The USA has a long history of adopting new immigrants to help the country prosper and although the US immigration process is a little complex and confusing, the country remains one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world. The USA has more than 60 types of non-immigrant or non-permanent visas and several visas for permanent residency. Members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) handle all US visa applications.
If a foreign individual wishes to obtain a US visa for a short period of time, they should apply for a B1 business visa or submit an application for a B2 travel visa. For those who intend living and working in the country for an extended period of time, an L1 visa or H1B visa application should be submitted.
Foreign individuals who wish to establish their own business in the USA should request an E1 or E2 visa application. E1 and E2 visas have a maximum validity of five years and both offer the holder an opportunity to apply for a US Green Card.
For foreigners who are planning to move to the USA to live permanently, there are several routes open to them, based on family relationship, the American “Green Card Lottery,” and employment opportunities.
If taking the employment opportunities route, the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4 and EB-5 visas allow holders to apply for permanent residency in the country.
An individual may also apply for a Green Card if he or she has a sibling, parent, spouse or fiancé already residing in the country.
Another option is the annual US “Green Card Lottery”, which randomly chooses candidates from under-represented countries to live and work in the country.