Why residency is becoming a safety net for international students in an uncertain world
For international students, it’s no longer just about getting into a top university; it’s also about staying safe, securing long-term prospects, and protecting their freedom to move, work, and plan for the future. Nowhere is this shift more visible than in the growing interest in residency and citizenship by investment programs.
Historically, a student visa was enough. It got you into the country, into the classroom, and, with some luck and hard work, into a job. But as the global landscape becomes more uncertain, from conflict in Eastern Europe and the Middle East to tighter immigration rules in the West, more families are viewing education as just one piece of a broader strategy for long-term security and mobility.
Traditionally associated with wealthy families looking for travel freedom or tax benefits, residency or citizenship by investment options are now being used more strategically by families with educational goals in mind. The US is a good example of this. Although the current landscape is complex, it is still home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, so as a result will always attract students. However, the rhetoric and actions coming from the government are driving more and more families to consider the EB-5.
The EB-5 program allows individuals, and their immediate family members, to obtain a Green Card by investing in a US-based commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. If families can plan in advance, students can secure a green card before applying to university and therefore arrive as a permanent resident. That distinction changes everything.
First, it massively expands access. Public universities typically charge international students two to three times more than in-state residents. Green Card holders are typically eligible for in-state tuition if they meet state residency requirements and are not subject to international student caps at public universities. They also have access to a wider range of scholarships, internships, and work opportunities that are often unavailable to those on temporary visas.
Second, it’s about stability. Student visas come with layers of conditions and uncertainties: restrictions on work hours, constant documentation, and the looming stress of OPT deadlines or H-1B lotteries. For a Green Card holder, those worries disappear. There’s no need to leave the country after graduation, no need to scramble for visa sponsorship, and no risk of being sent home if immigration rules shift overnight.
The value of this kind of security has grown exponentially in today’s volatile world. Political crackdowns, currency devaluations, and visa restrictions can derail even the best-laid education plans. For families from regions facing political unrest or economic turmoil – like parts of South Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East – the ability to lock in residency status in a stable country like the US is a major draw. It’s not just about education anymore; it’s about contingency planning, safeguarding future mobility, and even protecting wealth.
The ripple effect is being felt across the education sector. US universities, especially those in states that offer strong regional economies and attractive in-state tuition rates, are seeing a rise in applicants with permanent residency status. Henley & Partners Education offerscombined residency-and-study roadmaps. And students who once would have applied with an F-1 visa are increasingly arriving with permanent resident paperwork in hand, ready to engage in the full student experience without the usual restrictions.
To be clear, this path isn’t for everyone. The EB-5 investment threshold is high – $800,000 at minimum – and the process can take time. But the idea of combining education planning with long-term immigration strategy is spreading fast, and not just in the US. Canada’s Start-Up Visa, Australia’s National Innovation Visa as well as destinations in Europe that offer residency programs are also drawing families who want to secure a student’s future alongside national residency.
In a world full of uncertainty, residency has become the new passport to opportunity. And for international students eyeing the US, it may just be the smartest way to turn a four-year degree into a lifetime of options.
About the author: Tess Wilkinson is the director of education services at Henley & Partners and manages Henley & Partners Education, which offers expert, impartial advice and support to transnational, high-net-worth parents who are looking to secure the best education for their children. Working alongside Henley & Partners, Henley’s Education advisory is in a unique position to guide families and students wanting to graduate with both a degree and residency or citizenship and access enhanced opportunities in their country of study.
Tess’ team comprises former headmasters, admissions directors, principals, teachers and educators from global schools and universities with deep-rooted connections to top universities and schools. Focusing on global school and university search and advisory, the team also facilitate the Henley Academic Profiling Assessment and provide additional services such as bespoke experiential university tours, advisory on summer programs, mentoring and tutoring.
As a UK qualified teacher, and with over 30 years’ experience in international education, Tess has worked in British and European schools, founded and run a language school in France and was a consultant for the British School of Brussels, which was voted the Federation of British International Schools in Asia’s School of the Year in 2022 and the Spears school of the year in 2023.
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