📅 Last Updated: October 16 , 2026

👤 Reviewed by: The Research & Content Development Team at KOSAM LLC.

Can Vietnamese International Students in the U.S. Get a Green Card Through EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or EB-3?

Many Vietnamese international students come to the United States to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees. While studying, some begin considering a long-term future in America, including employment and permanent residency.

A common question is: Can international students apply for a U.S. Green Card while studying, or must they wait until graduation?

The answer is that eligible students may pursue employment-based immigration pathways, including EB-1A, EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), and EB-3.

Students with research publications, academic awards, citations, or Google Scholar profiles may find EB-1A or EB-2 NIW particularly relevant. Others may explore EB-3 through employer sponsorship.

However, each category has different eligibility requirements, and filing an immigrant petition does not automatically provide lawful immigration status or employment authorization.

1. Can F-1 International Students Apply for a Green Card?

Yes. F-1 international students may be eligible for employment-based immigrant petitions if they meet the requirements of the relevant immigration category.

Three potential pathways include:

EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): For individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): For individuals who qualify under EB-2 and demonstrate that waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States.
EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference): For qualified workers sponsored by U.S. employers.

Students do not necessarily need to graduate before beginning the immigration process.

However, an approved Form I-140 does not automatically grant permanent residency, extend F-1 status, or authorize employment.

2. EB-1A: A Green Card Pathway for Students With Outstanding Research Achievements

EB-1A is intended for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and sustained national or international recognition in their fields.

This category may be worth exploring for Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and international students with exceptional academic or professional achievements.

What Evidence Can Support an EB-1A Petition?

Relevant evidence may include:

Peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Research citations from independent researchers.
Nationally or internationally recognized awards.
Invitations to review scientific manuscripts.
Original research contributions of major significance.
Leading or critical roles at distinguished organizations.

Under USCIS regulations, applicants generally must demonstrate a major internationally recognized award or satisfy at least three of ten regulatory evidentiary criteria.

Meeting three criteria alone does not guarantee approval. USCIS also evaluates the totality of the evidence to determine whether the applicant demonstrates the required extraordinary ability and sustained recognition.

Are Three Publications or 100 Google Scholar Citations Enough?

There is no fixed USCIS requirement for a particular number of publications or citations.

A Google Scholar profile can help document research activity and influence, but USCIS considers the quality, significance, and impact of the evidence.

For example, a researcher with several influential publications and documented contributions to an important scientific field may have a stronger case than someone with many publications but limited evidence of broader recognition.

One major advantage of EB-1A is that applicants may self-petition without a U.S. employer sponsor.

3. EB-2 NIW: An Immigration Option for Master’s and Ph.D. Students

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver is another pathway frequently considered by international students involved in scientific research, engineering, healthcare, technology, and other specialized fields.

Applicants must first qualify for the EB-2 classification through an advanced degree or exceptional ability.

They must then satisfy the three-prong NIW framework:

The proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.
The applicant is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
On balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States.

How Can Research Publications and Google Scholar Help?

Academic achievements may provide evidence supporting an NIW petition, including:

Published research articles.
Google Scholar citations and research impact.
Master’s or doctoral degrees.
Research grants, fellowships, and awards.
Patents or practical applications of research.
Expert recommendation letters.

However, publications and citations alone do not automatically qualify someone for EB-2 NIW.

USCIS evaluates the applicant’s proposed work in the United States, its potential national importance, and the applicant’s ability to advance that work.

For example, a biomedical researcher studying cancer treatments may present evidence of previous research contributions alongside a well-supported plan for continuing work that could benefit U.S. healthcare or scientific advancement.

The proposed endeavor must be explained clearly and supported by credible documentation.

Like EB-1A, EB-2 NIW permits eligible applicants to self-petition without a sponsoring employer.

4. EB-3: A Green Card Option for Students Without Research Publications

Not every international student has academic publications, major awards, or a doctoral degree.

For students who do not qualify for EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, EB-3 may offer another potential immigration pathway through a qualifying U.S. employer.

EB-3 includes three classifications:

EB-3 Skilled Workers: Positions requiring at least two years of relevant training or experience.

EB-3 Professionals: Positions requiring at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree.

EB-3 Other Workers (Unskilled): Positions requiring less than two years of training or experience, excluding temporary or seasonal employment.

Most EB-3 cases require the employer to complete the PERM labor certification process before filing Form I-140.

Can F-1 Students Apply for EB-3 Unskilled?

Potentially, yes.

An F-1 student may be sponsored for a qualifying EB-3 Other Workers position if the employer and applicant meet the applicable requirements.

However, an EB-3 petition does not automatically extend F-1 status, Optional Practical Training (OPT), or employment authorization.

Students must consider processing times, visa availability, and their ability to maintain lawful immigration status throughout the process.

5. EB-1A vs. EB-2 NIW vs. EB-3: Key Differences

Criteria	EB-1A	EB-2 NIW	EB-3
Primary eligibility	Extraordinary ability	EB-2 qualification and national interest waiver	Qualifying employment
Employer sponsorship	Not required	Not required	Generally required
PERM labor certification	Not required	Not required	Generally required
Research publications	May provide important evidence	May strengthen the petition	Not generally required
Google Scholar citations	May support research impact	May support qualifications	Not generally required
Self-petition permitted	Yes	Yes	Generally no

Each category has different evidentiary requirements and immigrant visa availability.

Processing times and waiting periods may vary based on the applicant’s priority date, country of chargeability, and the applicable Visa Bulletin.

6. Does Filing Form I-140 Affect F-1 Visa Status?

This is an important consideration for international students.

F-1 is a nonimmigrant classification, while Form I-140 is an immigrant petition.

Filing or receiving approval of an I-140 petition does not automatically terminate valid F-1 status. However, an immigrant petition may be relevant when immigration officers assess nonimmigrant intent during a future F-1 visa application or admission to the United States.

Students should also understand the distinction between two immigration forms:

Form I-140: An employment-based immigrant petition filed by an eligible employer or self-petitioner.

Form I-485: An application to adjust status to lawful permanent residence from within the United States, when the applicant meets the applicable requirements and an immigrant visa is available.

An approved I-140 does not itself make someone a lawful permanent resident.

International students should carefully coordinate their immigration plans with F-1 status, OPT, STEM OPT, and any other applicable immigration benefits.

7. When Should International Students Start Preparing?

Students do not necessarily need to wait until graduation to evaluate their options.

Those pursuing research careers should maintain organized records of publications, citations, awards, peer-review invitations, patents, and other professional accomplishments.

Students pursuing employer-sponsored immigration should research legitimate employment opportunities and understand the requirements for sponsorship.

Early planning may provide more time to build a strong petition and address immigration status considerations.

However, starting early does not guarantee faster Green Card approval.

8. How KOSAM Education Can Help

Every international student has a different academic background, career objective, and immigration situation.

Students with exceptional research achievements may explore EB-1A. Those with advanced degrees or exceptional ability and qualifying proposed endeavors may consider EB-2 NIW. Others may evaluate employer-sponsored EB-3 opportunities.

The most appropriate pathway depends on individual eligibility, supporting evidence, immigration status, and long-term plans.

KOSAM helps international students and professionals explore employment-based immigration options and prepare for their future in the United States.

Contact us now for a free consultation

Website: www.kosamedu.com

Email: kosamedu@gmail.com

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