I'm considering studying in the USA and am curious about the possibility of obtaining permanent residency afterward. What pathways exist for international students to stay in the US after graduation? I'd love to hear any insights or success stories.
Sure, there are indeed several ways that international students can seek to obtain permanent residency in the US after their studies. It's important to note, however, that these are general guidelines and individual circumstances can greatly impact the process.
One common pathway is through employment. Some international students may seek company sponsorship for an H-1B visa after graduation. This is a temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. If you're successful in obtaining an H-1B visa, your employer can later petition for your permanent residency, or green card.
The second method is through family sponsorship. If you have immediate relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, they may be eligible to sponsor you for a green card.
Another avenue you could consider is the Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery. This makes available 50,000 randomly selected visas to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. However, not all countries are eligible for this lottery, and winning is not guaranteed, hence the term "lottery".
The EB-1A, EB-2, and EB-3 visas are another possible route towards permanent residency. They are meant for individuals with extraordinary ability, advanced-degree professionals, skilled workers, and other workers, respectively. However, these visas are subject to a rigorous standard and may necessitate a job offer from a U.S. employer.
The process of obtaining permanent residency can be complex and lengthy, often requiring several years, so it's advised to consult an immigration lawyer or expert for the most accurate and up-to-date information. It's also important to remember that maintaining compliance with your student visa
status is key during this process.
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