How to Get PR in USA After Study | Step-by-Step Guide for International Students

Many international students come to the USA each year to pursue higher education, attracted by its world-class universities and diverse opportunities. After completing their studies, many dream of staying longer to build a career and life in the US. If wondering how to get PR in USA after study, it helps to understand the different pathways available. From work visas to permanent residency options, students have several routes to consider. This guide will explore the common ways international graduates can transition from student status to permanent residency in the United States.

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a valuable program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the United States in a job related to their major field of study. Upon completing their degree, students can apply for up to 12 months of work authorization under post-completion OPT. This work can be either part-time or full-time, providing essential practical experience to complement academic learning.

Students pursuing degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) may qualify for an additional 24-month extension, known as STEM OPT. This extension helps students gain further work experience and increases their chances of transitioning to long-term employment in the US.

To apply for OPT, students must first get a recommendation from their school’s designated official, known as the DSO, who will endorse their Form I-20 and update their status in the immigration system. A job offer is not required to apply for OPT, but students must report any changes in employment to their DSO while on OPT.

OPT is an important step for many international graduates seeking to build a career in the USA and a common step toward pathways for permanent residency.

2. H-1B Visa: A Key Step for International Graduates

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or higher. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this visa applies to individuals working in fields such as science, engineering, technology, and other highly skilled professions.

International students who have completed their studies in the USA often apply for an H-1B visa to continue working in their field. The visa is granted initially for up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years.

It’s important to note that applicants cannot apply for the H-1B visa on their own; the U.S. employer must file the petition on their behalf. Due to the annual cap of 65,000 visas (with an additional 20,000 reserved for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions), the competition for H-1B visas is strong, and many applicants are selected through a lottery system.

The H-1B visa is a common and critical pathway for graduates seeking to gain work experience in the USA and eventually apply for permanent residency.

3. Green Card: The Path to Permanent Residency

If you want to become a lawful permanent resident in the USA, you will need a green card. Unlike people outside the US who must apply for immigrant visas through consular processing abroad, international students in the US can often apply for an adjustment of status without leaving the country. This process allows them to change their immigration status to permanent resident while staying in the US.

There are multiple routes for international students seeking a green card, including:

• Sponsorship by immediate family members who are US citizens or permanent residents
• Employment-based sponsorship, often through a US employer after gaining work experience
• Asylum or refugee status
• Participation in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the green card lottery

Applying for a green card generally requires submitting immigrant petitions such as Form I-130 or Form I-140 followed by an application to adjust status (Form I-485). The timeline and specific process vary depending on the route and country of origin, with some applicants waiting longer due to visa backlogs.

For students who gain experience through work visas like OPT and H-1B, employment sponsorship can be a practical path toward securing a green card.

4. E-2 and EB-5 Visas: Investment-Based Paths to US Residency

For international graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit and significant financial resources, two unique visa options exist to help secure residency in the USA: the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Both of these visas encourage foreign investment by allowing investors to enter or remain in the US based on capital investment in a legitimate business.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is designed for investors from countries that have a treaty of commerce with the United States. To qualify, investors must:

• Be a citizen of an E-2 treaty country
• Invest a substantial amount of capital in a real, operating US business (the exact amount depends on the business but generally starts around $80,000-$100,000 or more)
• Own at least 50% of the business or have operational control through a managerial position
• Demonstrate that the investment is not marginal, meaning it should generate income beyond just supporting the investor and their family and must have a real economic impact

The E-2 visa allows investors and key employees to live and work in the US to develop and direct the business. It is a non-immigrant visa but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business operates successfully.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 visa requires a larger investment—typically $800,000 in targeted employment areas or $1.05 million otherwise—and is the direct path to a US Green Card (permanent residency). The investment must:

• Be made in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers
• Come from lawful sources and be at risk for the purpose of generating a return

The EB-5 program is more complex and involves a lengthy application process, but it provides a route to permanent residency for investors and their immediate family.

Both E-2 and EB-5 visas require careful planning and documentation but are attractive options for those ready to invest in building a future in the US.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your US Visa Status

Maintaining your visa status during and after your studies is essential to ensure a smooth transition from student to professional life in the USA. Here are some key practices to follow:

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

Research your visa conditions carefully and be proactive about meeting deadlines, especially for important steps like applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Start the process early since USCIS approvals can take up to 90 days. This helps you avoid gaps in your legal status after graduation. Keep all your documents accurate and up to date.

Keep Your Information Current

Always notify your Designated School Official (DSO) about any changes in your address, contact details, or employment status within 10 days. Your DSO updates this information in SEVIS, the government system that tracks your student status. This is critical for maintaining your F-1 status.

Attend Career Fairs to Find Work Opportunities

Career fairs are excellent chances to explore job and internship options, build connections, and understand workplace expectations in the US. These events often feature workshops on resume building, interview techniques, and networking tips, helping you stand out to employers.

Build and Use Your Network

Networking is a powerful tool in finding employment and advancing your career. Utilize connections with academic advisors, faculty, fellow students, alumni networks, and professional associations. Getting involved in student clubs and volunteering can also strengthen your skills and expand your professional circle.

Stay Updated on Regulations

Visa rules and OPT policies can change over time. Regularly check official resources like USCIS.gov and DHS.gov for the latest information. Your DSO can also be a reliable source for updates and guidance during your OPT and work authorization periods.

By following these best practices, you will ensure compliance with US visa requirements, maximize your employment opportunities, and secure a successful future in the United States.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the journey from studying in the USA to obtaining permanent residency requires careful planning, patience, and understanding of the available pathways. Whether starting with Optional Practical Training (OPT), progressing through the H-1B work visa, pursuing a green card, or exploring investment-based visas like E-2 and EB-5, each path has its own requirements and opportunities. Staying informed, maintaining visa status diligently, and actively building your career and professional network will increase your chances of success. With the right approach, international students can turn their American education into long-term residency and a fulfilling career in the United States.