In 2025, U.S. colleges and universities host over 1.1 million international students. Despite increased scrutiny in the F-1 visa application process, this number is expected to continue rising—particularly among graduate students from India. After completing their degrees, approximately 41% of international students choose to remain in the United States long-term, making it essential to understand the pathway from F-1 student visa to a U.S. green card.
This article will walk you through the necessary steps to green card, following the most common employment-based sponsorship.
Table of Contents
Journey to Green Card: an Overview
Step 1: Start Your Journey in the US as an F-1 Student
Step 2: Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Step 3: Secure Employer Sponsorship for H-1B
Step 4: Begin Green Card Process (PERM & I-140)
Step 5: Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
Step 6: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Journey to Green Card: an Overview
Common Pathway: F-1 → OPT → (Day 1 CPT/L1) → H-1B → Green Card (EB-2 or EB-3)
| Step | Title | Estimated Time Spent |
| 1 | Completing a Degree | Duration of academic program (2–5 years) |
| 2 | Apply for OPT / STEM OPT | 12 months (OPT) or up to 36 months (with STEM extension) |
| (Plan B) | Day 1 CPT | ~2–3 years for H-1B lottery (Book a free consultation Today) |
| 3 | Secure H-1B Sponsorship | ~6–12 months (including lottery & approval) |
| 4 | PERM Labor Certification | ~6–10 months (can be longer) |
| 5 | File Form I-140 | ~4–9 months (15 days with premium processing) |
| 6 | Wait for Priority Date to Become Current | Varies by country and category (few months to 10+ years) |
| 7 | File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | ~8–18 months |
F-1 to Green Card: 6 Common Ways for International Students to Get a Green Card
Step 1: Start Your Journey in the US as an F-1 Student
Many people choose the United States for their undergraduate or graduate studies and later decide to stay long-term to work and build a life. This is the ideal stage to explore your interests, clarify your career goals, and start building a consistent, compelling resume. It's also important to gain U.S.-based work experience early on. To strengthen your profile, take advantage of winter or summer breaks by pursuing internships under Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a work authorization granted to international students to gain hands-on experience, build industry connections, and expand their professional network, all of which are critical assets when transitioning to full-time employment after graduation.
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Stay compliant with full-time study requirements.
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Maintain a good GPA.
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Keep your SEVIS record updated.
Step 2: Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
This is a critical stage for international students to launch their careers and begin building a pathway to a U.S. green card. Similar to CPT, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the work authorization for F-1 students after they completed their degree. If you hold a STEM degree, you may qualify for up to 36 months of OPT, giving you three chances to apply for the H-1B work visa. Use this time wisely—seek full-time roles with employers open to sponsorship, build your network, and gain industry experience. A strong start after graduation not only boosts your career but also sets the foundation for long-term immigration options like employment-based green card.
For undergraduate students, take your time to explore the industry a little bit before you apply for graduate school, because you only get one OPT per level of degree.
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Typically used after completing your degree.
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Up to 12 months; STEM majors may get a 24-month extension.
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You must find employment directly related to your field of study.
Step 2.5: Day 1 CPT / L1
Under the current environment, it is very difficult to get selected in your first round of H-1B lottery. Many students are not able to acquire H-1B before their OPT runs out. In this case, they usually choose to transition to Day 1 CPT or L-1 visa. Compared to Day 1 CPT, L-1 is less flexible and fully dependent on the will of your employer. You will have to relocate to another company and work in a management position then come back to the US as L-1 holder.
If you choose Day 1 CPT, it’s crucial to remain compliant with full-time study requirements and attend all required on-site sessions. Beyond helping you stay legally in the U.S., it offers a valuable opportunity to accelerate your career. You can gain full-time, hands-on industry experience immediately while also continuing your education. These programs often bring together professionals in similar situations, creating a strong peer network and support system.
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Stay compliant with full-time study requirements, especially make sure you attend all on-site sessions.
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Use the opportunity to get a boost in your career, meet peers in similar situations.
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2-3 more chances for the H-1B lottery.
Working in the U.S. Without H-1B: 8 Alternative Options to H-1B Visa
Step 3: Secure Employer Sponsorship for H-1B
The H-1B visa is a key step for international students to continue working in the U.S. after OPT or CPT. It allows you to work in a specialty role related to your degree and is one of the few visas with dual intent, meaning you can pursue a green card while on it. Sponsored by a U.S. employer, the H-1B is valid for up to six years and provides a clear pathway to long-term career growth and permanent residency.
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During OPT or Day 1 CPT, find an employer willing to sponsor you.
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Apply for the H-1B lottery in March.
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If selected and approved, you’ll switch to H-1B on October 1.
2025 H-1B New Rules and Their Impact on International Students
Step 4: Begin Green Card Process (PERM & I-140)
While working under H-1B, you may start the green card process through employment. It begins when your employer sponsors you by filing for PERM Labor Certification, proving no qualified U.S. worker is available for your role. Once approved, they will submit Form I-140 to confirm the job offer and your eligibility. This stage not only solidifies your long-term employment prospects but also secures your priority date, which determines when you can apply for your I-485 Application (Adjustment of Status).
Your employer must:
- File the Form ETA-9089, or Application for Permanent Employment Certification -- this specifies that the job position cannot be fulfilled by any US citizens.
- Obtain a PERM Labor Certification (6–12 months or more). For example, in the form it shows that USCIS is currently processing applicants filed in December 2024 for PERM.
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File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
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Find the current case processing time here. It is usually even longer than the estimated time on the website.
After your I-140 application is approved, you must wait for your priority date to become current before applying for a green card. This wait depends on your country of birth and the employment-based category (typically EB-2 or EB-3). For some, it may take only a few months; for others, especially from countries like India or China, it can take several years. This stage requires patience, but it’s a necessary step before adjusting your status to permanent resident. If during this stage, your H-1B is ending or you have any changes in your employment, Day 1 CPT comes in again as an easy transition.
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Stay in status: You must maintain a valid visa like H-1B or F-1.
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Travel carefully: Re-entry can be risky depending on your visa.
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No work rights: I-140 approval doesn’t allow you to work unless you have a work visa.
(Source: Boundless Immigration Inc.)
Step 6: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Once your priority date becomes current, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status and officially apply for a green card. This step moves you from temporary to permanent residency. While your application is being processed, you may also receive a work permit (EAD) and advance parole, allowing you to work and travel freely in the U.S. during the waiting period.
Step 7: Receive Green Card
Once your I-485 is approved, congratulations, you’ll receive your permanent resident card by mail!
Conclusion
Transitioning from an F-1 visa to a U.S. Green Card through employment is a multi-step journey that requires careful planning. While the process can take several years or more, understanding each phase helps you to make informed decisions early on.
In recents years, more and more international students face a challenge in securing an H-1B visa before their OPT expires. If you are facing this challenge, Day 1 CPT can be an alternative plan. Book a consultation with our visa experts if you want to learn more about details.
Whether you're just beginning your studies or nearing graduation, staying proactive and well-informed is key to navigating this complex but achievable path.
