Understanding Citizenship And Its Impact On International Student Status

The definition of an international student varies across colleges. However, the USC defines an international student as anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Therefore, if you are a US citizen with dual citizenship in another country, you are not considered an international student. However, if you are a US citizen living abroad and applying to US colleges, you are not considered an international student, but you will have to complete your application as an American. If you are a non-US citizen with dual citizenship in another country and applying to US colleges, you are considered an international student.

If you have dual citizenship

When it comes to education, dual citizenship can offer several advantages. It can provide access to a wider range of educational institutions and programs, including specialized degrees and prestigious colleges. For example, if you have dual citizenship in the United States, you can enrol in top business schools as a local student, benefiting from lower tuition fees and access to scholarships and financial aid that may not be available to international students. This can result in significant savings, as international students often face higher tuition fees.

Additionally, dual citizenship can enhance your cultural and linguistic immersion, providing a deeper understanding of global perspectives and improving your language skills. This intercultural competence is highly valued in the global job market and can set you apart when applying for international positions.

It's worth noting that the classification of "international student" can vary depending on the university and country. Some universities, like MIT, allow students with non-US dual citizenship to select their preferred country during the application process, as their applications will be considered international. However, in the US, the determining factor for some is where you attended high school. If you graduated from a high school outside the US, you may be considered an international student, regardless of your citizenship. Therefore, it's always advisable to check with the specific university or country's guidelines to understand how they define "international student" in relation to dual citizenship.

If you have a US passport

If you are a US citizen, you are not an international student. International students are defined as "non-immigrant visitors" who come to the United States temporarily to take classes or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. A non-immigrant is someone who intends to stay in the US temporarily, does not have US citizenship or legal permanent resident status, is currently in the US on a non-immigrant visa status without a valid green card, or applies for a visa to be allowed entry into the US.

US citizens do not need a visa to study in the US, and therefore do not fall under the category of "international student". US citizens have the right to live and study in the country, and are not subject to the same visa requirements as international students.

There are two main types of visas for international students wishing to study in the United States: the F visa and the M visa. The F visa can be further categorized into the F-1 visa and the F-1 OPT visa. The F-1 visa is for students enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program, while the F-1 OPT visa allows international students to work in the US after graduation. The M visa, on the other hand, is for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational programs.

The process of obtaining US citizenship for international students usually starts with an F-1 visa and can evolve from there. After completing their studies, students can apply for an H1-B visa, which is a way for the US to retain highly skilled international workers. The H1-B visa is typically valid for three years, with an option to extend for an additional three years. During this time, students can work and gain experience in their field, which can help them apply for a Green Card and eventually obtain US citizenship.

If you're a permanent resident

If you are a permanent resident of a country, you are not considered an international student. The term "international student" is used to describe someone who is a "non-immigrant" and does not have citizenship or permanent resident status in that country.

In the United States, for example, a permanent resident is someone who has a "green card," which serves as proof of their permanent residency status. If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US and provide a copy of your green card to the relevant authority at your university, you will be considered a domestic student and charged in-state tuition fees. However, if you fail to submit this proof of permanent residency, you will be classified as an international student and charged the higher international student tuition rates.

The same logic applies to other countries. If you have permanent residency in a country, you are not considered an international student from an admissions perspective. However, if you are applying to a university in your country of permanent residency but have completed your high school or undergraduate education in another country, you may still be considered an international student for admissions purposes. This classification is based on the curriculum and standards of education you have been exposed to, rather than your residency status.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and definitions of an international student may vary slightly between countries and universities. Therefore, it is always advisable to review the specific guidelines provided by the institution to which you are applying.

If you're a US citizen living abroad

If you are a US citizen living abroad and applying to US colleges, you are not considered an international student. You are a US citizen even if you hold a US passport and live abroad. Therefore, you are not an international student and will have to complete your application as a domestic student. International students are defined as "non-immigrant" visitors who come to the United States temporarily to take classes or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. A non-immigrant is someone who intends to stay in the US temporarily and maintains a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.

If you are a US citizen living abroad and want to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States: the F-1 Visa (Academic Student) and the M-1 Visa (Vocational Student). The F-1 Visa allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment.

The M-1 Visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. It's important to note that visa requirements and policies may change over time, so be sure to consult official government sources or seek advice from an educational institution for the most up-to-date information.

As a US citizen living abroad, you may also be eligible for financial aid or scholarships when applying to US colleges. International students, on the other hand, typically face greater difficulty in obtaining financial aid and scholarships and cannot qualify for US federal or state grants.

If you're on a non-immigrant visa

If you are on a non-immigrant visa, you are considered an international student. Non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States include the F and M visas. The F-1 visa allows a student to temporarily live in the US while studying. This visa is for students enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. To be eligible, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at an institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement. You must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.

The M-1 visa, on the other hand, is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. F-1 visa holders may accept on-campus employment during their first academic year, while M-1 visa holders may engage in practical training only after completing their studies. Both F-1 and M-1 visa holders must ensure that any off-campus training or employment is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official.

It is important to note that the F-1 visa has specific rules and restrictions. For example, F-1 visa holders can only work off-campus under certain conditions, such as through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). Additionally, this visa does not provide a direct path to citizenship, and holders must intend to return abroad after their visa ends. However, after completing their degree, some international students may transition to working in the US and pursue an employment-based path to citizenship.

While on a non-immigrant visa, it is crucial to comply with the terms and conditions of your visa status, including maintaining full-time student status and adhering to any employment restrictions. Failure to do so could result in negative consequences for your visa status and future immigration prospects.

Frequently asked questions