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One of the many reasons for participating in the EB-5 program is to unlock the various education benefits that the program provides. The United States offers the best quality higher education in the world. 16 out of the top 20 best universities in the world are U.S. institutions. As a Green Card holder is considered a U.S. person, they can take advantage of the same education benefits as that of a U.S. citizen.

As a matter of public policy, the U.S. government wants to ensure that every student has access to education irrespective of their socioeconomic background. Becoming a Green Card holder through the EB-5 program provides students the opportunity to have all of their upfront educational costs covered by the U.S. government, including tuition, books, housing, living expenses, transportation, and any other associated costs. Therefore, parents would not be out of pocket for these expenses. These costs will be covered by state and federal grants and scholarships. Any costs not covered under a government grant or scholarship can be covered by government loans, which have a zero percent interest rate. Additionally, student loans do not have to be paid back upon graduation, and therefore their beneficiaries have a flexible timeframe in which they can pay back their student loans.

1. FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-18

All children in the United States have access to free public education. Participating in the EB-5 program gives you the opportunity to live in the United States, which means that your children can enjoy the benefits of receiving free public education.

2. HIGHER ACCEPTANCE RATES

Universities in the United States often have self-imposed quotas on the number of international students that they accept. Because of this, the chance of being accepted into a college or university is lower for an international student as compared to a domestic student. Therefore, if you have the U.S. Green Card, you will have a higher chance of being accepted into a U.S. college or university.

3. LOWER TUITION COSTS

The tuition fees for colleges and universities in the United States are drastically higher for international students as compared to domestic students. International students pay up to three times more than domestic U.S. students for public higher education. As an example, the tuition cost for one semester for an undergraduate resident at The University of California – Berkeley is $8,967.25 compared to the substantial amount of $23,844.25 for an international student. Additionally, it is significantly more difficult for international students to secure financial aid or student loans. Green Card holders may attend U.S. colleges and universities at the same cost as citizens and may qualify for merit-based benefits reserved only for U.S. citizens.

4. FREE GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

As a U.S. citizen, students are given the opportunity to reduce their tuition fees. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for providing them with loans or grants they can use throughout the year. Through the gaining of their Green Card students can take advantage of using such services to further reduce their tuition fees which may cover the cost of their courses, books, accommodation, and transportation (based on your approval).

5. PAID INTERNSHIP AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

American universities often partner with companies to help students find paid internships and research opportunities. They also provide their students with on campus interviews which can guarantee them a job upon graduation. Even though most companies may take on non-U.S. citizen interns, the chances that they will get hired on a full-time basis is slim.

6. MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

U.S. companies will often filter applications that require sponsorship and eliminate these candidates at the initial stages. Most U.S. companies steer away from interviewing international candidates as a result of the burdens that they must go through in order to hire international students, which include, but are not limited to, the extra time and cost associated with obtaining work authorization and visa approvals. Furthermore, it is less profitable for a company to invest in the training of an employee who will most likely only be able to stay at the company for a short period of time, given the low probability of obtaining H1B visa approvals. Therefore, it is the preference of companies in the United States to hire U.S. persons and to invest in their training as opposed to international students. Having a Green Card means that you will be considered as a U.S. person and as such you will have a higher chance of receiving job interviews and offers. Furthermore, you will not have to apply for work authorizations, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which are required for international students.

Our team of U.S. licensed lawyers have years of experience in helping individuals and families apply for U.S. residency via the EB-5 program. If you are ready to start your migration journey with The American Legal Center of Dubai, contact us today for more information.