Each person's considerations for immigrating abroad are different, but the common purpose is the same: for a better life, to follow one's inner choices, to find the life they desire, while also striving again for their second life plan.
What are the Benefits of Immigration in Terms of Children's Education?
1. Visa Issues
Applying for a student visa is considered a non-immigrant visa, with visa officers operating under a "presumption of guilt," which means they assume the applicant has immigration intentions. If the applicant comes from a high-risk area, the difficulty of the application increases further. The key is to provide sufficient and credible materials to prove one's purpose for studying abroad. Additionally, applying solely for a student visa requires consideration of English proficiency; without good grades and average speaking skills, approval becomes difficult. However, if one holds immigrant status, there is no need to worry about these issues.
2. Tuition Fee Comparison
There is a significant difference in tuition fees between international students and local students. The costs for international students extend beyond tuition. Each year, tuition, living expenses, accommodation, and round-trip airfare can amount to at least 250,000 to 300,000 RMB. After four years of undergraduate study, the total expenditure can exceed 1 million RMB, and international students are generally ineligible for scholarships. Moreover, some universities or community colleges charge high fees for international students. Conversely, those with immigrant status pay only a third of the international student tuition and can apply for scholarships.
3. Opportunities to Attend Internationally Renowned Universities
Internationally renowned universities typically enroll less than 20% international students each year; the admission rate for top universities can be as low as around 10%. For example, in the early admission results for U.S. colleges in 2023, many top universities, including Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University, recorded new lows in early admission rates, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology having an early admission rate of only 7.4%, and there were almost no students from China who received early admission. After immigration, children can apply as local students, significantly increasing their chances of acceptance. For instance, during their university years, immigrant children have no restrictions on school or major selection and can apply for popular majors, such as law and clinical medicine, that many international students cannot pursue. Top universities allocate a substantial number of places to domestic students, controlling the ratio of international students.
4. School Scholarships
For international students intending to apply for scholarships, they can only compete with outstanding individuals from around the world for a very limited number of scholarships available to foreign nationals. However, students with green cards can apply for a far wider array of scholarships than a foreign international student.
5. Part-time Work and Internships
Because international students lack status, they face many limitations regarding internships. However, internship experience significantly impacts employment offers after graduation. Most internships for international students involve non-technical roles, and opportunities are limited. International students find it challenging to access valuable resources from certain organizations, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry associations.
6. Employment After Graduation
Compared to green card holders (local students), international students face a much harsher employment situation. When seeking jobs after graduation, international students are at a significant disadvantage compared to local students. For instance, in the United States, international students are acutely aware that finding an internship often requires the employer to provide sponsorship, making it considerably challenging; most companies are reluctant to hire international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), as only a few companies with talent reserves would undertake the legal fees and additional costs for such arrangements, and this is only if it can be proven that no suitable candidates can be found for the position at the same salary level.
While immigration can indeed provide children with better educational resources and development opportunities, one must not overlook the child's own adaptability and the necessity of a systematic planning approach; decisions should not be made blindly.