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

• H.R. 4867
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Exemption from numerical limitations on permanent residents for certain doctoral degree holders

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).
• (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 inserting Attorney General. 8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(F)
• (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.