Recently, the University of California announced that for out-of-state undergraduates, including international students, enrolling in 2025, the supplemental tuition will increase by $3,402 per year, rising from the original $34,200 to $37,602—a 9.9% increase, the largest adjustment to date! Combined with the base tuition of $14,934, this means the total tuition for international students will reach $52,536.
This news has caused an uproar among many international students. In fact, in recent years, changes in the international landscape have had a significant impact on the studies and lives of international students in the U.S. For Chinese students in particular, changes in policies and at various U.S. universities have raised concerns about the future learning environment. Against this backdrop, the advantages of holding a U.S. Green Card for students studying in the U.S. are becoming increasingly apparent.
Tuition Advantages: Significant Savings on Education Costs
For international students, tuition at U.S. universities has always been a heavy financial burden, a problem that has become even more prominent following the recent announcement of tuition hikes for international students at public universities in California. Students holding a U.S. Green Card, however, can enjoy significant tuition discounts. As mentioned above regarding the University of California, the total tuition for international students next year will reach $52,536, while tuition for in-state students is only $14,934; international students pay approximately 3.5 times more than local students. Furthermore, students with a Green Card are eligible to apply for federal financial aid, state government grants, and various scholarships provided by schools. International students are generally ineligible for such funding and must rely entirely on family financial support or private loans. Overall, students with a Green Card can significantly reduce education costs during both undergraduate and graduate studies. This applies not only to public universities but also to some private universities (such as Harvard University, Stanford University, etc.), which have more favorable financial aid policies for Green Card holders.
Proportional Advantages: A Bonus in Admission Competition
In recent years, U.S. university admission policies for international students have become increasingly stringent, and the complexity of visa reviews has led to a decline in actual enrollment rates. Green Card holders, however, occupy an active position in the application process due to their status. Regarding admission quotas, U.S. universities typically set certain percentage limits for international students, whereas Green Card holders are treated as applicants equivalent to U.S. citizens, enjoying access to over 90% of admission spots and higher admission rates. Moreover, students with a Green Card can receive the same treatment as U.S. citizens during the application process, including priority access to internship opportunities and more convenient access to academic recommendation resources.
Major Selection Advantages: Breaking Restrictions and Expanding the Future
International students are often subject to numerous restrictions when choosing a major, especially in fields involving sensitive national security areas or those requiring long-term internships, whereas Green Card holders are almost entirely free from these restrictions. Previously, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security released 14 areas regulated by the government, which are commonly referred to as "sensitive majors" and are not open to foreign students. The University of California (UC) system has also previously announced the implementation of "major tightening orders," restricting students from enrolling in certain high-demand and highly selective majors. It is clear that the importance of having Green Card status is self-evident! At the same time, students with a Green Card can freely participate in any form of internship during their studies, while international students must apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training) authorization, a process that is cumbersome and time-limited. Furthermore, Green Card holders do not need to worry about work visas (such as H-1B) after graduation and can enter the U.S. job market directly.
Status Advantages: Avoiding Policy Uncertainties
In recent years, U.S. policies regarding international students have changed significantly, with visa issues becoming a major factor affecting enrollment. For Chinese students, holding a Green Card can effectively avoid policy uncertainties:
Entry Guarantee: International student visas may be canceled or delayed at any time due to policy adjustments, whereas Green Card holders are not restricted by visas when entering the country and have the right to long-term residence and study.
Continuity of Study: If an international student's visa expires or is denied, they may be unable to complete their studies on time. The status of a Green Card holder guarantees the continuity of their studies, without the worry of being forced to interrupt their education midway.
Other Special Circumstances: During the pandemic, many international students were unable to return to the U.S. for their studies due to travel restrictions, while Green Card holders were not subject to such restrictions and could enter the country with priority to continue their studies.
Future Planning Advantages: Greater Freedom of Choice
For Chinese students, holding a Green Card allows for better integration into the U.S. education system and social environment, enabling more flexible participation in various academic and cultural activities without worrying about visa restrictions. After graduation, they have the freedom to choose to stay in the U.S. to work, start a business, or return to China for development, offering greater flexibility. Choice is more important than effort. For the Chinese student population, against the backdrop of the ever-changing international situation and educational policies, obtaining a U.S. Green Card not only reduces financial burdens but also greatly enhances flexibility in studying in the U.S. and future development. Whether in terms of tuition, admissions, major selection, or future career development, a Green Card provides significant advantages. For Chinese student families with the means to apply for a Green Card, early planning and application will become a strategic decision, paving the way for future study and life in the United States.
Currently, the U.S. EB-5 investment immigration program is one of the effective pathways to quickly obtain a U.S. Green Card. Under the new act, investing in an EB-5 project under the reserved visa category for rural areas is exempt from visa backlogs and grants priority processing rights by the USCIS. At the same time, EB-5 applicants already in the U.S., including international students, can perform "concurrent filing" in the U.S., meaning that in the absence of a visa backlog, applicants can simultaneously file the I-526E immigrant petition and the I-485 application to adjust status. They can also apply for travel authorization (I-131) and work authorization (I-765) simultaneously, allowing them to legally reside, study, and work in the U.S., enjoy quasi-Green Card freedom in advance, and quickly resolve the issue of legal status in the U.S.
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