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United States
F-1 student visaThe widest choice of universities anywhere, huge scholarship and assistantship budgets, and Optional Practical Training that runs up to three years for STEM graduates.
Home / Destinations / Americas
F-1 · Study permit
Study in the Americas
The United States and Canada — the largest research funding in the world, and the clearest graduate work routes on the continent.
United States
Canada
3 yrsCanadian post-graduation permit
36 moUS OPT for STEM graduates
20hOn-campus work per week
2–3Intakes per year
What you need
- Bachelors: passport, WASSCE and academic references
- Masters: passport, degree, transcript, CV and two references
- TOEFL, IELTS or PTE — required in almost all cases
- Financial evidence covering the first full year of study
Why this option
- Scholarships and assistantships that reduce fees substantially
- Optional Practical Training and the Canadian PGWP after graduation
- Canada’s study years count towards permanent residency
- Campus jobs and research funding available from year one
Destinations in the Americas
Where we place students
Figures are indicative annual amounts for international students. US and Canadian immigration rules move frequently — we reconfirm every requirement before your file is lodged.
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Canada
Study permitLower fees than the US, excellent post-graduation work rights, and a points-based immigration system that counts Canadian study and work experience directly.
The two processes side by side
What each one actually asks
| Step | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Admission document | I-20 from a SEVP-certified school | Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution |
| Pre-visa payment | SEVIS I-901 fee | Provincial attestation letter and study permit fee |
| Application form | DS-160 online | IRCC online study permit application |
| Financial evidence | One year of tuition plus living costs | Guaranteed Investment Certificate plus tuition |
| Interview | Yes — at the US Embassy in Accra | Usually not — biometrics only |
| English test | TOEFL or IELTS | IELTS Academic, usually 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Work while studying | 20 hours on campus during term | Up to the current off-campus limit set by IRCC |
| After graduation | OPT 12 months, 36 for STEM | PGWP up to 3 years |
Where files go wrong
The interview decides it
The US visa is won or lost in a two-minute conversation at the embassy window. We rehearse it with you until the answers are yours, short and consistent with your paperwork.
01
Why this university, in one sentenceNaming the programme, the faculty and what it leads to. Vague answers read as a cover story.
02
Who pays, and how they earn itYour sponsor’s income has to be traceable and match what the DS-160 and the I-20 say.
03
Ties that make return credibleFamily, property, a job offer or a business at home — stated plainly and evidenced.
04
Answers that match the fileEvery number you say aloud must be the number on the paper. We check them together beforehand.
How it works
Admission, funds, interview
1
Shortlist
We match your grades and budget to SEVP-certified or designated institutions with the intake you need.
2
Admission
Applications, references and statements go out. Offers, then the I-20 or letter of acceptance.
3
Fund & file
SEVIS fee and DS-160, or the GIC and attestation letter, plus the full financial evidence bundle.
4
Interview & fly
Embassy interview or biometrics, decision, then ticketing and pre-departure orientation.
Americas FAQ
Straight answers
How long does a US student visa take?
It depends almost entirely on embassy appointment availability in Accra, which moves through the year. Budget eight to sixteen weeks from application to visa, and start at least three to four months before your intended travel date.
What is the SEVIS fee and the I-20?
The I-20 is the admission document your US university issues once you are accepted and have shown funds. The SEVIS I-901 fee is a US government charge you pay before booking the visa interview. Both are separate from our service fee.
Can I bring my family to Canada?
Sometimes. Canada has tightened spousal open work permits to certain masters, doctoral and professional programmes. We will tell you whether the specific course you are considering still qualifies before you apply.
What is a GIC?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate — money you deposit with a Canadian bank before applying, released back to you in instalments after arrival. It is how many students satisfy the living-cost requirement for a study permit.
Do I need TOEFL specifically for the US?
Not necessarily. Most US universities accept IELTS Academic as readily as TOEFL, and some waive the test for applicants taught in English. We confirm per university rather than assuming.
What happens if my US visa is refused?
We review the refusal ground with you, correct what can be corrected, and advise on whether and when to reapply. Refusals under section 214(b) do not bar a future application.