How do you navigate the path to U.S. immigration, from studying to staying, and quickly obtain a gre

The US has always been a popular destination for global students and immigrants for various reasons. For those seeking to immigrate through education, the US not only provides a top academic environment, but also facilitates the smooth transition of international students to permanent residents. In addition, the special advantages of international students in the US include more direct job opportunities and relatively relaxed immigration policies, making the path from studying abroad to immigration relatively smoother than other countries. Today, we will discuss how to quickly immigrate to the US from studying abroad to staying.

Advantages of studying abroad and immigrating

The study abroad immigration path offers several unique advantages, which constitute a solid starting point for international students who aspire to establish a career and life in the US.

Quality of education: US higher education is known for its excellent quality and international recognition, with top-ranked universities and degrees that are strong career openings globally.

Career Matching: During their study in the United States, international students can directly contact industry-leading enterprises through internships and campus recruitment, providing a platform for a smooth transition to professional job positions after completing their studies. This is an important advantage of the immigration path for international students.

Cultural Adaptation: International students gradually adapt to the local culture and society during their stay in the United States, making it easier for them to integrate into the work and community environment after graduation.

Career Network: By participating in campus activities and industry conferences, international students can establish a broad career network, which provides strong support for employment and green card applications.

Necessary preparations

For those who plan to immigrate to the US through studying abroad, prior preparation is the key to success. Here are some important preparation items:

• Study abroad application

The specific process and required documents are as follows:

Research and choose schools and majors that are suitable for your academic background and career goals. You can obtain information through the school’s official website, educational exhibitions, or academic advisors.

Prepare application materials according to the requirements of the target school, usually including: transcripts and academic certificates, recommendation letters, personal statements or motivation letters, resumes (especially for applying to graduate programs), standardized test scores such as TOEFL and IELTS.

Submit a complete online application before the deadline set by each school. Some schools may also require an interview, especially for business schools and certain professional degree programs.

After the application is submitted, the review time can vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the school. Once admitted, the school will issue an admission letter.

• Study visa (F-1 visa) application

The specific process and required documents are as follows:

After being admitted to a US school, the school will issue Form I-20 to the applicant, which is a necessary document for applying for an F-1 visa.

All students applying for an F-1 visa must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print a payment confirmation for use during the visa interview.

Fill out and submit the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form on the official website of the US Department of State. After submission, print the confirmation page, which is required for the interview.

You can make an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US consulate or embassy. During the interview, you need to bring the following documents: valid passport, confirmation page of DS-160 form, confirmation letter of interview appointment, I-20 form, confirmation of SEVIS fee payment, a recent passport photo, and financial proof.

During the interview, consular officials will evaluate the applicant’s intention to study abroad, financial ability, and willingness to return to their home country. After successfully passing the interview, they usually receive their passport and visa within a few days.

• Prepare for immigration thinking

For international students planning to immigrate to the US through study abroad, psychological and cultural preparation are equally important. Here are several key aspects:

Mastering the cultural characteristics, legal awareness, and daily etiquette of the US in advance helps to quickly integrate into society and reduce cultural conflicts.

Develop a clear career path based on academic and professional interests, and plan possible immigration pathways, such as obtaining permanent resident status through H-1B visas or family reunification.

Policy changes may affect the visa application process, success rate, and status of international students. It is necessary to have a deep understanding of the requirements of various visas, maintain attention to changes in immigration policies, and adjust study and immigration plans in a timely manner.

• Cross-border remittance

For international students, managing and planning cross-border remittances is an important financial issue that must be faced during their study abroad period. The following two points need to be emphasized:

It is necessary to understand the remittance regulations of the country and the US. This includes remittance limits, required documents, and possible tax implications. For example, the US Treasury and IRS may require reporting of overseas remittances exceeding a certain amount to prevent money laundering and tax evasion.

Choosing the right remittance service is particularly important. Here are some references:

Bank telegraphic transfer is a widely accepted safe and reliable way to transfer money, but it is often expensive and usually takes several working days to arrive.

If you want a more convenient and fast way, we can choose to use remittance tools such as Wise and BiyaPay. Wise uses intermediate exchange rates and has no hidden fees. Most remittances can be received within 24 hours, but it is more suitable for small remittances and has a remittance limit.

BiyaPay’s digital currency service is more convenient. It provides currency exchange services and can also be linked to a US bank account for local remittance. The key point is that there is no limit on the amount, and the entire process supports online operation, which is convenient and simple. The handling fee is low, and the remittance and arrival are made on the same day.

Strategies during studying in the US

In addition to academic achievements, one should also utilize various resources to prepare for future careers and immigration. Key strategies include:

Obtain work experience related to your major through OPT, or use CPT to intern during your studies to accumulate experience in entering the US workplace.

Maintaining excellent academic performance is helpful for applying for graduate schools, scholarships, and demonstrating personal abilities in work visa and immigration applications.

Participate in campus events and internships, network with industry professionals and alumni, and expand Career Development opportunities.

Through cultural exchange activities and school support services, adapt to US culture, promote personal growth and social integration.

Work visa application (H-1B visa)

H-1B visa is a common way to continue working in the US after graduation, allowing US companies to hire foreign professionals. The following are the key points of H-1B visa application:

• Basic requirements

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and work related to the degree. H-1B visa applications must be initiated by a US employer, the position must be a professional position, and the employer must pay market standard wages.

• Application process

Labor Conditions Application (LCA): Employers must first submit an LCA to the US Department of Labor to confirm wage standards and working conditions.

Submit H-1B Application: After LCA approval, the employer submits an H-1B application to USCIS, including documents such as degree certificates and employment contracts.

Lottery system: Due to visa quota restrictions, most applicants need to decide whether to obtain a visa through lottery, with priority given to applicants holding a US master’s degree or above.

• Strategies to improve the winning rate

It is recommended to prepare the materials in advance to submit them immediately when the application window opens.

Employers in large companies or high-demand fields have a higher success rate. Applicants from non-profit organizations are not subject to quota restrictions.

Unsuccessful applicants may consider O-1 (special talent) or L-1 (multinational company transfer) visas.

• Valid period and renewal

H-1B visa has a valid period of 3 years, which can be extended by 3 years, for a total of no more than 6 years. You can continue to work while waiting for a green card.

Green Card Application Pathway

After obtaining an H-1B visa and accumulating certain work experience, you can start considering applying for a US green card. The following are several common ways to apply for a green card:

• Employment immigration

EB-1: Applicable to outstanding talents, outstanding professors or researchers, and senior managers of multinational companies. Applicants in this category do not need to undergo Labor Certification and the application process is relatively fast.

EB-2: Applicable to professionals with advanced degrees or special abilities, usually requiring labor certification. In special circumstances (such as National Interest Waiver (NIW)), labor certification can be waived.

EB-3: Suitable for professionals, skilled workers, and non-skilled workers with a bachelor’s degree. The application process is lengthy and requires labor certification.

• Family reunification immigration

Green card holders or immediate family members of US citizens can apply for green cards through the family reunification pathway. Spouses, minor children, and parents are usually given priority, with relatively short waiting times.

FAQ Avoidance

During the process of applying for visas, jobs, and green cards, you may encounter some common challenges. Here are a few key points:

It is necessary to comply with F-1 visa regulations, avoid illegal work and exceeding the unemployment period, and ensure accurate identification information and SEVIS records.

Prepare visa renewal materials in advance to avoid hasty processing and understand the latest immigration policies to reduce the risk of refusal.

Understand your tax obligations, including federal and state tax filing requirements, to avoid incurring additional costs due to double taxation.

Pay close attention to changes in immigration policies and consult an immigration lawyer when necessary to ensure that your plan and application process comply with the latest regulations.

Summary

With proper planning and adequate preparation, it is possible to successfully transition from studying abroad to long-term work and life in the US. Understanding the key points of each step, avoiding common pitfalls, and maintaining flexibility in responding to policy changes can help achieve immigration goals smoothly and ultimately obtain a green card. Therefore, everyone should plan well.