H.R. 4867
119th CONGRESS 1st Session
To provide lawful permanent resident status and authorized dual intent for certain doctoral degree holders.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · August 1, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Thanedar · Committee: Committee on the Judiciary
Table of contents
SEC. 1. Short title
- This Act may be cited as the or the .
SEC. 2. Exemption from numerical limitations on permanent residents for certain doctoral degree holders
- (a) In general
- Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act () is amended by adding at the end the following: 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)
- Aliens who—
- (i) have earned a doctoral degree in a field of study (or the terminal highest degree awarded in a field of study for which a doctoral degree or its equivalent is not available) while physically present in the United States from a United States institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ()) accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (); 20 U.S.C. 1001(a); 20 U.S.C. 1099a et seq.
- (ii) have an offer of employment from, or are employed by, a United States employer in a field related to such degree at a rate of pay that is higher than the median wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment, as determined by the Secretary of Labor; and
- (iii) are admissible pursuant to an approved labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A)(i).
- Aliens who—
- Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act () is amended by adding at the end the following: 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)
- (b) Procedure for Granting Immigration Status
- Section 204(a)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act () is amended by striking
203(b)(2)and all that follows through and insertingAttorney General. 8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(F)
- Section 204(a)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act () is amended by striking
- (c) Dual Intent for F Nonimmigrants Seeking doctoral degrees at United States Institutions of Higher Education
- Notwithstanding sections 101(a)(15)(F)(i) and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (, 1184(b)), an alien who is a bona fide student admitted to a program in a field for a doctoral degree or the terminal highest degree awarded in a field of study for which a doctoral degree or its equivalent is not available at a United States institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ()) accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 () may obtain a student visa or extend or change nonimmigrant status to pursue such degree even if such alien intends to seek lawful permanent resident status in the United States. 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i); 20 U.S.C. 1001(a); 20 U.S.C. 1099a et seq.