Green Card for MBA Students: applying before or during the program
Apr 8, 2025
Many professionals seek an MBA to live abroad and build a long-term career in the United States. Beyond academic training and expanding global networking, these courses can also open doors to permanent residency in the country.
Most international students in master's programs—such as MBA, MPA, LLM, MPP, and MPH, among others—and doctoral programs can apply for a green card even before completing the course.
The most well-known path expected by international students is H-1B sponsorship and the consequent progression to a green card through the EB-2 PERM category. However, only about 0.5% of companies sponsor the visa, and the chances in the lottery are reasonable for H-1B but low for green card issuance - with an average approval rate of 25% for the work visa (H-1B) and 0.25% to 0.50% for the green card.
Therefore, we always recommend that international MBA and postgraduate students understand the main routes to the green card that do not depend on a sponsoring employer:
EB-1A: is the green card for professionals with extraordinary abilities. To be approved, one should have commercial or technical success and a consistent and far above-average career.
Recommended for: founders with exits or professionals with commercial success (revenue above US$400,000). Although obtaining a green card in less than 6 months is possible, this path is extremely selective.
EB-2 NIW: this is the most democratic green card path, allowing approval even for accountants, aesthetics professionals, and truck drivers.
Recommended for: professionals with a bachelor's degree and +5 years of experience or having completed an advanced degree (master's or doctorate). Additionally, it is necessary to propose a business development plan with national interest - such as income generation, job creation, technological development, and/or social impact.
It is the safest path for MBA students, but green card issuance takes 2.5 to 3 years. Therefore, if you already have 5 years of experience or an advanced degree, it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible.
EB-5: A green card through investment in the USA. The minimum investment is US$800,000, but Jumpstart has partners who co-invest up to 50% of the amount. The green card is usually issued in less than two years.
Recommended for: professionals with available capital looking for a quick and direct route to the green card without depending on employers or proving specific qualifications.
With the green card, you stop depending on the OPT system (accepted by less than 0.5% of American employers) and can work for any employer in the United States.
When to apply?
The ideal time to start the EB-1 or EB-2 NIW process is during a valid work or study visa. This allows you to maintain your current work authorization and, after I-140 approval, you and your spouse can request EAD (I-765) to ensure continuous work permission. All this within 5 to 9 months.
Who can apply?
Professionals with a bachelor's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience or with an advanced degree (master's, MBA, or PhD)
Professionals with outstanding skills in arts, entrepreneurship, technology, sciences, or specific areas
Is there a quick alternative for those about to graduate?
Yes, since getting a green card through the most common path (EB-2 NIW) takes time, those who wish to expand their opportunities can apply for the O-1 work visa (for extraordinary abilities). This way, they won't be restricted to the OPT system — adopted by less than 3% of American employers.
Although the name, the O-1 (visa for extraordinary abilities) is much simpler than the green card for extraordinary abilities (EB-1A), it has a high approval rate (around 90%).
You need to have a career above average (in your home country) and meet at least 3 requirements: 1. Awards; 2. Membership in elite associations; 3. Media coverage; 4. Serving as a judge or reviewer of others' work; 5. Major contributions; 6. Scholarly publications; 7. Work displayed publicly; 8. Leading/critical roles; 9. High salary/remuneration.
How to apply?
If you fit the profile (bachelor's with 5 years of professional experience, high skills, or master's degree), you can either prepare your application yourself or hire Jumpstart, which can handle the entire process from start to finish.
What set us apart:
Lawyers with a track record: 98-99%+ approval rates;
AI-powered case reviews comparing your profile with successful past applications;
Shared risk model: if your case is denied, we'll either reapply or refund 50% within 30 days;
Flexible payments: split legal and immigration costs into manageable monthly installments.
