Learn about the immigration visas available to live in the United States
Immigrating to the United States is a dream cherished by people from around the world for various reasons. On one hand, it offers a diverse and dynamic job market that provides opportunities for professional and economic growth.
Moreover, it is the diversity of sectors, from technology to medicine, that makes it appealing to professionals from different fields.
The U.S. economy, despite fluctuations, has shown resilience and recovery over time, facing and combating seasonal phenomena such as inflation.
With a constantly developing real estate market that increasingly attracts people, it offers a solid and prosperous future for investments in this sector.
Regarding healthcare, the United States boasts some of the most advanced medical institutions and highly trained healthcare professionals. However, it is important to note that access to healthcare may vary based on factors such as state and economic situation.
In education, the U.S. education system spans from primary schools to world-renowned higher education institutions. American universities lead in research and offer a wide range of academic programs.
The possibility of accessing quality and diverse education is a significant motivation for those seeking academic and professional development.
Visas proposed by the United States Government that allow people to immigrate to the U.S.
The United States government offers various visas that permit immigration, seeking outstanding individuals highly specialized in various fields who can contribute to the country’s development.
Some of the most common categories include work visas such as H-1B for highly skilled workers, L-1 for intra-company transfers, and EB-5 for investors.
On the family side, there are visas such as the K-1 fiancé(e) visa and the immediate family visas IR-1/CR-1. Student visas like F-1 are also popular for those seeking to study in the United States.
In addition to the mentioned visas, there are others, such as O-1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities, P-1 for outstanding athletes and artists, and U for victims of certain crimes cooperating with authorities.
The diversity of options reflects the variety of reasons that lead people to immigrate, whether for work, family, education, or humanitarian reasons.
Description of immigration visas to the U.S.
H-1B Visa:
For foreign professionals with specialized skills who want to work in the United States. Sponsored by U.S. employers, this visa aims to fill job vacancies with specific skills not easily found in the local job market.
L1-E2 Visa:
Designed for employees of multinational companies who want to be transferred to a U.S. subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. The L1 visa allows intra-company transfer of employees with specific knowledge and experience.
K-1 Visa:
Known as the fiancé(e) visa, it allows foreign fiancés of U.S. citizens to enter the U.S. for marriage. After marriage, the spouse can apply for adjustment of status to obtain permanent residence.
IR-1/CR-1 Visa:
Motivation: For foreign spouses of U.S. citizens. The IR-1 visa is for marriages lasting at least two years, while the CR-1 is for marriages with less than two years. Both lead to permanent residence.
F-1 Visa:
Intended for foreign students who want to study in academic institutions in the U.S. The F-1 visa allows students to pursue approved academic programs and work under certain conditions while studying.
O-1 Visa:
For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as arts, sports, business, education, or science. The O-1 visa is designed for people who have demonstrated an outstanding level of achievements and recognition in their fields.
P-1 Visa:
Targeted at internationally recognized athletes, artists, and entertainment groups. It allows individuals and teams to participate in specific events in the U.S.
What is the Green Card? What are its benefits?
The Green Card, also known as the Permanent Resident Card, grants holders rights similar to those of U.S. citizens and is the first step to accessing citizenship.
It allows holders to live and work permanently in the United States, travel freely in and out of the country, and access social and health services. Additionally, after a period of permanent residence, holders can apply for U.S. citizenship.
How to obtain the Green Card in the USA?
The U.S. Permanent Resident Card, also known as the Green Card, can be obtained in various ways for those wishing to live in the USA.
For a family, it generally involves being sponsored by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
In the case of employment, the sponsoring employer must file a petition on behalf of the foreign worker. Other avenues include asylum, refugees, and special programs like the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Another common way is through marriage, which must be validated according to the laws of the home country. It is also possible to apply for U.S. residency if the person has demonstrated extraordinary skills in specific areas such as education, sports, sciences, among others.
However, the safest and least dependent on external factors is through the EB-5 Program, which with an investment close to $900,000 (including operating expenses) offers the option to obtain the Green Card.
EB-5 Program: Safest solution to obtain the Green Card with no further restrictions than investment
One of the safest and less restrictive ways to obtain the Green Card is through investment with the EB-5 Program, which, meeting certain requirements, allows the interested party and their family to enjoy all the benefits offered by the country.
The Federal EB-5 Program is a project created by the U.S. government in 1990 and administered by USCIS, allowing foreign individuals and their immediate families to obtain permanent residence in the United States through an investment in the country, without nationality restrictions.
Who administers this program? The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are responsible for enforcing the law in this program, under which investors and their spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to apply for a Green Card by fulfilling two main requirements.
Make an investment of $800,000 in a commercial enterprise in the United States Demonstrate the clear legality of the origin of funds
Step-by-step process to obtain the Green Card with the EB-5 Program:
The first step to applying for an EB-5 visa is to locate a project that meets the requirements set by the program. Then, the investor must hire an immigration lawyer to submit the application to enter the program, completing Form I-526.
In this step, the interested party must make the $800,000 investment and transparently show the origin of the capital used, for which they must have a legal source and route of funds.
The next step (optional) is once the first form is approved, to submit a second document known as Form I-485 that will allow obtaining a migratory status to reside in the USA while obtaining the Green Card.
After this period, the investor is already in a position to adjust their migratory status from “non-immigrant” to “permanent resident.” A process that is recommended to be carried out through a lawyer.
The average time to complete the Green Card acquisition is 2 to 3 years. Although this period can be reduced if it is a national interest project or located in a rural area.
How to enter the EB-5 Program. Requirements.
To enter the EB-5 Program, a minimum investment of around $900,000 including associated expenses is required, with no other requirement than demonstrating the legal origin of the funds.
The process involves filing a petition with USCIS, and once approved, applicants obtain a conditional Green Card. After meeting the program requirements, the condition is removed, and beneficiaries obtain the permanent Green Card.
Since the EB-5 Program involves substantial investments, it is recommended to seek specialized legal advice to ensure compliance with all requirements and safeguard the investment.
