Can I apply for permanent residency after studying in the USA?

If any Indian student is planning to study in USA, they should know that they can apply for a permanent residency after studying in the USA. There are a number of different ways one can apply for permanent residency. The students are increasingly seeking ways to find permanent residency in the USA after completing their higher education.

The USA is known for its world-class education, advanced technology, and vibrant campus life in its globally well-renowned universities. Moreover, it is a dream of many students to live long-term in the USA after completing their education because it boasts modernistic infrastructure with vibrant city life. So, how can an Indian student apply for a residency in the USA?

F-1: The Starting Point for a PR in the US

If an Indian student wants to study in USA, the F-1 student visa is the go-to option, while the M-1 student visa is for vocational studies. To get a permanent residency in the USA, an F-1 student visa is a starting point for many international students. It allows the student to stay in the country for the duration of their course and Optical Practical Training (OPT). 

OPT Filing for the Extension After Studies

International students who are in the US for studies on an F-1 student visa can apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will allow the students to have an extension to work in the US for up to 12 months once their study in USA is done. For STEM Courses in USA students, the period is 36 months. Having an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS will be an important part of the OTP application for the immigrant students.

H-1B Visa: Temporary Work Visa

Once finding a job and working in that particular field while staying in the US temporarily, an employer can help an individual to apply for an H-1B visa. It allows the immigrant (from student to employee) to stay temporarily in the US for up to 3 years with an extension allowance of up to 6 years.

EB-2 Visa: Final Transition to Green Card

Once any Indian student’s study in USA is completed, and they have been working in a job for about 5 years, they can apply for permanent residence through their employer. An EB-2 visa can only be initiated by an employer who sponsors someone for permanent residence in the US. Applying for an EB-2 visa requires the individual to hold 5 years of experience in their field.

It also involves the process of form submission by the employer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The working immigrant (the student who started with the Study in USA for Indian Students) has to provide proof, such as academic transcripts, proof of work experience, and other required documents, to prove that they are exceptionally good at their particular work.

EB-3 Visa: For Bachelor’s Degree Holders

An EB-3 visa is meant specifically for the professionals who are working in a particular field but only have a bachelor’s degree as their main educational qualification. The initiation of this visa is through an employer who offers full-time employment to the student. Once the immigrant graduates have completed their 2 years of work in that respective field, the employer can sponsor them to have permanent residence in the USA.

Conclusion

Applying for permanent residence in the USA after a student visa requires patience and effort. It is a dream of many students to study in USA, and settling down in the USA is an objective of many immigrants who are trying hard each day to see themselves having a quality life. While there are other ways to apply for permanent residence in the USA, such as having a spouse, parent or sibling with a US-citizenship or a green card (permanent residence of the USA), students can always rely on their ability to achieve their aim once they put their eyes and mind on it.

Want to get a head start on starting with the study abroad to kickstart your journey to settle down in a foreign country? Get in touch with Education Vibes to set your path straight!