Study to Settle: How International Students Get US PR

For a lot of international students, studying in the United States means more than just earning a degree; it is their first step toward the formation of a permanent life in the United States more so than any other visa. Although there is no secret roadmap to gaining U.S. Permanent Residency (PR), there is a path to this goal for international students with careful planning and not taking unnecessary risks with legal status and immigration. 

1. Begin With the Student Visa (F-1)

The F-1 visa is the non-immigrant student visa that allows international students to study for a full-time course of study which lasts for the duration of the measures up to 60 days after graduating, withdrawing from or dropping all classes. Students must study at an accredited institution (ex. universities, colleges or language schools). The U.S. consulates issue F-1s for a limited time, and typically will issue a visa for only the time needed to meet your program of study. While on F-1 status, the student is not a candidate for PR, however, massaging the approval rules and maintaining good student standing allows international students to begin laying the foundation to gain PR.

2. Gain Work Experience via OPT

After earning their degree students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows students to work in the United States in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degree program may be eligible for a 24-month extension on opportunity which allows for work experience of up to 36 months—

OPT is a key stage where students may engage employers willing to sponsor them for a more permanent visa. While on OPT students should look for opportunities to establish professional contacts, and display and improve the job skills which are soon to be evaluated by employers.

3. Move to a Work Visa (H-1B) 

Many students move from an OPT to H-1B, which is a non-immigrant visa available to professional skilled workers and may be sponsored by employers and is issued for a duration of three years, and may be extended for an additional three. It is possible that students may not be chosen in the lottery for an H-1B visa because there is a cap on the total number of applicants every year. Once on H-1B students know they are one step closer to a U.S. Green Card.

4. Submit an application for a Green Card (PR)

There are different ways to submit an application for U.S. PR: 

• Employer-sponsored options (EB-2 or EB-3 categories): If an employer agrees to sponsor the employee and can file a permanent labor certification, the student can move from H-1B to a Green Card.

• Family sponsored option: If a student marries a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, they may qualify for PR based upon family ties.

• EB-5 Investor Program: Students, or their family, may fund $800,000 or more into a qualifying U.S. business and create jobs which may also provide an available pathway to a Green Card.

• Extraordinary Ability (EB-1): Students who have remarkable events, awards, or recognitions may qualify as a priority under EB-1 without the employer sponsorship.

5. Value of Legal Guidance

The U.S. immigration system is complicated. It is important to obtain guidance from immigration professionals. As a comparison, many students who choose Canada for education have a clearer pathway to PR and immigration, often with the help of professionals like Canadian immigration experts and Canadian Immigration Consultants.

Why Students Are Choosing Canada

The U.S. provides amazing opportunities that have attracted students worldwide, but the U.S. can have difficult relationships, slower PR pathways, and complex legalities making it confusing for international students. More students are looking at Canada due to its easier Permanent Residency pathways. With the best Canadian immigration consultants, international students can know that they can study, work, and settle in Canada with much more stress and worry free. With the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Express Entry, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), it is much easier to settle in Canada and be predictable.

The best Canadian Immigration Consultants take care of more than just the study permits for students and importantly provide assistance, counselling and support for students while actively studying to get a work permit and Permanent Residency after graduation. Many of the certified Canada Immigration Consultants provide international students with legal and reliable advice.

If you are looking to study abroad but also want to look at balancing that with eventually settling in a country, Canada provides a solid list of alternatives. The best reputable canada work permit consultants or canada work visa consultants help students after exiting their program land jobs. The Canadian work permit visa consultants are an essential part of having the right documents prepared, job offers and knowing what employer sponsorship entails.

Choosing the Right Help

Choosing the U.S. or Canada is strictly dependent on ensuring you have a sound plan as well as professional guidance. For anything immigration-related, always use certified professionals. In Canada, Canada education consultants make the process easy for students from the get-go by helping students select a program/course, a university, and a path for their visa, while immigration consultants cover all aspects of immigration such as study permits, work permits, and PR.

In the U.S., while the immigration scene is generally a bit more competitive, long-term planning, preparation for the job market, and good legal support make a good long-term difference.

Conclusion

Studying in the U.S. or Canada can ultimately lead to permanent residency if students use their time effectively to gain experience in any value they can gain through employment and study, while also being mindful of immigration policies and procedures. When students work with certified Canada Immigration Consultants or qualified legal representatives in the U.S., they can grow their study dream into a long-term reality. If students are looking for clearer settlement pathways in the medium/long-term and seek the help and support of Canadian immigration consultants and Canada work permit visa consultants, Canada immigration programs present a sure and student-friendly option. Choose wisely, plan early, and always work with the best Canadian immigration consultants for the outcomes you can trust.