Understanding US Visas
Immigrating legally to the US begins with obtaining the proper visa. Let’s look at the types available for those looking to immigrate to the united states of America:
Immigrant Visas for Permanent Residence in the United States of America:
Family-sponsored: For spouses, children, parents, and siblings of US citizens or permanent residents looking to immigrate to the united states of America.
Employment-based: For workers with skills in high demand by US employers looking to immigrate to the united states of America.
Diversity visa: For applicants from underrepresented countries, awarded via the annual lottery to immigrate to the united states of America.
Refugee/Asylee: For those fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries and looking to immigrate to the united states of America.
Nonimmigrant Visas for Temporary Stay in the United States of America:
Tourist: For short-term leisure travel to the US.
Business/work: For temporary workers, business visits, or vocational training.
Student: For those enrolled full-time in US accredited schools.
Exchange: For short-term visits for cultural exchange programs.
The immigrant/nonimmigrant distinction is crucial for those looking to immigrate to the united states of America. Nonimmigrant visas only permit temporary stays in the US. To immigrate permanently, you must use an immigrant visa and adjust status within the US.
Comprehensive Guide to US Immigrant Visas for Permanent Residence
For permanent US residence when looking to immigrate to the united states of America, an immigrant visa is essential. Let’s look at the main pathways:
Eligibility Considerations
Not everyone is eligible for an immigrant visa to immigrate to the united states of America. Factors like criminal history, health, and financial means are considered. Most categories have caps, so applicants are waitlisted. Having an eligible sponsor is key.
Family Sponsorship Pathway
US citizens can sponsor green cards for immediate relatives – spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents looking to immigrate to the united states of America. Permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children of any age looking to immigrate to the united states of America. Siblings must go through a longer process. Applicants get green cards soon after arrival.
Employment Sponsorship Pathway
Most employer-sponsored green cards go to workers with skills in short supply domestically who want to immigrate to the united states of America. Common categories include EB-1 for priority workers, EB-2 for advanced degree holders, and EB-3 for bachelor’s degree holders or skilled workers looking to immigrate to the united states of America. Employers must demonstrate no qualified US workers are available.
Diversity Visa Lottery
The visa lottery randomly selects up to 50,000 applicants yearly from underrepresented nations to obtain green cards and immigrate to the united states of America. Winners undergo screening then receive cards if approved. While competitive, the lottery is one of the few options for applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the US.
