Student Visa
From F-1 Visa to Green Card: The Legal Paths Explained (2026 Guide)
The F-1 is a temporary student visa, and it doesn’t turn into a green card by itself. Students who hope to stay usually qualify through a separate category instead. The four most common paths from F-1 visa to green card are employer sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3), a self-petition (EB-1A or the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, NIW), the O-1 as a bridge to EB-1A, and family sponsorship.
Not sure if you qualify for O-1A, O-1B, EB-2 NIW or EB-1A?
Fill the form and get FREE ASSESSMENT from our attorney or book 20min. introducing consultation.