Migrating to the U.S. requires obtaining a visa, and there are several immigrant visa categories available. Here are five key immigrant visa categories:
1. Family-Sponsored Immigration (Green Card through Family)
•U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor certain family members.
•Immediate relatives (spouse, parents, and unmarried children under 21) have the highest priority.
•Family preference categories exist for siblings, married children, and relatives of Green Card holders.
2. Employment-Based Immigration (EB Visas)
•This is for individuals with job offers or exceptional skills.
•Categories include:
•EB-1: Priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational executives).
•EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
•EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
•EB-4: Special immigrants (religious workers, broadcasters, armed forces members, etc.).
•EB-5: Investors who create jobs in the U.S. (minimum $800,000–$1,050,000 investment).
3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program
• Also called the Green Card Lottery, this program allows people from underrepresented countries to apply for a U.S. Green Card.
•Annually, around 55,000 visas are issued through a random selection process.
4. Refugee and Asylum Status
•Refugees flee their home countries due to persecution, war, or violence and apply while outside the U.S.
•Asylum seekers apply for protection from within the U.S. if they fear persecution in their home country.
5. Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1 Visa)
•Allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. to get married.
•The marriage must occur within 90 days of arrival, after which the spouse can apply for a Green Card.
Each category has different eligibility requirements and application processes. Would you like details on a specific category?