Green Card Holders as International Students: What You Should Know? 

Green card holders in the U.S. enjoy the distinct benefit of being able to live, study, and work without the limitations that apply to international students on temporary visas. Still, pursuing higher education as a green card holder presents its own range of opportunities and challenges. This guide highlights the essential aspects of studying in the U.S. with permanent residency and offers insights on how to make the most of the available advantages. 

Green Card Holders Pursuing Higher Education. 

As Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), green card holders have greater flexibility than international students who must navigate visa restrictions. Green card holders can enroll in U.S. colleges and universities without needing a student visa (such as an F-1 or J-1 visa). This freedom provides significant advantages in terms of tuition rates, employment, and financial aid. 

However, they must still meet certain legal and residency requirements to fully access educational benefits, such as in-state tuition and federal aid. Additionally, those who plan to study abroad for extended periods must be cautious about maintaining their U.S. residency status. 

Benefits of Green Card Holder Status 

• No Visa Restrictions: Unlike international students on F-1 or J-1 visas, green card holders do not have to worry about obtaining or renewing a student visa. This removes a significant administrative burden associated with obtaining and renewing student visas. 
• Work Opportunities Without Restrictions: Green card holders can work freely in the U.S. without the limitations imposed on F-1 visa holders, such as restricted on-campus work hours or the need for Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.
• Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid: One of the most significant advantages of being a green card holder is the ability to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This includes: 
  • Pell Grants (need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid) 
  • Federal Student Loans (offering lower interest rates and better repayment options than private loans) 
  • Work-Study Programs (allowing students to earn money while attending school) This financial assistance can significantly reduce the cost of education. 
• In-State Tuition Rates: Many states offer green card holders the same tuition rates as residents, making education more affordable compared to international students who often pay higher rates. 
• Access to Scholarships and Grants: Certain scholarships and grants are exclusively available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, providing additional funding opportunities that international students may not have access to.  
• Internship and Government job opportunities: Green card holders can apply for a wider range of internships and job opportunities, including roles that require U.S. work authorization. They are also eligible for positions within government agencies that are typically off-limits to international students.
• No need for Optional Practical Training (OPT): International students on F-1 visas often rely on OPT to gain work experience after graduation. Green card holders can directly seek employment without the need for OPT, saving time and effort. 

Challenges and Considerations 

• No need for Optional Practical Training (OPT): International students on F-1 visas often rely on OPT to gain work experience after graduation. Green card holders can directly seek employment without the need for OPT, saving time and effort. 
• Maintaining permanent residency status: International students with green card status must ensure they meet the criteria for maintaining their permanent residency status, which includes avoiding prolonged absences from the US and paying US taxes on worldwide income. 
• Adapting to US Education and Culture: Green card holders who obtained their permanent residency after living abroad may need time to adjust to the U.S. education system and cultural norms.
• Changing immigration policies: Although green card holders have a stable immigration status, future changes in U.S. immigration policies could impact aspects such as financial aid eligibility or public benefits. It is crucial to stay informed about any policy updates. 

Despite these challenges, green card holders are in a relatively advantageous position compared to many other international students. 

Health Insurance Options for Green Card Students 

• University health plans: Many universities offer comprehensive health insurance plans specifically designed for international students. These plans often meet university requirements and provide coverage for a wide range of medical services. They can be convenient and ensure compliance with school regulations. 
• Employer-sponsored plans: Some green card holders may work part-time or have a job that offers health insurance benefits or have coverage through their parents x`. In such cases, they can enroll in their employer's health insurance plan, which can be a cost-effective option. 
• Private health insurance: Green card holders also have the option to purchase private health insurance plans. These plans vary in coverage and cost, allowing individuals to tailor their insurance to their specific needs. 
• Healthcare.gov Marketplace: Green card holders can explore health insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. They may qualify for premium tax credits or subsidies based on their income, making coverage more affordable. 
• Visitor health insurance: Some green card holders who live abroad and come to the US to take short courses in the US universities may opt for visitor health insurance to cover emergencies. Contact Visitor Guard® for more information.

Case studies 

Situation 1: Maria's pursuit of a master’s degree. 

Maria, originally from Brazil, held a green card and saw an opportunity to pursue her dream of obtaining a master’s degree in the US without the complexities of obtaining a student visa. Leveraging her green card status, she applied for federal financial aid, including grants and work-study programs, which significantly eased her financial burden. She also secured a part-time job on campus, working as a research assistant, which not only helped cover her living expenses but also enriched her academic experience. Maria's journey showcased how green card holders can smoothly transition into US higher education and access financial support. 

Situation 2: Raj's path to US citizenship. 

Raj, originally from India, arrived in the US as an international student on an F-1 visa to pursue a bachelor's degree. During his studies, he obtained a green card through family sponsorship. He decided to continue his studies and pursue a Ph.D. With his green card, he became eligible for federal financial aid, including research grants and assistantships. This allowed him to focus on his studies without the financial stress that many international students face. Raj's experience highlighted the flexibility and opportunities available to green card holders pursuing advanced degrees in the US. 

Important Information for Green Card Holder Students 

• Stay updated on residency requirements for tuition benefits. 

• Maintain your green card status by adhering to travel and tax regulations. 

• Explore health insurance options to ensure adequate coverage. 

• Utilize financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to green card holders. 

• Consider U.S. citizenship if long-term residence is your goal. 

FAQs 

Can green card holders study in the US without a student visa? 

Yes, green card holders can study in the US without a student visa. They have permanent resident status, which allows them to pursue education without the need for a separate student visa. However, they must meet the admission requirements of the educational institution they wish to attend. 

Are green card holders considered international students? 

International students are individuals who hold non-immigrant visas and temporarily reside in a country for educational purposes. Green card holders, on the other hand, are legal permanent residents of the country where they hold the green card. They have the right to reside and work in that country indefinitely, and they are generally considered domestic students for purposes such as education. 

Are international students with green card status eligible for federal financial aid? 

Yes, green card holders are generally eligible for federal financial aid when pursuing higher education in the US. They can apply for programs such as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. 

Can green card holders work while studying? 

Yes, green card holders in the US can work while studying. They have the same work opportunities as US citizens, including on-campus employment and off-campus employment under certain conditions. However, it is essential to adhere to US immigration and labor regulations while working as a green card holder student. 

Do green card holder students qualify for in-state tuition? 

Yes, in most cases, green card holder students just like US citizens may qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in the US. Typically, they need to establish residency in the state where the institution is located, which often includes living there for a specified period and meeting other state-specific requirements. 

Can you get financial aid with a green card? 

Yes, green card holders are generally eligible to receive financial aid for education in the United States. They can apply for federal student aid programs such as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, green card holders may be eligible for state-based financial aid programs and scholarships. However, eligibility criteria may vary depending on factors such as income, residency status, and academic performance. 

What happens if a green card holder loses their permanent resident status while studying? 

If a green card holder loses their permanent resident status while studying, they may face challenges in continuing their studies and could potentially lose access to certain benefits, including in-state tuition and federal financial aid. They should consult with an immigration attorney to explore options for regaining their status or addressing their immigration situation. 

Can green card holders apply for US citizenship while studying? 

Yes, green card holders can apply for US citizenship while studying in the US. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization and can apply for naturalization after maintaining green card status for 5 years.

Are permanent residents considered international students? 

No, permanent residents are not typically considered international students. Permanent residents, also known as green card holders, have legal permanent residency status in a country, allowing them to reside and work there indefinitely. International students, on the other hand, are individuals who temporarily reside in a country for educational purposes, usually holding non-immigrant visas. 

How can an international student become a permanent resident in the US? 

International students can become permanent residents in the US through various pathways. One common route is obtaining employment-based immigrant visas, such as the H1-B work visa through the EB-2 or EB-3 visa categories, sponsored by a US employer. Another option is family-based immigration, where a US citizen or permanent resident family member sponsors them. Additionally, the Diversity Visa Lottery program offers a chance for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the US to obtain permanent residency. 

Can international students apply for green cards? 

Yes, international students can apply for green cards. Common pathways include employment-based sponsorship, such as through employer sponsorship via the EB-2 or EB-3 visa categories, or self-petitioning through extraordinary ability (EB-1A) or national interest waiver (EB-2 NIW). Additionally, family-based immigration allows international students to seek green cards through sponsorship by a US citizen or permanent resident family member. It is essential to understand the specific eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes for each pathway when considering applying for a green card as an international student. 

Can an international student with green card status buy visitor insurance for themselves? 

It depends. Many visitor insurance plans exclude green card holders if the U.S. is their country of residence. International students with green card status may be able to purchase visitor insurance for themselves if  the US is not their country of residence, and they need coverage for medical emergencies during their temporary travel in US. However, many international students who have a green car typically have residence in the US and are eligible for major medical insurance like Aetna, Anthem, etc. or are on their parent’s policy.

Conclusion 

Green card holders pursuing higher education in the U.S. enjoy significant advantages, including eligibility for financial aid, in-state tuition, and unrestricted work opportunities. However, they must be mindful of residency requirements, health insurance options, and immigration policies to make the most of their status. By understanding these factors, green card holders can successfully navigate the U.S. education system and achieve their academic and professional goals.