Many international students come to the U.S. on F-1 visas and fall in love with the country, make their careers here, and want to stay in the long term.
So, a frequent question we get: Can you get a green card while on an F-1 visa? The short answer is yes, but you must navigate the process carefully to avoid jeopardizing your immigration status.
Here are your choices in 2025, and what you need to consider.
Yes, You Can Apply — but When and How?
The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which is to say it wasn’t tailored for people who want to live in the United States forever. But U.S. immigration law permits students to pursue permanent residence if they meet the requirements. The trick is to pick the right green card path — and to be sure you remain in legal status during the entire time it takes to get that green card.
A popular way is through work-based sponsorship. Once you finish your degree, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and, later, apply for the H-1B visa. If a U.S. employer is willing to sponsor you, you can even initiate the green card process while you work in the U.S.
If you get married to a United States citizen or have some other relationship that makes you eligible, you can also apply for a green card through family sponsorship. In some scenarios, self-petition choices, such as EB-1A and National Interest Waiver, could be applicable for such students with strong academic or research profiles.
Because every option has its restrictions and rules for timing, we suggest that you schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich to develop a customized strategy for your circumstances.
What Are Some Examples in the Real World?
Here are a few ways students obtain green cards while on F-1 visas:
Ana is finishing her Ph.D. in Biology and has written many research papers. She files for a green card based on EB-2 NIW. And with a robust academic record, she doesn’t need an employer to sponsor her. She hires an immigration lawyer and files the petition, and 18 months later, receives her green card.
In another, Jay is a software engineer who gets his master’s degree in 2025. His employer applies for an H-1B visa, and once that’s approved, they start the PERM labor certification process for an EB-2 green card. Jay continues on OPT until the H-1B kicks in. Jay becomes a permanent resident about two years after his employer initiates the process.
If you are not sure what the best direction is for you, do not hesitate to give us a call at The Law Office of Olena Manilich. We’ll walk you through all your green card eligibility options without violating your F-1 status.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Green Card on an F-1 Visa?
Costs differ by green card category. If you file through employer sponsorship, your employer pays for the labor certification and I-140 petition. However, you might have to pay the I-485 adjustment of status application, which currently costs approximately $1,440 as of 2025, including the biometrics fee.
If you’re applying on your own, through an EB-2 NIW or EB-1A, you get to pick up the whole tab. The fee for a full petition with attorney representation ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of the case. The filing fees paid to the government typically total $2,000 to $3,000.
In family-based cases, costs can total from $1,500 to $5,000 with forms, legal assistance during the process, and interview preparation.
Those are just averages, every case is different. That’s why it’s worth hiring an experienced immigration lawyer who can help you formulate a plan and avoid costly delays. Go to our green card lawyer services and allow us to help you get off on the right foot.
What Risks Should You Be on the Lookout For?
You can apply for a green card, but you must remain in status. If you apply for a green card and your F-1 status ends before you receive work authorization, you may become out of legal status. This can create significantly problems — including denying your application or creating issues with your next visa.
Also, the F-1 visa has “nonimmigrant intent,” which means you are supposed to leave the United States when you’ve completed your studies. Filing the green card application can arouse suspicions at visa interviews or border checks if you haven’t taken care to maintain your status.
We assist clients in minimizing these risks by reviewing their plans, their timelines, and by developing strategies to remain compliant. If you don’t want to make an expensive mistake, contact us at The Law Office of Olena Manilich and talk to us about where to go from here.
Ready to Make the U.S. Your Permanent Home? Let’s Talk.
It is possible to apply for a green card while on an F-1 visa, and many students successfully do so. But to preserve your status, you need the right plan and good legal advice. Whether you are on the path toward an employment-based green card or are on a family-sponsored or self-petition path, our team can help you navigate the process.
Schedule your consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich today and begin to create your future in the U.S. the right way.
