U.S. immigration law establishes yearly restrictions on the number of persons who can acquire a green card in many (but not all) eligible categories. As a result, the duration of the wait applicants endures merely to be allowed to continue forward with their application might range from no time at all to 20 years or more. Even though you might not have a choice of how you can fit yourself into a green-card qualifying category, it would not be ideal if, for example, your sole chance was to apply as the sibling or sister of a U.S. citizen. They experience the longest delays of anyone in any visa category. Here are some of the most prevalent methods of entering the nation lawfully and maybe earning permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
THOSE SEEKING ASYLUM
People may also present themselves at a port of entry in the United States in order to make an asylum claim if they are able to provide evidence that they have been persecuted in their home country or that they are at risk of being persecuted there on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinions. A person is called a refugee if they are looking for safety in a country other than the United States. Asylum protection can also be requested by someone who is currently present in the United States illegally.
INVESTORS
In addition to that, you may purchase your entrance into the United States. An immigrant investor visa may be awarded to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents who establish a business in the United States, invest at least $500,000 in that enterprise and generate at least five full-time employees.
VISA LOTTERY
One of the most interesting ways of entering the U.S. is through the Diversity Visa Lottery programme. People who are citizens of countries with a low immigrant population to the United States are eligible for one of the 50,000 visas that are distributed by the government on a yearly basis.
STUDENT VISAS
There are two distinct kinds of visas available to students. A foreign national may enter the United States on an F visa in order to participate in academic study or language immersion programmes. A non-academic programme or occupational study might qualify a student for an M visa. If they seek to remain in the United States permanently, those with student visas are subject to a number of restrictions.
WORK VISAS
Obtaining a work visa is still another option. If an employer cannot locate a candidate with the necessary qualifications in the United States, they have the option of sponsoring an immigrant worker from another country who possesses specific talents. There are several categories of work visas to choose from. There are visas that are valid for a set amount of time, after which the foreign worker is required to go back to their home country, as well as visas that are valid for extended periods of time. H1B visas are quite frequent in Silicon Valley, which has a strong need for professionals in the fields of engineering and computer science.
FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
Immigration based on familial ties accounts for the arrival of by far the most people in the United States. Legal residents of the United States and citizens of the United States are permitted to bring their unmarried children and unmarried spouses or fiancees from another country. They may also sponsor parents and siblings who are at least 21 years old.
