Which status to apply is better: International student or permanent resident?

Applying to College
1

<p>The question is in the title.
I'm interested in Boston University and Northeastern University (my SATs nearly 2000, but I'm still working on it). I want to get in one of this universities (I prefer NEU more because of co-op) so I need to know will be my chances higher if I apply there as an International student?
If I apply as permanent resident (I have chance to became a resident in the end of this year), will admission office notice the fact that English is not my native language and I've made a huge progress in studying it so it makes me a really quick learner? </p>

<p>Also I'm worried about FAFSA and FinAid. For example, I've applied as International student and get an acception letter, then I go to US, get a Green Card, legal status, SSN etc., may I apply then to FinAid as legal permanent resident?</p>

<p>Sorry for my poor writing, it's my weakest side. I hope you get the basic idea of the topic.
Thank you in advance for the answers.</p>

2

<p>Perm Residents are better off every time. Plus if you apply as an international, get accepted and start attending, that action alone does not make you in contention to get perm residency. And the process is not quick.</p>

<p>Get your perm residency before you start applying if at all possible.</p>

3

<p>If you can wait to apply after you are a legal permanent resident, you will have many more options. I would suggest that you wait.</p>

<p>For specific advice on starting as an international while permanent resident status is in process, send a PM to b@r!um. She did that several years ago.</p>

4

<p>I want to add there’s no problems with resident status. I have an interview in the embassy in few month so when I go to USA, I will be a resident automatically.</p>

<p>Thanks, I think I will do like you said.</p>

5

<p>“so when I go to USA, I will be a resident automatically.”</p>

<p>Physically residing in the USA while attending school on a student visa is EXTREMELY different than obtaining the very sought after PERMANENT RESIDENT (Green Card) status. </p>

<p>PERM RESIDENT status can only be obtained thru the sponsorship of a US citizen relative, a US company or special circumstances such as upgrading refugee status. It appears you’re just a student hoping to study in the US which is VASTLY different. You are not in line for Permanent Resident status, it seems.</p>

<p>You had better get your facts straight before you go to your interview.</p>

6

<p>

Are you applying an immigration visa now? If so, you can’t apply to schools as international student which requires F-1 visa from US Department of State.</p>

7

<p>You can only apply as a permanent resident if you have received the Green Card or have a specific number verifying it’s already been approved.</p>

<p>But yes, it’s FAR, FAR, FAR better to apply as a permanent resident than as an int’l applicant. No contest.</p>