Savanna Hoffman
International students face an increasingly challenging path to obtaining a US green card, which offers greater rights and privileges than a non-immigrant visa. While President Trump has proposed offering green cards to international students who graduate from American schools, the number of students this would affect is unclear, and the proposal has sparked doubt. The process of gaining a green card can be confusing and frustrating, and students must navigate a complex web of visa types and requirements, including maintaining their student status by not leaving the US for more than five months at a time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in the US | 1.1 million |
| Countries with the most international students in the US | China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan |
| Number of international students at the University of Illinois | 11,000+ |
| Number of international students at Parkland College | 300+ |
| Visa type required for international students to get a green card | F-1 |
| Visa type required for international students to get a job after graduation | H-1B |
| Time limit for international students to stay outside the US | 5 months |
| Time required with an H-1B visa to be eligible for a green card | 6 years |
| Types of green cards | EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 |
| EB-1 categories | EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C |
| EB-1A criteria met by providing evidence of | Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards, membership in associations that require outstanding achievements |
| EB-1A criteria met by providing documentation of | Authorship of scholarly books or articles published in internationally recognized academic journals |
| EB-1A criteria that does not require employer sponsorship | Filing Form I-140 |
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What You'll Learn
- International students with green cards can access more scholarships and grants
- Trump's proposal to offer green cards to international students
- Graduating is the first step to getting a green card as an international student
- International students can apply for a green card directly with an F-1 visa
- EB-1 green cards are for individuals with extraordinary abilities
International students with green cards can access more scholarships and grants
International students with green cards can indeed access more scholarships and grants. A green card allows international students to access federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and 0% loans, to help finance their education. They can also apply for state-based scholarships and grants. This is in addition to the freedom to work and travel to and from the United States without worrying about their visa status.
However, it is important to note that the eligibility criteria for scholarships and grants may vary depending on factors such as income, residency status, and academic performance. To be eligible for federal financial aid, green card holders must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
There are numerous scholarships and grants available for international and first-generation American students, such as the Alfred Hugo Radke and Gerda Else Radke Scholarship for students pursuing an education at Averett University. The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship is another example, awarded to juniors or seniors attending a VSGC member institution and studying in a STEM program.
In addition to scholarships and grants, green card holders can also take advantage of Pell Grants, which are need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid, and Federal Student Loans, which offer lower interest rates and better repayment options than private loans.
While the exact number of international students who obtain green cards is unclear, there are over 1.1 million international students in the United States, and the ability to access more scholarships and grants through a green card can be a significant advantage for those pursuing higher education in the country.
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Trump's proposal to offer green cards to international students
While campaigning for re-election in 2024, President-elect Donald Trump proposed offering green cards to international students who graduate from American colleges. This was a shift from his previously hostile stance on immigration. Trump's proposal was likely motivated by the potential economic benefits of retaining international graduates in the US, who often struggle to find work due to visa sponsorship barriers.
Trump's proposal sparked doubt and skepticism among international students and observers, given the lack of significant immigration reforms during his first term and his administration's increasingly restrictive immigration policies. There are also questions about the feasibility of implementing such a policy, with over 1.1 million international students in the US.
Despite the proposal, Trump's administration has targeted international students through visa restrictions and attempts to prevent their entry into the country. International students have reported feeling harassed at immigration centers and airports, and some have been detained for their participation in social activism, deemed contrary to US national interests and foreign policy.
The path to obtaining a US green card for international students remains challenging. It typically involves maintaining student status, securing employment with an H-1B visa, and relying on strong professional connections to prove one's indispensability in their industry.
While Trump's proposal has given some international students hope, there is also a sense of uncertainty and concern about their status in the US, with many facing difficulties in maintaining their visas and navigating the complex immigration system.
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Graduating is the first step to getting a green card as an international student
Graduating with a degree is the first step to getting a green card as an international student. A US green card allows you to live, work, and travel in the country without worrying about your visa status. However, getting a green card after graduation can be a confusing and frustrating process.
As an international student, your chances of immigrating and getting a green card in the US depend on graduating and getting your degree. This is the first crucial step required to get a job after graduation, especially in a field related to your study programme. Maintaining your student status as an F-1 visa holder is important to keeping your future prospects open. As an F-1 visa holder, you must not leave the US for more than five months at a time, or you may lose your student status.
Once you have graduated, there are several options for transitioning to a green card. Many F-1 visa holders transition through employment-based sponsorship. Your employer will have to start the green card process, which will cost them around $10,000 to $20,000, and you will not have the right to work during this time, typically lasting three to four years. Alternatively, if you hold an H-1B visa, your employer will need to apply for a green card on your behalf after six years.
Another option is to marry a US citizen or green card holder, which may allow you to adjust your status through family sponsorship. However, this is only a valid pathway if the relationship is genuine and follows immigration law.
It is important to note that there is no direct path to a green card as a student, and the process can be challenging. Students hoping to work for a company that will sponsor them or participate in the green card lottery typically have better odds.
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International students can apply for a green card directly with an F-1 visa
International students on an F-1 visa can apply for a green card directly, but there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to maintain your student status as an F-1 visa holder by not leaving the US for more than five months at a time. Losing your student status will require you to apply for readmission with a new Form I-20. Secondly, changing your immigration status from an F-1 visa to a green card can be challenging, and there are various options to explore depending on your background, employment opportunities, and family circumstances.
One option is to transition to a green card through employment-based sponsorship after graduation. Your employer must submit supporting documentation to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including proof of your qualifications and the job offer. However, it is important to note that only certain types of visas, such as EB-2 and EB-3, fall under this category. Additionally, your employer must offer you a full-time, permanent position and file a petition on your behalf.
Another option is to apply for an EB-1 visa, which is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, art, education, business, or athletics. To qualify, you must provide evidence of distinctive awards, original scholarly writing, significant contributions, high honours, or membership in prestigious organizations. The EB-1 visa is unique in that applicants can either self-petition or find an employer willing to sponsor them.
If you are in a position to invest in a US business, you may consider the EB-5 visa, which allows you to obtain a green card by investing in a commercial enterprise in the US and committing to creating or preserving 10 full-time jobs for qualified US workers. The minimum investment amount required to qualify for EB-5 is $800,000.
Lastly, marriage to a US citizen or green card holder can also be a pathway to obtaining a green card. However, it is important to ensure that your relationship is genuine and follows immigration laws. If your marriage is less than two years old when you receive your green card, you will need to prove the authenticity of your relationship to USCIS after a specific period to have the conditions removed.
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EB-1 green cards are for individuals with extraordinary abilities
International students face various challenges in obtaining a US green card, including visa sponsorship and limited immigration reforms. President-elect Trump's proposal to offer green cards to international graduates of American schools has sparked scepticism and uncertainty. With over 1.1 million international students in the US, the feasibility of implementing this policy remains questionable.
One option for international students to obtain a green card is through the EB-1 visa, specifically the EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) category. This option is for individuals with exceptional skills in fields such as science, business, arts, technology, education, or sports. EB-1 visas are employment-based and offer first preference to those with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives or managers.
To qualify for an EB1-A visa, individuals must provide extensive documentation and meet specific criteria. They must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim for their achievements and intend to continue working in their field of acclaim in the United States. Their presence and activities must also benefit the country. This requirement is often the most challenging to fulfil and typically involves demonstrating expertise that places them at the top of their field.
The EB1-A visa application process involves two steps. First, the individual with exceptional abilities submits a petition (Form I-140) as their own sponsor, acting as a self-petitioner. Unlike other visa categories, a job offer from a US employer is not necessary, but the applicant must show they will work in the same professional field in the US. This can be done through letters from potential employers or clients or a personal letter outlining their work plans. Secondly, once the petition is approved, the individual proceeds to apply for a green card. They can either apply for an adjustment of status within the US or obtain an immigrant visa at a US consulate outside the country.
The EB1-A visa offers several advantages, including the absence of waiting lists or labour market tests. It allows individuals to bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the US and does not require a sponsor or prospective employer. However, it is essential to seek legal advice before applying due to the complex nature of the process. Overall, the EB-1 green cards are designed to attract individuals with exceptional abilities, talents, and achievements who can substantially contribute to the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
A US green card grants international students greater rights and privileges in the US than a non-immigrant visa. With a green card, students have the right to live, work, and travel in the country without worrying about their visa status.
It is unclear exactly how many international students obtain a US green card. However, there are over 1.1 million international students in the United States, and a proposal to offer green cards to those who graduate from American schools has sparked doubt.
There are several ways for international students to obtain a US green card, including through family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, or by demonstrating extraordinary abilities in certain fields. Maintaining student status and graduating with a degree are crucial first steps for those seeking to obtain a green card.
Green card holders are eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants, which can reduce the financial stress associated with pursuing advanced degrees. They also have access to a wider range of internships and job opportunities, including government roles, and may qualify for in-state tuition rates, making education more affordable.
