USA Immigration

Immigrating to the USA involves various visa options and processes, depending on your circumstances and the purpose of your stay. Here’s an overview of key pathways to U.S. immigration:

1. Family-Based Immigration

Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for a Green Card.
  • Immediate Relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
  • Family Preference Categories: Includes other relatives such as siblings and married children.

    • Application Process:

  • The U.S. citizen or permanent resident files a petition (Form I-130) for their relative.
  • Once approved, the relative can apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (if outside the U.S.).

    • Fees:

  • Form I-130: $535
  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,225 (includes biometrics)
  • Consular Processing: Varies by country.

    • 2. Employment-Based Immigration

    Eligibility:

  • Employers can sponsor foreign nationals for employment-based Green Cards. Categories include:
  • EB-1: Priority workers (e.g., extraordinary ability, outstanding professors).
  • EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
  • EB-4: Special immigrants (e.g., religious workers, certain foreign nationals).
  • EB-5: Immigrant investors.

    • Application Process:

  • Employer files a petition (Form I-140) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the employee can apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.

    • Fees:

  • Form I-140: $700
  • lForm I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,225 (includes biometrics)
  • Consular Processing: Varies by country.

    • 3. Student Visas

    Eligibility:

  • Apply for a student visa (F-1) to study at a U.S. institution.

    • Application Process:

  • Obtain Form I-20 from a U.S. educational institution.
  • Pay the SEVIS fee.
  • Apply for a visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate.

    • Fees:

  • SEVIS Fee: $350
  • Visa Application Fee: $185

    • 4. Investor Visas

    Eligibility:

  • EB-5 Investor Visa: Requires an investment of $900,000 or $1.8 million in a U.S. business and the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

    • Application Process:

  • File Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor).
  • Upon approval, apply for a Green Card.

    • Fees:

  • Form I-526: $3,675
  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,225 (includes biometrics)
  • Consular Processing: Varies by country.

    • 5. Diversity Visa Lottery

    Eligibility:

  • Open to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.

    • Application Process:

  • Submit an entry through the Diversity Visa Lottery program during the application period (usually in the fall).

    • Fees:

  • Visa Application Fee: $330 (if selected).

    • 6. Asylum and Refugee Status

    Eligibility:

  • Apply for asylum if you are already in the U.S. and fear persecution in your home country.
  • Apply for refugee status if you are outside the U.S. and are seeking protection.

    • Application Process:

  • Asylum: File Form I-589 within one year of arrival in the U.S.
  • Refugee: Apply through a U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program.

    • Fees:

  • Generally no application fee for asylum or refugee status.