Study Guide

F1 Student Visa to Green Card: Everything You Need to Know to Study

Published on November 22, 2022

Here in this blog post, you will find every detail about the F1 student visa to green card, including the requirements for the green card.

There is a significant probability that if you are an international student studying in the US that you are interested in relocating permanently, especially if you want to work hard to obtain a high-paying job to help you pay off all of your student loans.

It might be challenging to determine which route is best for you out of the various options available to F1 student visa holders who wish to acquire a green card so as to become permanent residents.

Find out which choice best suits your circumstances regarding the transition from an F1 student visa to a Green card

Continue reading to discover how to upgrade from an F1 student visa to a Green card.

However, many students who have studied in the US for some time question if they can switch from an F-1 student visa to a Green Card.

For international students, this page will outline the procedures for obtaining a Green Card.

Can F1 Students Apply for a Green card in 2024?

The US Embassy staff members emphasize the need to return home frequently during the F-1 visa interview.

Students are frequently questioned about their plans to return home.

They demand evidence that you won’t attempt to evade removal either legally or in any other way.

In order to demonstrate your willingness to return, you must provide bank statements, leases, or property documents.

However, despite the fact that this regulation is in place, staying in the US after receiving a degree is not entirely impossible.

The US wants educated people living in the nation, thus that is the reason.

There are certain ways for F-1 visa holders to remain in the country because the majority of them are studying for advanced degrees there.

Furthermore, since you are lawfully residing in the US, you actually have a tiny advantage.

Here are seven ways to become a permanent resident after receiving an F1 student visa.

1. Have your employer sponsor you

The employer you work for may sponsor you if you find work while you are in school.

For an EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green card, request that your employer submit an application on your behalf.

2. Wed a citizen of the US

Marrying a US citizen entitles you to a green card as well.

Be aware that you will need to provide evidence of the validity of your relationship (not simply a ploy to get residency).

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services US Citizenship and Immigration Services may interview you, check your background, and examine the documentation you submit as part of the demanding procedure (USCIS).

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3. Take Refuge

You can apply for asylum if going back to your home country will put your life in danger, such as if there is a civil war going on or if you belong to a group or minority that is being persecuted.

On a case-by-case basis, USCIS reviews these petitions.

When deciding how to best present your case, if at all possible, speak with an immigration attorney.

4. Become a Green Card Lottery winner

Every year, between the months of October and November, the electronic diversity visa lottery is held.

There is no assurance that going through this process will result in you receiving a green card; it is commonly referred to as the “green card lottery.”

Note that some nations, like Canada, South Korea, and Mexico, are not eligible if they have sent over 50,000 immigrants to the US in the previous five years.

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5. Take advantage of sponsorship from a family member who runs a business

They can sponsor you for a green card if they have family members who run businesses.

However, the relative who owns the business will need to demonstrate that they are hiring you for your skills and not just because you are related.

They need to have a hiring procedure in place for the role you’d take over, and they need to be able to demonstrate that they tried in good faith to find a US applicant but that none was available or eager to work.

6. Take Part in Military Service

Without a work permit or a green card, you are typically not allowed to join the military.

But even without a green card, if you’ve completed two years of college, you might be qualified for several highly sought-after jobs in the military.

Obtain more information about this possibility from a military recruiter on your campus.

7. Obtain sponsorship for a parent or child

Your green card application may be sponsored by a parent or minor child who is already a legitimate US citizen.

What are the Rights of a Green Cardholder?

You have practically all of the same rights as a US citizen once you have completed the processes for acquiring a green card:

1. Right to Indefinite Residence

You are entitled to remain in the US permanently.

But if you break the law or do something else that makes you removable under immigration law, this privilege may be revoked.

2. Workplace Rights

You are entitled to employment at the company of your choice. Certain restrictions do exist, such as those related to homeland security or particular elected posts.

3. Legal Right to Protection

You have the legal right to protection. This covers all legislation at all levels of government, including municipal, state, and federal.

4. An entitlement to a driver’s license

Although obtaining a driver’s license without a Social Security number is legally conceivable, you would now be able to do so if you wanted or needed to drive.

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5. Armed Self-Defense

It’s legal for you to buy a gun. The laws of the state in which you reside permit you to carry it and use it.

6. Freedom of Movement

Living in one place is not required of you. You’re free to move about the United States however you like.

7. Having the ability to request visas for close family

Have you got a spouse, a child under 21 who is not married, or a wife? You are allowed to ask for them to get a visa.

8. A right to receive Social Security benefits

The Social Security payments that you have earned by working are legally yours to keep. Other benefit plans, like Medicare, are also legally owed to you.

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What are the Responsibilities of a Green card holder?

You must uphold the following obligations as a holder of a green card since failure to do so could result in the loss of your green card.

Below, we go into further depth about each of these duties.

1. The duty to uphold the law

The first and possibly most significant duty is to simply uphold the law. All municipal, state, and federal laws must be followed.

2. Responsibility for Selective Service Registration

Selective Services requires all males between the ages of 18 and 25 to register. Although there hasn’t been a draft in the US since 1973, Selective Services still registers those who might be affected.

3. Accountability for filing taxes

You must file income taxes, just like a US citizen would. All money you receive must be reported to the IRS by you.

4. obligation to assist the American government

The democratic system of government in the US must be supported by those who hold green cards.

You cannot try to change it in any way that is against the law.

5. Possession of Residency Status Proof is Required

You must carry identification proving your residency once you get a green card.

Your permanent resident card, or “green card,” is the most typical form of verification.

6. Address changes must be reported to DHS.

The Department of Homeland Security must be notified whenever you change addresses even though you are allowed to travel anywhere in the US.

To notify DHS of your new address, you will have 10 days starting on the day you move.

7. The Duty to possess Health Insurance

Finally, you must possess health insurance.

You should be aware that you might be qualified for low-cost health insurance plans offered through a national or state healthcare marketplace.

If your F1 student visa is still valid, there are numerous options to get a green card.

I hope one of the suggestions above is the best choice for you.

The green card will give you access to a range of privileges as well as some obligations.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, this guide is meant to make the process of beginning your new life in the United States easier, even though applying for and getting a visa may seem difficult.

As you get ready to leave for the United States after receiving your H1-B visa, think about where you’ll be staying.

Take into account in particular how you handle your funds, from opening a bank account to maintaining your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that an F1 visa may be converted to a green card?

An application for a marriage-based green card can be made if you are an F-1 student who recently became a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and wish to remain and live with your spouse in the country. “Adjustment of status” is the formal term for this procedure.

How much time passes between an F-1 and a green card?

The time it takes to get a green card in this country depends on where you live and the F1 visa. It takes so long because you and your spouse will probably be interviewed by the local USCIS office.

Is the F1 visa valid for five years?

The idea of reciprocity with the nation you are a citizen of underlies the validity of visas.
F-1 student visas typically last for five years from the commencement date of your program for holders of Indian passports.

Is an individual a permanent resident on an F1 visa?

A resident alien is someone who has lived in the United States for five calendar years with an F or J student visa.
After residing in the country for two calendar years, J academics and researchers are regarded as resident aliens.
The “substantial presence” requirement must be satisfied before holders of the H-1, TN, and O-1 visas can be considered resident immigrants.

When can I expect to receive my green card?

Receiving your permanent residence card could take up to 90 days from the day you entered.
It could take up to 90 days from the date of your payment for your permanent resident card to arrive.
You used your immigrant visa to enter the United States. You paid the immigrant visa fee after you entered.

Can I submit an H1B application while on an F1 visa to study?

Yes, that is the response. Before completing your studies, you might apply for an H1B visa.
You must, however, be employed, and your company must be open to sponsoring your transition.
The Employer shall initiate the application process on behalf of the Employee.

What is the length of the F1 visa interview?

It’s crucial to realize that, even though it’s a crucial component of your US student visa application, the visa interview is by no means the longest.
Actually, the duration of the US Visa Interview would be 3 to 4 minutes on average.