How can an international student get permanent residence or a greencard in the USA after undergraduate study?

December 24th, 2009 | by |

Is it extremely difficult? Does this become easier if the student has a masters degree or a PHD? What can the student do to get it?

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5 Responses to “How can an international student get permanent residence or a greencard in the USA after undergraduate study?”

  1. By chuckles951 on Dec 24, 2009

    It depends what your degree is in. Because the only undergrads getting jobs that qualify for an H-1B are basically in engineering or the sciences.

    When you graduate, if you have a job lined up, you can go on OPT for 1 year. This is extended by 5 months if the employer sponsors you for an H-1B visa. Then after you get the H-1B, they apply for a green card for you.

    With an undergrad degree, your chances of actually getting an H-1B is about 35%. With a masters, 100%.

    A green card with an undergrad degree takes about 8 years, 3 with a masters and maybe 1 year with a doctorate.

  2. By Sweetharttt on Dec 24, 2009

    I don’t believe you can get either of the two mentioned. You are here to study and on completion, must return to your own country.

    From your own country you could apply to companies in the States for employment. If they are interested, they would secure all the necessary documents to have you come back to the states for the job.

  3. By T2007 on Dec 24, 2009

    You can find an employer who would agree to file paperwork for H2b visa for you (I believe this is the name), which would give you right to apply for green card (I’m not sure how soon after getting visa). You don’t need to leave country and reenter it for this. Or you can go for masters/phd and then look for employer. But this is pretty much the only way (through employer) no matter bachelors or graduate degree. Or you can get married. Or you can change your mind (considering recession)

  4. By pianojangee on Dec 24, 2009

    You need a sponsor, either immediate family member or US Employer, who must file petition for you to get green card.
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=4f719c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=4f719c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

  5. By Sidwell on Dec 24, 2009

    you can get a work permit for a few years.
    Then if you get a job with an employer who can sponsor you for a green card – then you are on your way.

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