Are you a non-U.S. student looking to become an official green card holder in the USA? Getting a green card is one of the most important steps. It lets you live as well as work in the United States without the worry of leaving one day. A green card makes you a permanent resident, giving you many of the same rights as a U.S. citizen, but not all. Each year, the US government gives the opportunity of green card for students.

There are many green card benefits for students. Through the U.S. EB-5 visa program, international students (like those on F1 student visas) can have more opportunities to attend the college or university they want. It also gives students and their families financial and other advantages of green card during and after their studies in the USA. If you are interested to learn more, please keep reading below.

Who can Apply for International Students Green Card in the USA?

Green card holders, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), have many benefits that international students with temporary visas do not. Let’s discuss in detail about who can enjoy the benefits of a green card in US below:

Employment-based immigration

People with advanced degrees, special skills, or exceptional abilities can get green card advantages through a job. Employers can sponsor workers if there are not enough qualified U.S. workers for certain jobs.

Family-based immigration

You can apply for a green card for international students if you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This includes parents, children, spouses, and siblings.

Diversity Visa Lottery

 This program, also called the Green Card Lottery, randomly selects people from countries with low immigration to the U.S. Winners can get green card holder benefits.

Refugees & asylees

People granted refugee or asylum status in the USA can apply for a green card after living in the country for one year, as long as they meet certain requirements and pass background checks.

Green Card Benefits for Students

Here are some of the benefits of green card in USA for international students:

Scholarships for Green Card Holders

Green card holders can apply for federal financial aid, which includes grants, scholarship for green card holders, and low-interest loans. This is more than what international students can get because they are not eligible for most US government help.

By applying for scholarships, students can lower their school costs. To apply for federal loans, green card holders need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also called FAFSA for green card holders.

Study Opportunities

Green card holders can easily apply to any US school, including public and private colleges, universities, as well as vocational programs. They don’t face the same visa limits or restrictions as international students.

Many US colleges have limited spots for international students. Green card holders are treated as local students and it improves their chances of being accepted in competitive programs.

Work Permit

One of the best advantages of having a green card is that green card holders can work freely in the U.S. without restrictions. They can work part-time or full-time, including off-campus jobs, and get experience in their field through paid internships or summer jobs.

This work experience can help them get a job after graduation. For example, many law firms hire interns who have worked with them in previous summers, but they prioritize U.S. residents and citizens for these positions.

Lower Tuition Fee

International students in the US pay much higher tuition than US residents. For example, in 2022, students at UCLA paid around $43,022 a year, while US residents paid only $13,268. This means a green card holder can save about $30,000 each year.

Over five years, a student could save up to $150,000. This is especially helpful for families with multiple children going to school in the U.S. Getting a U.S. Green Card through the EB-5 visa allows students to pay lower, domestic tuition rates.

Travel Flexibility & Other Advantages

Green card student can travel in and out of the U.S. easily without needing extra visas or entry permits. This flexibility is especially useful for students who want to visit their home country during breaks or explore other countries without worrying about visa issues.

Moreover, green card holders can access various benefits available to U.S. residents, such as healthcare programs, social security benefits, and legal protections, making their life in the U.S. more secure and comfortable.

Job Opportunities

Having a green card as an international student can improve your career in the U.S. Employers see green card holders as permanent residents, which improves job chances, salary offers, and long-term career growth.

Also, international students on F-1 visas have limits on how much they can work, so they often miss out on important internships or job opportunities, which green card holders can take advantage of.

Conclusion

A green card is also called a Permanent Resident Card that lets people from other countries live and work in the US permanently. It is given by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and shows that a person is a lawful permanent resident. There are many green card benefits for students. Green card holders can study in the U.S. without needing a student visa, which saves them from the hassle of applying for and renewing visas. This makes it easier for them to stay and focus on their education without worrying about visa issues.

FAQs

Can green card holders get student loans?

Green card holders can apply for federal student loans as well as financial aid to help pay for their education in the US. This can make it easier to afford tuition costs.

How can an international student get a green card?

International students can apply for a green card through several ways, such as getting sponsorship from an employer, marrying a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, etc.

Can international students apply for green card?

Yes, international students can apply for a green card to become permanent residents in the United States. There are different ways to apply for it.

Can f1 student apply for green card?

F-1 students can apply for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, employment with a sponsoring employer, or by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs.