Before you start your studies in the USA, you need to plan for several important costs that happen before you even reach your university. These are called pre-departure expenses to study in the USA, and they include everything from your visa fees and flight tickets to health insurance and foreign exchange. Many students focus only on tuition and living costs, but forgetting about pre-departure expenses can cause last-minute problems. In this blog, we will explain what these costs are, how much you may need, and smart tips to help you save money. This guide will help you prepare better and avoid surprises before your journey begins.
This Blog Includes:
- What Are Pre-Departure Expenses to Study in the USA?
- Pre-Departure Expenses Checklist for the USA
- Passport and Valid Student Visa
- Form I-20 and SEVIS Fee Receipt
- University Offer Letter and Admission Proof
- Academic Transcripts and English Test Scores
- Proof of Funds and Financial Documents
- Health Insurance and Medical Prescriptions
- Flight Tickets and Travel Plans
- Proof of Accommodation in the USA
- Forex Card and Local Currency
- Emergency Contacts and Travel Insurance
- Estimated Pre-Departure Costs for USA-Bound Students
- Total Budget and Tips to Save on Pre-Departure Costs
- FAQs
What Are Pre-Departure Expenses to Study in the USA?
Pre-departure expenses are the costs students need to pay before they leave for the USA. These are not part of your tuition or regular living expenses. Instead, they help you get ready to move and settle into a new country.
You must pay most of these expenses upfront. That means you need to plan your budget early. If you don’t, you might struggle later with money or miss deadlines. These are one-time costs, but they are important because they affect your entry, travel, and comfort in the first few weeks of living in the USA.
Also Read: A Guide to Study in America for Free
Pre-Departure Expenses Checklist for the USA
Before you leave for your studies in the USA, you need to prepare and pay for certain important things. They help you complete your admission, visa, and travel requirements. Here is a detailed checklist of all the key items that require payment before you fly.
Passport and Valid Student Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USA. After you receive your university’s Form I-20, you must apply for the F-1 student visa. This includes paying the visa application fee and attending a visa interview.
Cost Estimate:
- Passport (new/renewal in India): INR 1,500 – INR 3,500
- F-1 Visa Application Fee: USD 185 (Approx. INR 15,400)
Form I-20 and SEVIS Fee Receipt
The Form I-20 is your official admission confirmation from a U.S. university. After getting this form, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is mandatory before you attend your visa interview.
Cost Estimate:
- SEVIS Fee: USD 350 (Approx. INR 29,200)
University Offer Letter and Admission Proof
After receiving your offer letter, many universities ask for a program deposit. This is a one-time payment to confirm your admission. It is usually non-refundable and counts toward your tuition.
Cost Estimate:
- Program deposit: USD 500–2,000
Academic Transcripts and English Test Scores
You must carry your final transcripts, mark sheets, and English language test scores like IELTS or TOEFL. Some universities may also require credential evaluations. Printing, notarizing, or mailing these documents can cost money.
Cost Estimate:
- IELTS: INR 16,250
- TOEFL: INR 16,500
- Document mailing: INR 500–INR 2,000
Proof of Funds and Financial Documents
You must show that you can pay for your education and living costs. This includes bank statements, loan sanction letters, or scholarship letters. Some documents may need to be notarized or translated.
Cost Estimate:
- Bank statement printing: INR 200–INR 500
- Notarization or translation: INR 1,000–INR 3,000
Health Insurance and Medical Prescriptions
Most U.S. universities require you to have health insurance. You may also need to carry medical prescriptions and a 30-day supply of any medicine you take regularly.
Cost Estimate:
- Health Insurance (yearly): USD 500–1,200
- Medical checkups and medication: INR 2,000–INR 10,000
Flight Tickets and Travel Plans
Airfare is one of the biggest pre-departure costs. The price depends on your city, the airline, and how early you book. Students usually book their flights one to two months before classes start.
Cost Estimate:
- One-way flight to the USA: INR 60,000 – INR 1,20,000
Proof of Accommodation in the USA
You must arrange a place to stay after you arrive. This can be a hostel, dorm, or apartment. Some universities ask for a housing deposit, and off-campus places may require first-month rent in advance.
Cost Estimate:
- Housing deposit or rent advance: USD 500–1,500
Forex Card and Local Currency
You will need U.S. dollars to spend after you land. A forex card or international debit card is safer than cash. You should also carry a small amount of cash for food or transport.
Cost Estimate:
- Forex card with balance: INR 20,000–INR 50,000
- Currency exchange fees may apply
Emergency Contacts and Travel Insurance
Keep a list of important contact numbers such as family, university officials, and your country’s embassy in the USA. Travel insurance is also useful for medical help, lost baggage, or flight delays.
Cost Estimate :
- Travel insurance: INR 1,000–INR 5,000
Also Read: Cost of Living in the USA: Updated Prices, Comparison with Its Cities
Do you want to know how an Indian student lives and studies in the USA? Then make sure you click this link here:
Estimated Pre-Departure Costs for USA-Bound Students
Here is the estimated cost range for each major pre-departure item in 2025.
Expense Type | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Passport (new or renewal) | INR 1,500 – INR 3,500 | USD 18 – USD 42 |
F-1 Student Visa Application Fee | INR 15,400 | USD 185 |
SEVIS I-901 Fee | INR 29,200 | USD 350 |
University Admission Deposit | INR 41,000 – INR 1,64,000 | USD 500 – USD 2,000 |
IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo Test Fee | INR 16,250 – INR 16,500 | USD 200 |
Academic Document Mailing / Evaluation | INR 500 – INR 2,000 | USD 6 – USD 24 |
Financial Documentation & Notary | INR 1,000 – INR 3,000 | USD 12 – USD 36 |
Health Insurance (Annual) | INR 41,000 – INR 98,000 | USD 500 – USD 1,200 |
Medical Checkups & Prescriptions | INR 2,000 – INR 10,000 | USD 24 – USD 120 |
One-way Flight Ticket | INR 60,000 – INR 1,20,000 | USD 720 – USD 1,440 |
Housing Deposit / Initial Rent | INR 41,000 – INR 1,23,000 | USD 500 – USD 1,500 |
Forex Card / Local Currency | INR 20,000 – INR 50,000 | USD 240 – USD 600 |
Travel Insurance | INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 | USD 12 – USD 60 |
Total Estimated Range
- INR: INR 2,90,000 – INR 6,75,000
- USD: USD 3,500 – USD 8,100
Note: These numbers may vary based on your city, university, and travel choices. It’s always better to keep some extra money for emergencies or unexpected delays.
Also Read: Cheap Universities in USA: Courses, Scholarships, and Cost of Living
Total Budget and Tips to Save on Pre-Departure Costs
If you are planning to study in the USA, you should prepare to spend between INR 2.9 lakhs and INR 6.75 lakhs (or USD 3,500 to USD 8,100) before you even start your classes. This includes all one-time expenses like your visa, flight, health insurance, and admission deposit.
The total budget depends on:
- Which university you are attending
- When you book your flight
- What city you are flying from
- How much your health insurance costs
- Whether you hire an agent or apply by yourself
To avoid last-minute stress, students should keep extra funds ready. Having a buffer of INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 is helpful for emergencies.
Tips to Save on Pre-Departure Costs
You can reduce many of these expenses by planning early and being smart about your choices. Here are some useful tips to help you save money:
1. Book your flight early
Airfares go up the longer you wait. Try to book at least 2 months in advance.
2. Apply for scholarships or fee waivers
Some universities allow students to delay or reduce their deposit if they show proof of financial need. Always ask.
3. Choose IELTS or TOEFL based on your university’s requirement
Don’t take multiple tests unless needed. One test is enough if it meets all university requirements.
4. Compare health insurance options
University plans are often expensive. You can check if approved private insurance is cheaper and still accepted.
5. Avoid agents if possible
If you’re confident, apply on your own to save on counsellor or agency fees.
6. Get your forex card from a bank, not the airport
Airports charge higher exchange rates. Go with banks that offer student forex cards.
7. Carry basic medicines from home
Buying branded medication in the US can be expensive. Carry enough from home with a doctor’s prescription.
8. Use digital copies instead of mailing documents
Unless required, send scanned documents through email or upload them directly to the university portal.
FAQs
Ans: To study in the USA, you usually need around INR 25–45 lakhs for your entire course, depending on the university, course, and location. This includes tuition, living expenses, and pre-departure costs.
Ans: Studying in the USA with just INR 10 lakhs is very difficult unless you receive a full scholarship or financial aid. Most students spend at least INR 10–15 lakhs per year, including tuition and living costs.
Ans: Indian students in the USA usually spend around USD 1,200 to USD 2,000 per month. This includes rent, food, transport, phone, and basic personal expenses. The cost may be lower in smaller cities.
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This was a complete guide to the pre-departure expenses to study in the USA. For more helpful resources on studying abroad, costs, scholarships, and visa tips, visit Leverage Edu and stay fully prepared for your journey.