02Mar

Mar 02 2023

How to get green card in US by studying STEM programs

Julia Chang

Experiences

Studying STEM programs in the United States can be an excellent pathway to obtaining a Green Card, also known as a permanent residency card. The US government prioritizes STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, and math, and offers various programs to encourage foreign students to study and work in these fields. In this article, we'll discuss the steps to obtaining a Green Card through STEM study programs.

 

Step 1: Choose a STEM Program and Apply to a US School

 

The first step towards obtaining a Green Card through STEM study programs is to choose a STEM program and apply to a US school. Many US universities and colleges offer STEM programs that are highly regarded in the industry. As an international student, it's important to research the schools that offer the programs you're interested in and apply early to increase your chances of admission.

 

Step 2: Obtain a Student Visa

 

Once you've been accepted to a US school, you'll need to obtain a student visa to enter the country. The most common type of student visa is the F-1 visa, which allows international students to study at a US school full-time. To obtain an F-1 visa, you'll need to provide proof of your acceptance to a US school, show that you have the financial means to support yourself during your studies, and prove that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies.

 

Step 3: Complete Your STEM Program

 

To be eligible for a Green Card through a STEM study program, you must complete your program and receive a degree in a qualifying STEM field. During your studies, it's important to maintain good academic standing, as this can impact your eligibility for certain immigration programs.

 

Step 4: Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

 

After completing your STEM program, you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. If you've received a degree in a qualifying STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your OPT, known as the STEM OPT extension.

 

To apply for OPT, you'll need to work with your school's international student office to obtain the necessary forms and documentation. You'll also need to apply for a work permit, known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 

Step 5: Find a Job and Employer Sponsorship

 

To obtain a Green Card through a STEM study program, you'll need to find a job in a qualifying STEM field and have your employer sponsor your Green Card application. Your employer will need to file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor, and then file a petition for your Green Card with the USCIS.

 

It's important to note that the process of obtaining employer sponsorship for a Green Card can be lengthy and competitive, and it's important to have a strong academic record, work experience, and networking skills to increase your chances of finding a sponsoring employer.

 

Step 6: Apply for a Green Card

 

Once your employer has filed a petition for your Green Card, you'll need to complete the application process and attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, you'll need to provide documentation to prove your eligibility for a Green Card, including proof of your qualifications, work experience, and financial stability.

 

If your application is approved, you'll receive your Green Card and be able to live and work in the US permanently. It's important to note that obtaining a Green Card through a STEM study program is a competitive process, and it's important to have a strong academic record, work experience, and networking skills to increase your chances of success.

 

In conclusion, obtaining a Green Card through a STEM study program is a viable option for international students who want.

Tags: Green Card, permanent residency, STEM, international students, F-1 visa, OPT, employer sponsorship, USCIS.

Share: