Studying in the United States

As home to one of the world's best education systems, studying in the United States is a dream for many.

The country has the world's largest population of foreign students, with over 1 million people opting to move to the U.S. to further their education.

While it might be a top destination, foreign students face several challenges. For example, U.S. university fees for international students can be exceptionally high.

The EB-5 Visa offers solutions to some of the problems foreign students face and could be one of the best investments you can make in your child's future.

This guide provides an in-depth look at how the EB-5 Visa can benefit those studying in the United States.

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What is the EB-5 Visa?

Congress created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. It aims to stimulate economic growth through employment creation and foreign investment.

The program allows foreign nationals and their families to become lawful U.S. residents. Successful applicants are granted a Green Card, which allows them to live and work anywhere in the country.

Studying in the United States with an EB-5 Visa

The U.S. is home to some of the world’s best universities.

According to the latest rankings, seven of the top ten universities in the world are based in the U.S., including Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Princeton. As a result, the country attracts students from all over the world.

The typical route for foreign students studying in the United States is to enter on an F-1 Visa. After completing their studies, they can apply for an H-1B Work Visa.

The trouble is that both the F-1 and H-1B Visa have limitations, restrictions and challenges. However, the EB-5 Visa solves these problems and provides numerous benefits.

EB-5 Visa benefits for those studying in the United States

While the EB-5 program is primarily known for its investment and immigration benefits, it also presents fantastic opportunities for those who want to study in the United States.

A more certain admission process

Most institutions have a limited quota for international students, meaning there are more spots for domestic students.

U.S. Green Card holders have a better chance of being accepted to universities because they are not classed as international students. This is because those with an EB-5 Green Card are considered lawful U.S. residents.

Also, those with an EB-5 Visa do not have to rely on an F-1 international student visa, which is far more restrictive.

Lower tuition rates

For a large number of U.S. universities, annual tuition fees are typically based on three categories:

In-state: This is for those who reside in the same state as the university.
Out-of-state: For those who reside in the United States but in a different state than the university.
International fees: For students who are not U.S. residents

Many U.S. colleges and universities offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents compared to out-of-state or international students.

Data shows that in-state tuition costs $9,678 per year, while out-of-state tuition costs $27,091 on average. Separate data reveals that international applicants can expect to pay an average of $30,000 for tuition.

The EB-5 Program helps students avoid international tuition rates. They may also qualify for in-state tuition, substantially reducing costs.

Access to grants and scholarships

Students can access various grants and scholarships by gaining permanent residence in the U.S. through the EB-5 Visa. These can help reduce the overall costs of studying in the United States.

Access to government loans

U.S. Green Card holders are treated as domestic students, meaning they can access federal loans. These loans cover U.S. university costs and can be deferred until they are employed.

Employment and internships

Internships provide invaluable experience and can often boost job prospects.

Internships are usually easier to secure for U.S. residents than for international students. This is because they are not restricted and can work anywhere in the country.

Some students also undertake Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students to work in their field of study for a limited time after they have graduated.

OPT and internships can lead to job offers. The issue is that international students often struggle to remain in the U.S. after completing their OPT and internships.

EB-5 Visa holders do not have the same work restrictions. They are also allowed to remain in the U.S. after completing their studies rather than having to return to their home country after graduation.

What are the requirements of the EB-5 Visa?

The two main requirements of the EB-5 Visa Program are:

Job creation requirement

The EB-5 project must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. Read our guide on the EB-5 visa job creation requirements to learn more.

The EB-5 Visa application process takes an average of 12 months. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of investment, visa backlogs and the time it takes to put together the required documents.

Capital investment

A minimum investment of $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA).

How Holborn can help

The EB-5 Visa is an excellent alternative to student visas. When it comes to education, Green Card holders have the same benefits as U.S. citizens, including access to funding. Education costs are also lower, as they pay domestic tuition rates.

While the program offers numerous benefits for those planning on studying in the United States, the EB-5 Visa process can be complex Download our factsheet to learn more or speak to one of our specialists.

Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas. We provide a bespoke, end-to-end service and professional advice to help you find the right EB-5 investment based on your needs and secure your Green Card.

We are part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, a leading, award-winning financial advisory company with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM).

Our team have successfully helped hundreds of individuals and families secure golden visas. Book a consultation with one of our advisers to learn how we can assist you through the EB-5 process.

Frequently asked questions

EB-5 investors and their dependents have the same access to education as U.S. citizens. This means they can study at any educational institution in the country.

The EB-5 Program grants a Green Card, meaning holders are lawful permanent residents. This means that as U.S. residents, they can qualify for in-state tuition rates.

EB-5 Visa holders have permanent residency status, meaning they can apply for scholarships, financial aid and government loans.

Like those with an F-1 student visa, EB-5 Visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies in the U.S. OPT allows students to work in their field of study for a limited time after they have graduated. However, unlike those with F-1 Visa status, EB-5 holders are lawful permanent residents, meaning they can remain in the country after they complete their OPT

EB-5 Visa holders do not need a separate student visa (F-1 visa) to study in the U.S. The EB-5 Visa allows them the same access to education as U.S. citizens.

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