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

Green card holders in the US have a unique status that allows them to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, some green card holders may choose to pursue higher education as international students. Let us find out some of the key aspects of being an international student holding green card status. 

Green card holders pursuing higher education. 

Green card holders, also known as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), enjoy several advantages compared to international students on temporary visas. They have the flexibility to study at any US institution and are not subject to visa restrictions or quotas. However, they must navigate specific requirements and considerations. 

Benefits of Green Card Holder Status 

• No visa hassles: Green card holders enjoy the privilege of studying in the U.S. without the need for student visas. This eliminates the stress and paperwork associated with obtaining and renewing student visas. 
• Work flexibility: Green card holders can work in the US without restrictions. Unlike international students on F-1 visas, they do not need to comply with strict employment regulations, such as limited work hours during the academic year. 
• Access to federal financial aid: Green card holders are eligible for federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans. 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: Some scholarships and financial aid programs are exclusively available to green card holders (residents) and US citizens, providing additional opportunities for funding their education. 
• Internship and job opportunities: Green card holders can pursue internships and job opportunities with a broader range of employers, including government agencies and positions requiring security clearance. 
• No need for Optional Practical Training (OPT): International students on F-1 visas often rely on Optional Practical Training (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 

• Residency requirements: Most states require green card holders to meet specific residency criteria to qualify for in-state tuition rates. Meeting these requirements can be challenging, and failure to do so can result in higher tuition costs. 
• Maintaining permanent residency: 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. 
• Cultural adjustment: International students may come from diverse backgrounds and must adapt to American culture and education systems. This adjustment can be both exciting and challenging. 
• Dual intent: Green card holder foreign students must demonstrate their intent to permanently reside in the US. While studying, they may face questions about their long-term plans, especially if they consider opportunities outside the US. 
• Changing immigration policies: Changes in US immigration policies can impact green card holders. They must stay informed about policy changes and ensure they remain in compliance with evolving regulations. 

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

Health insurance options for green card international 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. 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 may also choose to maintain visitor health insurance from their home country to cover emergencies or when they visit their home country during breaks. 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. 

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 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 after 5 years after the date of issue of the green card. 

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? 

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. It provides a safety net in case of unexpected health issues while abroad. Not all visitor insurance plans provide coverage for Green card holders, and it is important to understand the eligibility requirements on the plans. 

Conclusion 

International students with green cards pursuing education in the US have a unique status that offers both advantages and challenges. They can study without the need for a student visa, access federal financial aid, and work on or off-campus, making education more affordable.  However, they must be aware of maintaining their green card status, potential complications if they lose it, and the need for health insurance coverage. Understanding these aspects ensures that green card holders can fully benefit from their status while pursuing their academic dreams in the US.