Are Us Citizens Abroad International Students?

An international student in the USA is a person who fits the following criteria: They have come to the United States with the primary intention of pursuing an educational program. Importantly, they lack U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status but are presently residing in the country under a non-immigrant visa category, such as F-1 or J-1. Additionally, they do not possess permanent resident status, often referred to as a “green card,” which grants the holder the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. This definition helps clarify who is considered an international student in the context of studying in the USA.

Are individuals with US permanent residency status classified as international students? To clarify this, if you are a US citizen, permanent resident, or possess a green card, you are generally categorized as a domestic student. This classification applies whether you are studying within the United States or abroad. On the other hand, if you lack US citizenship, permanent residency, or a green card, you fall into the category of international students. In essence, the distinction hinges on your legal status in the United States.

Do international students have to be non-U.S. citizens? The concept of international students encompasses individuals falling into three main categories: those who are non-U.S. citizens currently residing abroad, non-U.S. citizens residing within the United States, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are studying abroad. This broad classification helps clarify that international students can have diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which extend beyond just non-U.S. citizens.