Many international students enter the United States on an F-1 visa with hopes of completing their degree and launching a career. But what happens if things change — you pause your studies or decide that the academic path isn’t right for you?
If you’re an F-1 student who is not graduating, but want to stay in the U.S. legally and pursue a future in business or entrepreneurship, there are several immigration options that may be worth exploring — including business-based visas and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
Can I Stay in the U.S. Without Finishing My Degree?
If you’re not completing your program, your F-1 status is at risk. Generally, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment to stay in status. Dropping out or falling below the required course load without authorization may lead to termination of your SEVIS record.
That said, you may still have options. But it’s important to take action before falling out of status.
1. Business Immigration: L-1, E-2, or H-1B (If You Qualify)
Depending on your background and resources, a shift into a business-related nonimmigrant visa might work. Here are a few possibilities:
L-1 Intracompany Transfer
If you previously worked for a business abroad for at least one year in the past three years, and that business plans to expand into the U.S., you may qualify for the L-1 visa. This is commonly used for startup founders launching a U.S. branch of their foreign company.
- L-1A is for executives and managers
- L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge
- Can lead to a green card under the EB-1C category
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
If you are from a country with a qualifying treaty with the U.S. (such as Canada, Japan, or the U.K.), and you have the ability to make a substantial investment in a U.S. business, the E-2 visa may be an option.
- Requires at least 50% ownership in the U.S. company
- You must be actively involved in managing the business
- With strategic planning, E-2 investors may transition to permanent residence through other eligible categories.
Note: Students from India, China, or Brazil are not eligible for the E-2 due to treaty limitations.
H-1B for Specialty Occupations
If you leave school but already hold a bachelor’s degree (from your home country or from partial U.S. studies), you may be eligible for H-1B sponsorship from a U.S. employer. However, this route is limited due to the annual H-1B cap and lottery system.
2. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green Card
If you have access to significant funds and want a direct path to permanent residence, the EB-5 program might be worth considering.
Key Requirements:
- Invest $800,000 (or $1,050,000 depending on location) in a new commercial enterprise
- Create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
- The investment must be at risk, meaning you cannot be guaranteed a return
- You can invest directly or through a Regional Center project
EB-5 is a green card option designed for investors seeking long-term stability in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your F-1 program doesn’t mean giving up your U.S. goals — but it does mean you must act quickly to avoid falling out of status. Business immigration and investment-based options like L-1, E-2, or EB-5 can offer new pathways, especially for those with entrepreneurial ambition or financial means.
NPZ Law Group regularly assists students, investors, and founders in navigating these transitions. If you’re considering a change of status or want to stay in the U.S. legally while pursuing business goals, we can help you understand your next steps.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information. Contact us today.