Immigrating to the USA in 2023-24
If you are intending to move to the USA, you must be aware of the immigration process before you start your journey. You must fulfill certain requirements and pay the necessary fees before you can legally be immigrating to the USA. Immigrating to the USA can be a little costly & complicated, therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the requirements.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through all aspects of immigrating to the USA and the visa required for immigration.
Routes for US Immigration
The two visa routes for immigration to the US include the immigrant or non-immigrant visa:
US Immigrant Visa
An immigrant visa is provided to overseas individuals who intend to live permanently in the United States. It is mandatory to submit it at the US port of entry if you want to become a legal permanent resident or proprietor of the Green Card. The US Customs and Border Protection Officers have to evaluate and approve your immigrant visa prior to acquiring the Green Card. Acquiring a Green Card will provide you the benefit of working with any employer and qualified for citizenship in the United States.
Non-Immigrant Visa
A non-immigrant visa is an authorization provided to overseas individuals for temporary residency in the US depending on the job, study, or visit. Although non-immigrant visas do not give you permanent residency, it allows you to extend your visit to the nation.
Prerequisites for Immigrating to the USA
The prerequisites for immigrating to the USA are discussed below:
- The applicant should be a citizen of a USA treaty nation.
- They must have or be actively investing in a US-based legitimate business, new or established.
- They must have at least 50% ownership or hold a senior managerial position.
- L-1A Visas for Managers & Executives.
Apart from this, a visa category also allows an employer to transfer an executive to the United States from a foreign office that is already affiliated with the US, or with the intent of setting up an office.
- The applicant’s employer must have a qualified relationship with a foreign company to petition for them.
- The employer must be currently or soon be engaged in business in the USA as an employer during the applicant’s stay.
You must ascertain the type of visa that is available to you for immigrating to the USA. If one of these applies to you, then you will likely be able to go through the process of relocating to the USA.
Types of Visas for Immigrating to the USA
The following category of users are eligible for the types of visas mentioned below.
- Extraordinary ability foreigners
- Skilled and professional workers
- Traders and investors
- Temporary workers
- Fiancee, spouses, and children of fiancee.
- Long-time-resident
Down below we’ve listed, the various type of visas available for immigrating to the USA.
Employment-based Visa
Many individuals are often immigrating to the USA with employment-based visas. These cards are issued in five categories depending on your skills and other benefits.
- The four first categories, EB-1 to EB-4, are focused on your skills as an employee. You may need to apply to sponsor your application from a U.S. employer in certain cases. In others, you will need to show exceptional abilities or special training.
- The EB-5 green card is slightly distinct. It’s only available to investors who have invested between $500,000-$1 million in creating jobs in American communities. Details will vary depending on your location.
Investor Visa
For those who invest a minimum of US $1,000,000 in a new business that creates 10 or more full-time employment opportunities for US citizens, this program reserves 10,000 Green Cards per year.
Requirements
- Funding must be injected or a new business must be created.
- An investment minimum of US $1,000,000 is required.
- Investors must show that they have legal access to the funds.
- It must create at least 10 full-time positions.
- This category requires that the investor actively participates in the day-to-day running of the business in a managerial or supervisory capacity.
Regional Centres
The USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) has designated a regional center as an entity that can attract foreign investors. The minimum investment for a regional center that is located in a targeted area of employment is US $500,000.
To be approved by USCIS as a Regional Centre, a detailed business plan must be submitted. It should include initiatives for economic growth, promotion of employment, and how the business will impact the US economy.
Family-based green card
Most green cards are given to current U.S. citizens or green card holders. The family members eligible for green cards are spouses, widows/widowers, and children.
The sponsor’s citizenship or green card status and the immigrant’s degree of relatedness, however, can affect the applicable laws.
Longtime-resident
People who have lived legally or illegally in the US since January 1, 1972, can apply for green cards. Prior to that date, they must have entered the country, and they must not have left after doing so.
Application Process for an Immigrant Visa in the USA
The location where you are currently living will determine the application process that you’ll follow for immigrating to the USA.
Step 1:- The companion will file a plea to the U.S. authorities to begin the immigration process. Form I-130 is used to establish your relationship with the sponsoring relative. Your request for an employment-based card will be made on form I-140.
Step 2:- Citizenship & Immigration Assistance will examine & approve your petition. After this, your actual visa application will be filed. Moreover, your sponsor will send in form I-864 to pledge financial support for family-based visa applications.
Step 3:- If your application originates from the US, USCIS will analyze it and contact you with information for a biometrics appointment.
If it comes from a country other than the United States will be processed at your local consulate. You’ll have your biometrics taken during your consular interview. Both cases will require you to undergo a medical checkup as part of the application procedure.
Step 4:- A face-to-face interview is required for both application stages. After your application has been processed, you will receive a notice indicating the date and time you must attend an interview at either the USCIS office in the United States or the U.S. consulate if you are applying from outside the United States.
Step 5:- You’ll find out if your application was approved after the interview. You’ll receive your green card if you applied from the United States.
You’ll get your passport back along with a visa so you can visit the US. Once you have arrived, your green card will be mailed directly to you.
Immigration Criteria in the USA
Depending on the specific visa you are seeking, there may be additional general immigration criteria that one needs to consider while immigrating to the USA.
The following requirements are applicable to the majority of U.S. visas:
- Valid Passport: Candidates are required to possess a valid passport that must have a minimum of 6 months validity beyond the expected term of visit in the USA.
- Nonimmigrant Intent: If you’re requesting a temporary visa, you must demonstrate that you don’t intend to live there permanently.
- Consular Interview: Nearly every category of visa candidate is required to appear in a consular interview at a U.S. Embassy or consulate in their country of origin
- Proof of Financial Means: For several visa categories, candidates are required to demonstrate that they have the means to pay their living expenses while residing in the USA.
- No Criminal Activities: Candidates are required to show that they possess a clean criminal record and have not taken part in any terrorist activity either domestically or overseas.
- Competence in the English language: You might need to provide proof of your English language ability based on the category of your visa.
Benefits of immigrating to the USA
- American citizenship: Without a visa or work permit, American residents and people who have a green card are able to reside and find employment in the country. A green card or citizenship can also give you and your family a chance to acquire long-term residence in the nation, giving you a sense of assurance and security.
- Access to excellent educational institutes: One of the benefits of immigrating to the United States is due to the nation’s excellent educational institutes. Some of the world’s top universities are found in the United States. High-quality education can increase your standard of life by improving your chances of finding employment, your salary, and other factors.
- Employment opportunities: The job market in the US is vibrant and diverse, offering opportunities across many industries. Numerous positions come with excellent pay and other perks. Depending on the business you work for, there can be some great chances for professional progression.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls and Problems?
Look out for the “90-day rule”
Be cautious not to falsify your objectives when you initially enter the country if you intend to apply for a green card. Officials from USCIS will carefully review AOS petitions submitted within 90 days of arriving in the country with a non-immigrant visa.
Avoid past visa violations
Green card applications can be complicated by the illegal presence or overstay in the United States. In some cases, lengthy bans may be placed on your capacity to enter the country once more. You might occasionally be able to obtain a waiver of these penalties.
Avoid falling for the immigration scam
Scammers are known to pose as officials or immigration attorneys and target immigrants. Do report suspected scams in immigration to the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
Immigrating to the USA can provide you with several benefits including better employment opportunities, access to excellent educational institutions, and the chance to acquire US citizenship. However, since there are numerous visas available for immigrating to the United States, deciding the most suitable visa could be a challenging task for you.
At Odint Consulting, we would assist you in choosing the most suitable visa based on your needs. We would assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork for your visa and further help you apply for the visa with the relevant authorities. We can also help you prepare for this visa making sure that your chances of immigrating to the United States are starting. Contact us today to immigrate to the United States.
FAQ’s
The fastest & easiest way to migrate to the US is to be a spouse of a US citizen. This is however the most popular source of immigration fraud. To prevent fraud, the law requires that both spouses file a joint petition within two years.
To immigrate to the US, the total cost will be $4000 to $12,000. There are several fees required to apply for the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services. The type of residency you are applying for will determine the fee.
A green card is required to immigrate to the United States, as it allows you to settle permanently in the United States. The green card is unrestricted and can be renewed indefinitely. This card can be utilized to acquire U.S. citizenship.
To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have continuous residence, show good moral character, pass English and U.S. civics exams, & be able to pay the required fee.
