PR in USA for International Students in 2024

A permanent residency in USA allows international students to live and work in the United States of America. The steps to obtaining a PR in USA for international students, commonly known as Green Card, vary depending on the individual situation. Students can apply for a PR in USA through multiple pathways including a family, employment, and student visa.

This Story also Contains

1. Types of PR in USA for Indians
2. US Green Card Requirements
3. How to get PR in USA?
4. PR in USA Application Process 2024
5. How to Get Permanent Residency (PR) in the USA from India?
6. How much time it takes to get PR in USA for international students?
7. Permanent Residency in USA Cost
8. Benefits of Permanent Residency in USA

If you are interested in a USA PR for international students must file an immigrant petition. Students can move forward to apply for either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the US Department of State once the petition is approved by the USCIS. The process is followed by a biometrics appointment and interview with the Consulate Officer.

How much time does it take to get PR in USA for students? The average processing time for USA PR for international students varies based on several factors. Family-sponsored and employment-based categories can range from a few months to several years. The US EB-5 visa generally takes about two years.

There are several permanent residency courses in USA for Indian students that help them to stay back in the country. It includes subjects such as MA in Public Relations, MA in Mass Communication, MS in Advertising, and MA in Strategic Communication. Read the article to know more details about permanent residency in USA in terms of application, eligibility, process, documentation, etc.

Types of PR in USA for Indians

Applying for a PR in USA through a family, employment, and US student visa are the most common pathways followed by many international candidates. Candidates can check the best category that will be suited for them.

• Green Card through Family

• Green Card through Employment

• Green Card as a Special Immigrant

• Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status

• Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims

• Green Card for Victims of Abuse

• Green Card through Other Categories

• Green Card through Registry

The eligibility for PR in USA and documentation required ie specific for each type. The most commonly followed process is gaining a USA PR visa through family or employment.

Also Read: Study in United States of America for Indian Students

US Green Card Requirements

The eligibility for permanent residency in USA and the possibility to get a resident card depends on the category suitable for the candidate. All candidates who wish to live permanently in USA must mandatorily fulfill the eligibility criteria to apply for a PR in USA.

• Green Card through Family: The candidate applying for a permanent visa USA, needs to qualify for any of the following reasons to apply for a green card through family.

US Green card eligibility for Indians through the family category

• Green card through employment eligibility: The candidate applying for a Permanent Residency in USA through the employment category, needs to qualify for any of the following reasons to apply for a green card through employment.

  • A first preference immigrant worker with extraordinary ability in science, arts, or a professor or manager or an executive, etc.

  • A second preference immigrant worker that requires an advanced degree and seeking a national interest waiver.

  • A third preference is an immigrant worker who requires work experience or an unskilled worker.

  • A physician who would agree to work full-time in clinical practice.

  • An immigrant investor who invests at least USD 1,050,000 in any new commercial enterprise in USA creating jobs for at least 10 employees.

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA For Indian and International Students

How to get PR in USA?

Can Indian students get PR in the USA? Yes, Indian students can get PR in the USA to continue their stay in the country. Candidates applying for permanent residency in USA need to fill out one or two forms depending on their eligibility category. Candidates who are sponsored by a company or by a family member in the USA can directly apply for Form I-485 which is the permanent resident visa USA application form. Candidates can apply through the USCIS website for a PR visa application.

PR in USA Application Process 2024

• Determine Eligibility: Identify which category you qualify for (family, employment, etc.).

• File an immigrant petition: A sponsor (family member, employer, or self) files a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• File either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State once the immigrant petition is approved by the USCIS.

• Apply for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.

• Attend an interview at a USCIS office or US consulate.

• Upon approval, you will receive your Green Card.

Explore the study abroad destinations:

Documents Required for Permanent Residency in USA

What Are the Documents Necessary to Get PR in the USA? The following are the common documents asked for applying for PR in USA.

• Affidavit of Support

• Birth certificate

• Passport

• Immigration medical examinations

• Marriage certificate

• Passport size photos

• Divorce decree

• Form i-485

• Police certificates

• Application fee

• Biography information Sheet

• Employment authorisation Document

• Evidence of valid nonimmigrant status

• Form i-130

• Medical record

• Photograph

• Proof of no criminal record

• Proof of present immigration status

• Proof of your current marital status

• Proof of your spouse's US citizenship

• Receipt number on the i-129 form

• Visa availability and priority dates

Also Read: Part Time Jobs in USA for International Students

How to Get Permanent Residency (PR) in the USA from India?

Obtaining permanent residency, PR in the USA 2024 allows individuals to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how Indians can apply for and obtain a Green Card in US.

1. Family Sponsorship

One of the most common ways to get a Green Card is through family sponsorship. If you have a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder, they can sponsor you.

• Immediate Relatives of US Citizens: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens can apply directly without waiting for a visa number.

• Family Preference Categories: Other family members, such as siblings of U.S. citizens and spouses or unmarried children of Green Card holders, fall under family preference categories and may face longer wait times.

2. Employment-Based Green Cards

Another popular route is through employment. There are several categories under employment-based Green Cards:

• EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers.

• EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability. Often requires a job offer and labor certification.

• EB-3: For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. This also typically requires a job offer and labor certification.

• EB-4: For special immigrants, including religious workers and certain employees of international organizations.

• EB-5: For investors who invest USD 1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.

How much time it takes to get PR in USA for international students?

How much time it takes to get PR in USA for students will also be widely based on the category and the applicant's country of origin. Family-sponsored and employment-based categories can range from a few months to several years. The US EB-5 visa generally takes about two years. USA PR time period for international students typically lasts longer due to high demand and limited visa availability.

Permanent Residency in USA Cost

How much does it cost to apply for permanent residency in the USA? The cost to apply for a PR in USA varies based on the specific process and the type of residency you are applying to. The USCIS Immigrant Fee for international students is USD 220. The cost for the Biometric Services Fee is USD 85. The fee for Form I-192 is USD 585. The overall cost of PR in USA for Indians can range from USD 2,000 to USD 15,000 or more.

Benefits of Permanent Residency in USA

Candidates with American PR can avail the benefits mentioned below.

• The candidate has the right to live and work after study in the USA.

• They can enter and exit America within their PR validity period.

• Candidates can save up to 80% of the fees for US universities.

• The green card holders can apply for USA visa for their family members outside the country.