by Interstride
International alumni in the US can legally work after graduation on a work authorization called Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, if you want to remain in the US long-term, you will need a permanent residence visa also known as a green card. The most common pathway for international alumni is moving from working on OPT (to STEM OPT, if eligible) on a student visa to an H-1B temporary visa to a green card.
For both the H-1B visa and the green card, employer-sponsorship is required in most cases. If your goal is to build a life in the US, it’s essential to consider the long-term employment outcomes of the degree programs you’re interested in before applying. A school with many graduates who received a green card may suggest a robust network of alumni that supports international students who have similar long-term goals.
Top 10 US universities with the most international alumni receiving green cards
- University of Southern California
- University of California, Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Texas A&M University
- Arizona State University
- Northeastern University
- Columbia University
- New York University
- San Jose State University
See the complete top 100 list
Create a free account to access Interstride’s full list of the top 100 US universities with the most alumni receiving green cards through US employers. You can filter your search by percentage of alumni receiving green cards, number of alumni receiving green cards, or name of the school.
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About the rankings
Interstride’s University Rankings show the top 170+ universities in the US based on international student outcomes: employability. As an international student, you are making an important investment in your education. Choosing the right program and institution that fits who you are and your goals are key. What comes after your studies is especially important: career outcomes. We’re here to help you identify universities that are supporting international students like you to achieve your dreams in the US.
How we created this ranking
Data for Interstride’s 2022-2023 University Rankings for International Students come from 2021 records from the following sources:
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- US Department of Education (DOE)
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Visit our methodology page for more detailed information about how we created these rankings.
