Immigration to USA
Immigration to USA has remained a crucial factor for the
growth of United States as a whole. Citizens of other countries coming to
the USA need to obtain USA Visas that are issued at US consulates and
embassies world over. USA visas are divided into two main types of visas-
Immigrant Visas and
Non-Immigrant Visas. Someone desirable
of American immigration (wishing to live permanently in the USA) must have
an Immigrant Visa. Others who wish to stay temporarily in US must have
Non-Immigrant Visa.
Types of USA Immigration
For immigration to USA, one must obtain an immigrant visa. The Immigration
and Nationality Act (INA) of USA states that a permanent resident status of
USA can be obtained mainly through the following proceedings which can be
quoted as types of USA immigration.
- USA immigration through a family member
- USA immigration through employment or investment
- USA immigration through the Diversity Lottery
- USA immigration through Refugee or asylum status
USA Immigration Requirements
Family Sponsored USA Immigration- A permanent resident of USA can
sponsor his/her immediate relatives that include spouses, minor children &
parents for obtaining US Citizenship. A US citizen must be at least 21 years
of age in order to sponsor his or her parents. Married as well as unmarried
sons and daughters as also brothers and sisters of adult US citizens are
eligible for family sponsored USA immigration according to the American
immigration laws and annual quotas.
Employment Based USA Immigration- Many priority workers,
professionals and other workers are eligible for American immigration. There
are three subcategories for priority workers.
- Foreign nationals having extraordinary ability in sciences, arts,
education, business, or athletics.
- Foreign nationals who are outstanding professors or researchers with
at least 3 years of experience in teaching or research and who are
recognized internationally.
- Foreign nationals who are managers and executives subject to
international transfer to the United States.
Apart from the priority workers, professionals having advanced degrees such
as Ph.D., master's degree, or at least 5 years of progressive
post-baccalaureate experience or persons of exceptional ability in sciences,
arts, or business are also eligible for employment USA immigration. Certain
special immigrants like ministers, religious workers, current or former US
government workers, investors can also obtain this type of American
immigration other than skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
Diversity Immigration to USA- Under the Diversity Immigrant Visa
program, the United States Permanent Resident Card- famous by name of Green
card- is issued to those who want to migrate to USA. Green card is an
identity card that proves US permanent residence status. Green card is the
easiest way for USA immigration. A native of any eligible country can apply
for obtaining a USA green card. The applicants should have high school
education or equivalent experience. The State Department of United States of
America is authorized to receive and process the green card applications
through US Green Card Lottery. Diversity Visa Lottery programme aims at
making immigration to United States available to diverse cultural and ethnic
groups in a balanced way. Every year US government issues 50,000 green cards
authorizing the Green Card Lottery winners and their families to live and
work in the United States.
Asylum in the United States- The United States grants asylum to
individuals as specified by international and federal law. A specified
number of legally defined refugees, applying for asylum either overseas or
after arriving in the US are admitted annually to America. A refugee is a
person who is outside his or her country of nationality and owing to a fear
of persecution on account of a protected ground (race, nationality,
religion, political opinion and membership of a particular social group), is
unable or unwilling to avail himself of the protection of the state.
USA Immigration Process
Any person desirable of USA immigration
has to present petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to
allow the beneficiary to apply for an immigrant visa. If approved, the
petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center for further processing.
The National Visa Center provides instructions related to forms, fees and
other required documents to complete the visa application for USA
immigration.
Immigration Consultants provide with
immigration help which can be services like assistance with filing
applications and petition, helping to gather required documentation or
translation. See the list of immigration
consultants.
