&gt; Agreed, but it&#x27;s a lot easier + quicker for PhDs to obtain permanent residency as opposed to non-residents having undergraduate or Master&#x27;s degree.<p>Perhaps.  I think that&#x27;s arguable, though.  The only difference it might make is in the initial petition stage.  The only situation in which I see holding a Ph.D makes any difference is if, for example, the applicant petitions for residency by claiming they are an &quot;Alien with an extraordinary ability&quot;.  This is rare enough that I feel it&#x27;s probably no easier.