PHDs First Act

This bill would exempt international doctoral degree holders who earned their degree at a U.S. accredited university from annual visa caps for permanent residency. To qualify, they must have a job offer in a related field paying above the median wage for that occupation in their area. It also allows F-1 students pursuing doctoral degrees to simultaneously pursue permanent residency ("dual intent") without violating current visa rules. The bill directly affects international students and graduates with doctoral degrees seeking to stay and work permanently in the U.S.