Parents across the globe work to obtain student visas for their children, hoping that they can eventually live and work abroad after graduation. For many parents, America is their country of choice to secure their children’s future.
The United States of America offers its residents access to many significant opportunities compared to many countries, and one of the most incredible opportunities afforded is America’s higher education system. The students worldwide compete to get admission to American universities and colleges for a secured future.
Why study in America?
It is a well-known fact that the investment return from an American degree for international students is immense.
In a recent study conducted by World Education Services (WES), most international alumni participating in it shared that their U.S. degree was a good investment. Alumni reported that U.S. degrees yielded “high returns both socially and culturally…[and] enhanced their ability to get along with people of different backgrounds” as well as improving their problem-solving skills. Furthermore, 75% of international graduates say that living and studying in the U.S. was worth the price.
After graduation, these students also fared well, with the vast majority of them finding full-time employment after graduation. The majority said they earn more than they would have had they obtained the same degree outside the U.S.
Moreover, 89% of the participants said that studying in the U.S. increased specific expertise and knowledge in the career chosen, and 75% said they had more job opportunities because of their U.S. degree.
Issues with student visa and other conventional routes
Undoubtedly, while securing a student visa is an option, these visas have certain restrictions. These do not allow students to work in the USA after graduation, apart from limited opportunities, namely Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Further, the F1 visa, allows your child to enter high school, college or university, in the U.S. This visa is issued solely for the purpose of obtaining an education and cannot be used as work visas. To work in the US, your child would need an H1B visa which has to be sponsored by the employer. Obtaining an H1-B visa is gradually getting difficult, especially after the introduction of the lottery system. Hence, very few employers are willing to sponsor H1-B visas thereby, restricting your child’s employment and career opportunities.
Assuming your child is lucky and manages to win the H1-B visa in the lottery, the onwards path to Permanent Residency is still very long and uncertain. The process could take as long as 10 years or even more and all these your child will be at the employer’s mercy.
Therefore, the EB-5 program is a far better option for investors who receive an EB-5 visa, for they also receive visas for their immediate family, i.e. their spouse and children. This would mean, after having obtained an EB-5 visa, you and your immediate family attain the right to live and work in the U.S. without any restrictions. By acquiring an EB-5 visa, the parents can ensure that their children are free to apply to any American higher education institution of their choice.
How can EB-5 visa program benefit your children?
Studying in America creates a tangible advantage for students and benefits their prospects. As shared by the participants, many international alumni faced one challenge, contending with U.S. visa policies and immigration rules. However, students whose parents receive an EB-5 visa would meet none of these challenges, as they would have already secured permanent residency in the USA.
Thus, considering the advantages of the EB-5 visa in securing the students’ future, any parent who wants to ensure that their children benefit from an American education should consider the EB-5 visa program. For this, it is advisable to start the application process as soon as possible with the help of an expert.
Acquest Advisors is an Investment Immigration Advisory specialising in Citizenship and Permanent Residency through Investment Immigration programs run by governments esp. America, Canada & Europe.