How an International Student Can Get a Green Card in the US
A green card, or permanent residency, allows the bearer the right to work and live in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship. A student visa allows the opportunity to study in the United States, but not to apply for permanent residency. However, there are several ways for international students to apply for a green card.
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Student Visa
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To study in the United States, an international student must obtain a student visa (either an F-1 or J-1 visa), which is valid while the individual is still in school. However, upon completion of the education, the student must return to his or her country of origin.
Requirements
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To adjust status, a student must stay within all regulations of the visa program, namely registering for classes to remain a full-time student and working less than 20 hours per week on (not off) campus.
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Employment
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If a student has found employment with a company willing to sponsor him, the employer will need to file paperwork for an H-1B visa (work visa). The student can then apply for permanent residency while the H-1B visa is valid.
Marriage
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A student who becomes engaged and marries a United States citizen while in the country under a valid student visa can apply to have her immigration status adjusted after marriage. Status can only be adjusted if the student is still in status under the original visa.
Green Card Lottery
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Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (or the Green Card Lottery), applicants are selected randomly by a computer. Every year, 50,000 green card visas are made available through the lottery, according to the United States Customs and Immigration Services website.
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