Once you finish your studies in the USA, what are the pathways to getting a green card? I'm trying to plan my long-term future and would love any insights on this topic!
There are several routes international students can consider to obtain a Green Card after studying in the U.S. Note that the process can be quite complex and you would need to consult an immigration attorney or expert to explore all possible options for your unique situation:
1. Employment-Based Green Cards: Once you graduate, you could secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you for a work visa, such as H-1B. After a certain period, many employers may be willing to help you apply for permanent residence (Green Card).
2. Family-Based Green Cards: If you are related to a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder, you could be eligible for a Green Card through family sponsorship.
3. Diversity Visa Lottery: Although not a direct pathway, each year the U.S. Department of State grants 50,000 Green Cards to citizens of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. via a lottery system.
4. Investment: If you have sufficient funds, you may qualify for the EB-5 visa programme, which grants Green Cards to individuals who invest a significant amount into a U.S. business and create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
5. The National Interest Waiver (NIW): This is for individuals with exceptional abilities and whose employment would greatly benefit the U.S. In some cases, doctoral students or researchers may be eligible.
6. The “Extraordinary Ability” Green Card (EB-1): This is for individuals who have gained national or international acclaim for extraordinary achievements in their field. However, this applies only to a small selection of individuals.
Remember, every situation is unique, and it might take several years to successfully navigate any given pathway due to various application and processing times. It's also important to consistently maintain your immigration status and not violate the terms of your current visa as you pursue any of these routes.
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