A U.S. green card is a dream goal for many international students. For undergraduate students studying in the United States, how to apply for a U.S. green card? Here are four main ways to hopefully help you on your path to a green card.
The first way: the traditional H1B work visa to green card application process.
If you successfully graduate in the U.S. and find a job, you can apply for an OPT visa first and then get a work visa through the H1B lottery. Next, you can apply for a U.S. green card through EB3. This approach involves going through multiple checkpoints, including finding a job, an H1B draw, and a long waiting period. For most international students, this is a way to get a U.S. green card, but it is characterized by many levels, difficult upgrades, and long cycles.
The second way: Apply for a green card through the NIW (National Interest Waiver) merit class.
If you have a bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field and have more than 5 years of work experience, you can apply for a U.S. green card in this way. Unlike the H1B method, which does not require an employer, you can get a U.S. green card through your personal achievements. Applicants need to demonstrate professional competence, work experience, and future contributions to the national interest of the United States.
The third way: apply for a green card through EB5 investment.
If you have enough funds, you can choose to apply for a U.S. green card through EB5 investment. You will need to invest $800,000 and provide a clean criminal record for your child. This project is characterized by a large investment, but has the advantage of not having to take into account the age of the children and other requirements. In addition, those who hold legal status in the U.S. can file an EB5 immigration petition at the same time as a 485 adjustment of status application, a 765 EAD application, and a 131 AP card application. This way, before your green card is approved, you can get a COMBO and legally work, live, and study in the United States. The whole cycle takes about 6 to 8 months.
Fourth way: Apply for a green card by working with the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
If you find the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder while in college, you can apply for a U.S. green card through your spouse's sponsorship. This way is considered cost-effective as there is no need to wait in line. If you need to wait in line to marry a green card person, you don't need to marry a citizen. However, the feasibility of this approach needs to be assessed on an individual basis.
The above four ways are common ways for undergraduates to apply for a green card in the United States. Each modality has its own characteristics and conditions of application, and the choice of which modality to choose is to be evaluated according to the individual's circumstances and goals. Whichever option you choose, you need to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make an informed decision. Hopefully, this information will help you succeed on your path to applying for a U.S. green card!