"While everyone is subject to their individual situations, for many, the process begins with an F-1 student visa, which they hold as they complete a Ph.D. over five to six years. After graduation, they may choose to transition to Optional Practical Training (OPT), which provides a year of work authorization, with a two-year extension for STEM graduates. Some may then transition to a H-1B temporary work visa, which provides for three years of work authorization and is renewable for another three years."
"Depending on their visa journey, after this period of potentially 10 to 15 years on a temporary visa, a scholar who decides they would like to seek permanent residency would have several pathways available to them. The EB-1A (extraordinary ability) category allows for self-petitioning without an employer. It's often the fastest route if one meets the strict qualifications. EB-1B is for outstanding professors or researchers and requires employer sponsorship."
"EB-2, another common path, is for individuals with advanced degrees such as Ph.D. holders; it often requires employment sponsorship and a labor certification (a process that certifies that the job offer will not adversely impact U.S. workers), unless one qualifies for a National Interest Waiver, which waives the job offer and labor certification requirement and allows for self-petitioning. Unfortunately, the green card timeline is also heavily influenced by one's country of birth due to annual per-country limits."
International scholars contribute an estimated $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy and support more than 355,000 jobs during the 2024–25 academic year. Immigration pathways commonly begin with an F-1 student visa for Ph.D. study lasting five to six years, followed by Optional Practical Training (one year plus a two-year STEM extension) and often an H-1B temporary work visa (three years, renewable for three more). After potentially 10–15 years on temporary visas, employment-based green card options include EB-1A (self-petition), EB-1B (employer-sponsored), and EB-2 (often requiring labor certification or a National Interest Waiver). Per-country visa limits significantly affect timelines. Universities recognize the critical importance of international students and scholars to academic communities and the broader economy.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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