $350, and the SEVIS fee is $160 of visa application fee whereas J-visa applicants pay a SEVIS fee of $220 and $160 for visa application
A post-study work visa, also known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows international students to work in the USA for a limited time after completing their studies and gaining practical experience.
For Canadians, studying in the USA costs between $20,000 and $60,000 per year, including tuition and living expenses, with costs varying based on the type of institution and program.
Yes, Canadian citizens can study in the USA. They do not need visas to study or participate in an exchange program in the US, but they need to obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) from the university to attend programs in the institution.
