USA Study Visa for Immigrants – Visa Sponsorship in USA

You’re already in the USA, and you dream of higher education.

But your immigration status has you confused about what’s possible.

Can you study? Do you need a different visa? Will a university sponsor you?

I’ve got answers. All of them.

This isn’t your typical “international student” guide. This is specifically for you—immigrants already in the USA who want to study. 

Whether you have a green card, a work visa, or you’re figuring out your status, I’m breaking down exactly how education can work for you.

What You’ll Get From This Guide

• The exact study paths available based on your current immigration status
• A no-BS breakdown of how educational institutions can sponsor your visa
• Step-by-step instructions for switching from your current status to a student visa
• The financial aid options you qualify for (no false hopes here)
• Real solutions to the unique challenges immigrants face in higher education

Your Current Immigration Status Determines Everything

Green Card Holders, You’re Set (Mostly)

Good news if you’ve got that permanent resident card: You don’t need a student visa.

You can:

• Apply to any school like a US citizen
• Fill out FAFSA for federal financial aid
• Qualify for in-state tuition (after meeting state residency requirements)
• Work without restrictions while studying

What you’ll need for applications: Your green card, Social Security number, and standard application materials.

Temporary Visa Holders: It’s Complicated (But Doable)

On an H-1B, H-4, L-1, or another temporary visa? Your options depend on what you want to study and how much time you’ll dedicate.

Part-time study without changing status:

• Most temporary visa holders can take less than 12 credit hours per semester
• Your primary purpose in the US must remain whatever your current visa is for
• Some programs may not accept part-time international students

When you need to switch to an F-1:

• For full-time study (12+ credit hours)
• If you want CPT/OPT work authorization during/after your program
• If your current visa prohibits study (rare, but it happens)

Dependents have different rules:

• H-4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B workers) can study full-time without changing status
• L-2 dependents can also study without restrictions
• Dependent children (under 21) often have more flexibility

Undocumented and DACA Recipients: State-By-State Possibilities

Your path depends heavily on where you live:

• States with explicit support: California, New York, Washington, and 18 others have laws allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and sometimes access state financial aid.
• States with barriers: Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina have restrictions on public university admission for undocumented students.
• DACA recipients: You have more options, including work authorization that can help pay for school

The Dream.US scholarship and local organizations like Immigrants Rising specifically fund the education of undocumented students. Don’t leave that money on the table.

Student Visa Options: Breaking Down Your Choices

F-1 Visa: The Gold Standard for Serious Students

The F-1 is what most immigrants switch to when pursuing full-time education.

The good stuff:

• You can study full-time at any certified school
• Eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your program
• Get 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation
• STEM graduates get an additional 24-month OPT extension

The not-so-good stuff:

• Limited to 20 hours/week of on-campus work during the school year
• Need to prove you have funds to support yourself
• Must maintain a full course load
• Tied to your educational institution

Applying from within the US:

1. Get accepted to a SEVP-certified school
2. Receive Form I-20 from the school
3. Pay the SEVIS fee ($350)
4. File Form I-539 for change of status
5. Wait (seriously, it can take 2-8 months)

J-1 Exchange Visitor: For Specific Programs

The J-1 is less common but perfect for certain situations.

When it makes sense:

• You’re participating in an exchange program
• Your education is funded by your home government, the US government, or an international organization
• You’re in a specialized field with a sponsoring organization

Watch out for:

• The two-year home residency requirement for some countries and fields (though waivers exist)
• Stricter sponsorship requirements
• Less flexibility to change programs

M-1 Vocational Student: For Technical Training

This is your visa if you’re pursuing vocational or non-academic training.

Key points:

• For programs like culinary arts, aviation, cosmetology, etc.
• Limited to 12 months (with possible extension to 18 months)
• No CPT or OPT equivalent
• Very limited work options
• Cannot transition to academic studies easily

The Status Switch: From Your Current Visa to Student Status

Option 1: Change of Status Within the US

If you’re legally in the US, this is usually easier than leaving and returning.

The I-539 process:

1. Complete Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
2. Gather documentation:
   • Proof of current status (I-94, visa documents)
   • Financial evidence (bank statements, scholarship letters)
   • I-20 from your school
   • Personal statement explaining your intent to study
3. Pay the filing fee ($370 plus $85 biometric fee if applicable)
4. Submit and wait

Timeline reality check: Plan for 2-8 months processing time. Seriously.

Option 2: Consular Processing

Sometimes, leaving and applying for a new visa at a US consulate abroad makes more sense.

When to consider this route:

• Your current status is expiring soon
• You have plans to travel anyway
• You’re concerned about being stuck in “pending” status for months
• Your change of status might be complicated or questionable

The process:

1. Get your I-20 from the US school
2. Pay the SEVIS fee
3. Complete DS-160 visa application
4. Schedule a visa interview in your home country
5. Attend the interview with the required documents
6. Return to the US with your new visa

The risk: There’s always a chance of denial at the consulate, which could complicate your return.

Maintaining Legal Status During the Transition

This is critical. Don’t mess this up.

• File before your current status expires – ideally, at least 45 days before
• Don’t start full-time studies until your new status is approved (or you risk violating your current status)
• Consider “bridge programs” – short courses or part-time options that keep you legal while waiting

If your current status will expire during the wait, talk to an immigration attorney. Now.

How Educational Institution Sponsorship Actually Works

The University’s Role in Your Visa Journey

Schools don’t technically “sponsor” you the way employers do.

What they actually do:

• Verify your acceptance into a qualifying program
• Issue the I-20 form (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1)
• Assign you a Designated School Official (DSO) who maintains your SEVIS record
• Report your enrollment status to immigration authorities

The school isn’t petitioning for you – they’re certifying you’re a legitimate student.

Finding Schools That Welcome Immigrants

Some institutions are significantly more experienced with and supportive of immigrant students.

Look for:

• A dedicated office for international students and scholars
• Clear information about immigration services on their website
• Experience with your specific situation (ask directly!)
• Scholarships are available regardless of immigration status
• ESL support if English isn’t your first language

Pro tip: Call the international student office directly.

Ask: “I’m currently on [your visa type]. How often do you work with students changing to F-1 status?”

Community College vs. University: Strategic Considerations

Community colleges can be your secret weapon.

Community college advantages:

• Lower tuition (often 50-70% less than universities)
• Easier admission requirements
• More flexible with part-time enrollment
• Often more experienced with immigrant populations

University advantages:

• More prestige for future immigration benefits
• Greater selection of programs
• More resources for international students
• Better networking opportunities for future employment

Many immigrants start at community college and transfer to university—the smart path to saving money while still getting a university degree.

The Money Situation: What You Can Afford

Financial Aid Eligibility: Who Gets What

Your status determines everything:

Green card holders:

• Eligible for federal aid (FAFSA)
• Qualify for state aid
• Can access most private scholarships

F-1/J-1/M-1 students:

• No federal aid
• Limited state aid (varies by state)
• Some institutional scholarships
• Private scholarships that don’t require citizenship

DACA recipients:

• No federal aid
• Some state aid (in certain states)
• Growing number of private scholarships

Undocumented immigrants:

• No federal aid
• State aid in some progressive states only
• Limited private scholarships specifically for undocumented students

The Scholarship Hunt: Finding Money They Don’t Advertise

These are the scholarships you should be looking for:

• TheDream.US—The largest scholarship for undocumented students
• Golden Door Scholars—For DACA and undocumented students
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund—Many don’t require citizenship.
• Institutional scholarships—Ask schools about “international student scholarships” or “diversity scholarships.”
• Local foundations—Community foundations often have fewer restrictions

Underused strategy: Contact your country’s embassy or consulate. Many have education funds for their citizens studying in the US.

Working While Studying: What’s Actually Allowed

Green card holders: No restrictions. Work wherever and however much you want.

F-1 students:

• 20 hours/week on-campus during school
• Full-time on-campus during breaks
• Off-campus work through CPT after completing one academic year
• Severe economic hardship employment authorization is possible in genuine emergencies

J-1 students:

• Similar to F-1, but with more variation based on the program
• Some academic training opportunities

Other visa holders:

• Depends entirely on your visa type
• H-4 holders with EADs can work without restrictions
• Always verify your specific visa’s work authorization rules

Your Application Strategy: Timing Is Everything

Academic Requirements You Need to Handle

Credential evaluation is non-negotiable if you studied abroad:

• Use WES, ECE, or another NACES-member organization
• Plan for 2-4 weeks processing time
• Costs range from $100-$350

English proficiency requirements:

• TOEFL: Most universities want 80+ (internet-based)
• IELTS: 6.5+ is standard
• Some schools waive this if you’ve studied English previously

Special immigrant considerations:

• Some schools require additional financial verification
• You may need to explain gaps in education due to immigration
• Be prepared to explain how your status allows for study

Your Strategic Timeline

12-18 months before desired start:

• Research schools and visa options
• Take required tests (TOEFL, SAT/GRE/GMAT if needed)
• Get credentials evaluated

8-12 months before:

• Apply to schools
• Begin financial planning and scholarship applications
• Consult with an immigration attorney if your case is complex

4-6 months before:

• After acceptance, request an I-20 from the chosen school
• File for change of status or prepare for consular processing
• Pay SEVIS fee

2-3 months before:

• Finalize housing arrangements
• Make sure your current status remains valid
• Set up a transition plan for financial support

If your change of status is delayed, have a backup plan. Always.

Education as an Immigration Strategy: The Long Game

From Student to Worker: Your Post-Graduation Options

F-1 students have strategic advantages:

• OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization in your field
• STEM degrees get an additional 24 months of OPT (3 years total!)
• During OPT, employers can sponsor H-1B visas
• The “cap-exempt” H-1B is available for certain employers (universities, research, nonprofits)

Pro tip: STEM degrees are defined broadly. Check the official STEM Designated Degree Program List—you might be surprised to see what qualifies.

How Advanced Degrees Improve Your Immigration Options

Graduate degrees significantly expand your pathways:

• Masters/PhD holders get priority in the H-1B lottery
• Advanced degree holders may qualify for the EB-2 preference category
• PhD students often find teaching/research positions that come with cap-exempt H-1B status
• More credentials = stronger case for exceptional ability provisions

Permanent Residency Pathways Through Education

Education can be your direct route to a green card:

• National Interest Waiver becomes possible with specialized education and experience
• EB-1 Extraordinary Ability category becomes reachable with advanced degrees and publications
• EB-2 Advanced Degree category requires,, at minimum,, a master’s degree
• Teaching positions at universities can lead to special green card sponsorship

Real talk: The more specialized and advanced your education, the more immigration doors open.

Common Challenges and Real Solutions

When Status Gaps Happen

If you’re facing a gap between statuses:

• B-2 “bridge” status can sometimes be requested while a change of status is pending
• Accelerated processing is available in some cases (for an additional fee)
• You can negotiate deferred start dates with many schools.
• Authorized periods of stay don’t always match visa expiration dates – check your I-94!

If things go wrong, reinstatement is sometimes possible – but don’t count on it.

Overcoming Financial Barriers

When money’s tight:

• Part-time study while maintaining work authorization on your current visa
• Employer tuition assistance programs (many don’t require specific immigration status)
• Income share agreements offered by some schools
• Private loans with US citizen co-signers

Documentation Nightmares

Missing records are common for immigrants. Solutions include:

• Affidavits from academic officials in your home country
• Placement testing at US institutions
• Provisional admission pending documentation
• Alternative documentation accepted by some schools

Most important: Be honest about missing documents. Explain why they’re unavailable rather than providing false information.

Your Most Pressing Questions, Answered

Can I study on my current work visa without changing my status?

It depends on your visa type:

• H-1B: Yes, part-time only
• H-4: Yes, full-time allowed
• L-1/L-2: Yes, with L-1 limited to part-time
• E-1/E-2: Yes, typically part-time
• TN: Limited to part-time and only if not related to your TN profession

What happens to my green card application if I switch to a student visa?

Your pending green card application (adjustment of status) can continue while you change to F-1 status. However, if you leave the US and re-enter on an F-1, you may abandon your adjustment of status unless you have an approved advance parole document.

Can my dependents study if I’m on a student visa?

F-2 dependents (spouses) can study part-time only. F-2 children can attend K-12 full-time. If F-2 spouses want to study full-time, they must change to F-1 status.

How does my immigration status affect tuition rates?

• Green card holders: Eligible for in-state tuition after establishing state residency
• F-1/J-1 students: Usually pay out-of-state or international rates
• DACA/Undocumented: Depends on state laws – about 20 states offer in-state tuition
• Other visa holders: Varies by state and institution

Can I apply for a student visa if I’m currently undocumented?

If you’re undocumented and entered without inspection, you generally cannot change to F-1 status within the US. You would need to go through the consular process, which triggers the 3/10-year re-entry bars. This requires careful legal guidance—don’t attempt it without an attorney.

What are the requirements for maintaining F-1 status?

• Maintain full course load (12+ credits for undergrad, 9+ for graduate)
• Make normal academic progress
• Only work as authorized
• Keep your I-20 current
• Don’t stay beyond the program end date plus grace period
• Update your address within 10 days of moving

How does studying affect my path to citizenship?

Education itself doesn’t directly lead to citizenship, but it creates pathways to employment-based green cards, which start the clock toward naturalization eligibility (typically 5 years as a permanent resident).

Your Next Steps

Education is one of the most powerful tools for improving your immigration situation in America. It opens doors to better jobs, specialized visa categories, and long-term stability.

Your journey will be unique based on your current status, but these steps apply to everyone:

1. Confirm your current status and understand its limitations
2. Research programs that align with both your career goals and immigration strategy
3. Contact schools directly to discuss your specific situation
4. Consult with an immigration attorney for complex situations
5. Begin applications early to accommodate visa processing times

Don’t let immigration complexity stop your education dreams. Start by contacting the international student office at schools you’re interested in—they’re often the best first resource for navigating your specific situation.

Ready for personalized guidance? Contact our specialized education and immigration advisors today. Your American dream begins with the right information and support.

Resources That Help

Organizations Supporting Immigrant Students

• Immigrants Rising – Resources for undocumented students
• National Immigration Law Center – Legal resources and education rights information
• United We Dream – Advocacy and resources for undocumented youth
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators – Professional resources for international education

Government Resources Worth Checking

• StudyInTheStates.dhs.gov—Official DHS information for international students.
• EducationUSA—US Department of State’s network of advising centers.
• USCIS.gov/students—Official immigration information for students.

Your education journey as an immigrant won’t be simple—but it is achievable with the right information and support.