Douglas Olsen
International students can become US citizens, but the process is long and complex. Students typically start with an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that does not allow the holder to become a permanent resident. After graduating, the next step is usually to obtain an H1-B visa, which is a temporary employment visa for specialty jobs requiring a bachelor's degree. Students cannot apply for this visa themselves; instead, they must find an employer who will petition and apply for the visa on their behalf. Once the H1-B visa expires, the next step is to apply for a green card, which confers permanent residency. After obtaining permanent residency, the final step is to apply for US citizenship, which has several requirements, including demonstrating proficiency in English and knowledge of US history, government, and the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Path to US citizenship for international students | F-1 visa, OPT status, H-1B visa, Green Card, Permanent Residency |
| F-1 Visa | Non-immigrant visa with a temporary stay in the US and intent to return abroad after the visa ends |
| OPT Status | Allows international students to live in the US for one extra year of training after they complete their studies |
| H-1B Visa | Non-immigrant visa for temporary employment in specialty jobs requiring a bachelor's degree; valid for 3 years with an option to extend for another 3 years; capped at 65,000 visas per year with an additional 20,000 for advanced degrees |
| Green Card | Required for US citizenship; can be obtained through employer or relative sponsorship, the diversity visa lottery, or after the H-1B visa expires |
| Permanent Residency | Required for US citizenship; can be obtained after holding a Green Card |
| English Proficiency | Required for US citizenship applicants, with certain exceptions based on age, medical condition, etc. |
| Citizenship Test | Required for US citizenship applicants, covering US history, form of government, and the Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 student visas and the path to citizenship
International students on an F-1 visa enter the United States as full-time students at an accredited academic institution or language training program. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, a student must be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, and they must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. F-1 visa holders must also maintain a residence abroad and have the intention to return there after their visa ends.
F-1 visa holders are classified as nonimmigrants, meaning they have no direct path to citizenship, but this does not mean there is no possibility of obtaining citizenship. One way to transition from student status to permanent residency is to find employment with a US-based company that will petition for an H1-B visa on your behalf. The H1-B visa is a nonimmigrant classification for temporary employment in specialty jobs that require a bachelor's degree. It lasts for three years, with an option to extend for another three years. This step can be challenging, as H1-B visas are capped at 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 for advanced degrees.
Towards the end of the maximum six years on an H1-B visa, your employer will need to apply for a green card (permanent residency) through an H1-B visa petition. Once you have obtained permanent residency, you are well on your way to becoming a US citizen. To apply for citizenship, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including demonstrating proficiency in English and knowledge of US history, government, and the Constitution.
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H1-B visas and permanent residency
International students on an F1 visa are granted a temporary stay in the US with the intent to return to their home country after their visa ends. However, an H1-B visa is considered "dual intent", meaning holders can have legal immigration plans to obtain a Green Card and permanent residency in the future.
H1-B visas are for jobs that require a bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent experience, and the "theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge". The duration of stay for an H1-B visa holder is typically six years, after which they must spend a year outside the US before reapplying, unless they qualify for an extension. There are several ways to extend an H1-B visa beyond six years, including:
- If at least 365 days have passed since a permanent labour certification was filed on behalf of the visa holder.
- If the visa holder is eligible to be granted immigrant status but cannot due to limitations on immigrant visas.
- If the visa holder is the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition.
Extensions are granted in one-year increments until a final decision is made to revoke approval of the immigrant visa petition or approve or deny the application for an immigrant visa or application to adjust status to lawful permanent residence.
The H1-B visa is capped at 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 visas for applicants with a master's or doctorate degree from a US graduate school. H1-B visa holders can bring their spouse and children under 21 to the US as dependents under the H4 visa category. Certain H4 dependent spouses can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
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Green card requirements
International students on F-1 visas often rely on Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience after graduation. However, green card holders can directly seek employment without the need for OPT. They can apply for a wider range of internships and jobs that require US work authorization, including positions within government agencies that are typically off-limits to international students.
Green card holders are considered permanent residents of the country where they hold the green card and have the right to reside and work indefinitely. They are generally considered domestic students and are eligible for federal financial aid when pursuing higher education.
To obtain a green card, you must be eligible under one of the categories listed by USCIS. While there is no direct path for international students towards citizenship, one possible route is to transition from an F1 visa to an H1-B visa. The H1-B is a nonimmigrant visa that allows for temporary employment in specialty jobs requiring a bachelor's degree. It is considered dual intent, meaning holders can have legal immigration plans to obtain a Green Card in the future.
Towards the end of the maximum 6 years on an H1-B visa, your employer will need to apply for a green card through an H1-B visa petition on your behalf. However, it is important to note that H1-B visas are capped at 65,000 each year, with an additional 20,000 for advanced degrees, and the process of obtaining a green card is long and complex.
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English language proficiency tests
International students on the pathway to US citizenship are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This is done through a naturalization test, which is made up of two components: an English language proficiency test and a civics test. The English language proficiency test assesses an applicant's ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
The English language proficiency test is not a test of specific grammatical concepts in English. Instead, it is a test to determine whether an applicant has the basic skills to communicate. Applicants do not need to speak and write perfect English, as many Americans speak using incorrect grammar and have foreign accents. The goal for applicants should be to improve their level of English and go to the test prepared to speak and write as best they can.
During the English language proficiency test, applicants must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate their ability to read in English. The content focuses on civics and history topics, and a Reading Test Vocabulary List is provided to help applicants study. Similarly, applicants must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate their ability to write in English. Again, the content focuses on civics and history topics, and a Writing Test Vocabulary List is provided to aid applicants in their preparation.
In addition to the written components, applicants' ability to speak and understand English will be determined during their eligibility interview. This is done to ensure that applicants have the basic skills to communicate in English, which is the language used by most people in the United States. Although there is no official language of the country, a basic knowledge of English is required to become a citizen.
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Citizenship tests
International students can become US citizens, but the process is long and complex. One way to do this is to transition from a student visa to permanent residency, and then to citizenship.
The Citizenship Test
The USCIS website contains information about the citizenship test, along with study guides and tools to help prepare for the test. The test is made up of two components: an English test and a civics test.
English Test
During the English test, applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. To demonstrate the ability to speak and understand English, a USCIS officer will conduct an eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. To demonstrate reading ability, applicants must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly. To demonstrate writing ability, applicants must write one out of three sentences correctly. The sentences will focus on civics and history topics.
Civics Test
During the civics test, applicants will answer important questions about American government, history, and the Constitution. The 2008 version of the civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS officer will ask up to 10 questions from a list of 100 civics test questions.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can start with an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa.
After the F-1 visa expires, students can shift to an H1-B visa. This is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary employment in specialty jobs that require a bachelor's degree.
Students must find an employer who will petition and apply for the H1-B visa for them. The H1-B visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years.
After the H1-B visa expires, students can apply for a Green Card, which is permanent residency. After gaining permanent residency, students can apply for US citizenship.
