The United States is a leading destination for immigrants worldwide, offering a wealth of opportunities and a high quality of life. Individuals immigrate to the U.S. for various reasons, including economic prospects, world-class education, and the promise of political and social stability. The U.S. immigration system comprises a variety of visa categories tailored to diverse needs, from non-immigrant visas for temporary stays to immigrant visas for permanent residency. These include family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and the Diversity Visa Lottery. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements and application processes, aimed at ensuring that the U.S. continues to attract skilled professionals, students, investors, and individuals with extraordinary abilities.
Why Immigrate to the USA?
- Economic Opportunities: The USA offers numerous job opportunities, higher wages, and a robust economy.
- Education: World-renowned educational institutions and diverse programs attract students worldwide.
- Quality of Life: High standard of living, advanced infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare.
- Diversity and Culture: A melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
- Family Reunification: Immigrants can bring their family members to join them.
- Political and Social Stability: Stable government, rule of law, and protection of individual rights.
Types of USA Visas
Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stay)
B-1/B-2 Visa: Business/Tourist Visa
- B-1: For business activities such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or meeting business associates.
- B-2: For tourism, vacation, visiting friends and relatives, or medical treatment.
- Validity: Typically up to 6 months; can be extended.
F-1 Visa: Student Visa
- For academic students enrolled in an accredited U.S. educational institution.
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled full-time in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (24 months for STEM graduates).
J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitor Visa
- For participants in exchange programs approved by the Department of State.
- Includes categories like students, interns, research scholars, and au pairs.
- Home Residency Requirement: Some J-1 visa holders must return to their home country for 2 years after their program ends.
H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupation Visa
- For workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty.
- Validity: Initially up to 3 years; can be extended to a maximum of 6 years.
L-1 Visa: Intra-company Transferee Visa
- For employees of an international company being transferred to a parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary in the U.S.
- L-1A: Managers and executives.
- L-1B: Employees with specialized knowledge.
- Validity: L-1A for up to 7 years, L-1B for up to 5 years.
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
- For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television industry.
- Evidence: Awards, publications, significant contributions, etc.
- Validity: Initially up to 3 years; can be extended.
TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA (now USMCA)
- For qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in specific professional occupations.
- Eligibility: Specific qualifications for each profession.
- Validity: Initially up to 3 years; can be extended.
E-1/E-2 Visa: Treaty Traders and Investors
- E-1: For individuals engaging in substantial trade between the U.S. and their home country.
- E-2: For individuals investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
- Eligibility: Citizens of countries with treaties of commerce and navigation with the U.S.
- Validity: Initially up to 2 years; can be extended.
Immigrant Visas (Permanent Residency/ Green Card)
Family-Sponsored Visas
- IR (Immediate Relative) Visas: For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents).
- F (Family Preference) Visas: For other family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (e.g., siblings, married children).
Employment-Based Visas
- EB-1: Priority Workers
- Persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, multinational executives and managers.
- EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
- Advanced degree holders or individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
- EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
- Skilled workers with at least 2 years of experience, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and unskilled workers.
- EB-4: Special Immigrants
- Religious workers, certain broadcasters, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, etc.
- EB-5: Investors
- Individuals who invest $1.8 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
Diversity Visa Lottery
- For nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Eligibility: High school education or equivalent, or two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation.
- Annual Quota: 50,000 visas allocated randomly.
Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility
- Valid passport.
- No prior visa violations.
- No criminal record.
- Adequate financial resources to support the stay.
Specific Eligibility
- Family-Sponsored Visas:
- Immediate relatives: Spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents of U.S. citizens.
- Family preference: Unmarried/married children over 21, siblings of U.S. citizens.
- Employment-Based Visas:
- EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational executives.
- EB-2: Advanced degrees or exceptional ability in arts, sciences, or business.
- EB-3: Bachelor’s degree or 2 years of experience.
- EB-4: Religious workers, broadcasters, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts.
- EB-5: $1.8 million investment or $900,000 in targeted employment areas.
- Diversity Visa Lottery:
- High school education or equivalent.
- Two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation.
Required Documents
General Documents
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Visa application form (DS-160 for non-immigrant, DS-260 for immigrant).
- Visa fee receipt.
Specific Documents
Family-Sponsored Visas:
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
Employment-Based Visas:
- EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational executives.
- EB-2: Advanced degrees or exceptional ability in arts, sciences, or business.
- EB-3: Bachelor’s degree or 2 years of experience.
- EB-4: Religious workers, broadcasters, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts.
- EB-5: $1.8 million investment or $900,000 in targeted employment areas.
Diversity Visa Lottery:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Proof of work experience (if applicable).
How to Apply
- Non-Immigrant Visas:
- Complete the online DS-160 form.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Attend the visa interview with all required documents.
- Immigrant Visas:
- File the appropriate petition (Form I-130 for family-sponsored, Form I-140 for employment-based).
- Receive approval and complete the DS-260 form.
- Pay the immigrant visa application fee.
- Attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Complete the medical examination and provide required documents.
Cost
| Visa Type | Application Fee ($) |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Visa | 160 |
| F-1 Visa | 160 |
| H-1B Visa | 190 |
| L-1 Visa | 190 |
| O-1 Visa | 190 |
| TN Visa | 160 |
| Family-Sponsored Visa | 325 |
| Employment-Based Visa | 345 |
| Diversity Visa | 330 |
Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Visa | 3-5 business days |
| F-1 Visa | 3-5 business days |
| H-1B Visa | 2-6 months |
| L-1 Visa | 1-4 months |
| O-1 Visa | 2-3 months |
| TN Visa | 1-2 weeks |
| Family-Sponsored Visa | 6 months to 10+ years (varies) |
| Employment-Based Visa | 6 months to several years (varies) |
| Diversity Visa | Within the fiscal year (varies) |
Visa Interview
- Non-Immigrant Visas:
- Attend the interview with the confirmation page of the DS-160 form.
- Provide biometric information (fingerprints).
- Answer questions about the purpose of the trip, ties to the home country, financial situation, etc.
- Immigrant Visas:
- Attend the interview with the confirmation page of the DS-260 form.
- Provide biometric information (fingerprints).
- Answer questions about the relationship to the petitioner, employment offer, financial support, etc.
Why Choose Globalvisanet?
Globalvisanet Overseas Careers stands out as our consultant , and our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully served our customers.
Explore the World with Globalvisanet:
- Visit Visa: Whether for leisure or business, embark on global travel with Globalvisanet.
- Study Visa: Unlock opportunities to study in globally recognized universities.
- Work Visa: Settle in the world’s best cities and pursue your career ambitions.
- Immigration: Your comprehensive solution for all visa and immigration requirements.
- Permanent Residence: Attain the status of Permanent Resident and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Tailored Services for Your Success:
- Profile Evaluation: We analyze your unique profile history, aligning it with visa eligibility criteria, and provide guidance on the appropriate visas to pursue.
- Resume Writing: Craft a standout resume tailored to meet the expectations of immigration authorities.
- Document Procurement: Assist in gathering essential documents required for visa applications.
- Professional Guidance: From interview training to language courses and crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we offer comprehensive support.
- Dedicated Case Officer: Enjoy personalized assistance and a singular point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Post-Landing Services: Our support extends beyond visa approval, helping you settle comfortably in your new country with customized post-landing services.
Experience a seamless journey for all your visa needs with Globalvisanet – from profile evaluation and document preparation to post-visa settlement services. If you have questions about filing the AIPP application, reach out to us immediately. We are here to assist you in every possible way.
Related FAQs
What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a non-immigrant visa?
An immigrant visa allows for permanent residence in the U.S., leading to a Green Card. A non-immigrant visa is for temporary stays for purposes such as tourism, business, study, or temporary work.
How can I apply for a Green Card?
You can apply through family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Each category has specific requirements and processes.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Lottery program allocates 50,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. Applicants must have a high school education or equivalent, or two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation.
What are the eligibility criteria for an H-1B visa?
The H-1B visa is for specialty occupations that require theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge. Applicants need at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field, and a job offer from a U.S. employer.
How long does it take to process a visa application?
Processing times vary based on the visa type and individual circumstances. Non-immigrant visas can take from a few days to several months, while immigrant visas (Green Cards) can take from several months to many years.
What documents are needed for a visa application?
General documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, completed application forms (DS-160 for non-immigrant, DS-260 for immigrant), and visa fee receipts. Specific documents depend on the visa type, such as employment offer letters, educational credentials, and financial support evidence.
What should I expect during the visa interview?
The visa interview will include questions about your purpose of travel, ties to your home country, and financial situation. You will also need to provide your fingerprints and other biometric information. Bring all required documents and be prepared to answer questions honestly.
Can I work while studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa?
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment requires authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
How can I check the status of my visa application?
You can check your visa application status online on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website using your application ID.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
If your visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply or address the issues that led to the denial.
Can I extend my stay in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa?
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay before your visa expires by filing Form I-539 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your circumstances and visa type.
What is the process for bringing my family to the U.S.?
U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can sponsor their immediate family members for immigrant visas. The process involves filing a petition (Form I-130) and providing supporting documentation. Processing times vary depending on the relationship and visa category.
DISCLAIMER
This publication is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice from this website or its affiliates. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, that the content of the publication is accurate, complete, or current. Globalvisanet.com is a service that facilitates the process of acquiring a visa for skilled workers, immigrants, and students by being partners with other visas and immigration service companies. We offer consulting services for different visa categories and immigration options, but we do not provide any visas directly. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change, and does not constitute legal advice. For specific visa and legal advice, you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, attorneys, and members of our expert team.