The United States Migration Program
What are the U.S.’s immigration programs?
U.S. immigration law is based on the following principles: the reunification of families, admitting immigrants with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy, protecting refugees, and promoting diversity.
Once a person obtains an immigrant visa and comes to the United States, they become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Non-citizens who are already in the country may occasionally be able to apply for LPR status through a procedure called “adjustment of status.”
LPRs can apply for almost all employment (those that aren’t legally only open to Americans) and can live in the U.S. permanently, even if they’re unemployed. LPRs can seek for citizenship after living in the country for five years (or three years in certain situations). Without first becoming an LPR, it is not feasible to apply for citizenship through the standard procedure.
What kinds of immigrant visas are there?
- Family-based green cards
- Employment-based green cards
- Humanitarian green cards
- Diversity lottery green cards
- Longtime-resident green cards
- Other green cards
Since family and employment-based green cards are the most common alternatives chosen by immigrants, let’s look more closely to these types of green cards:
1. Family-based green cards
The majority of green cards are given to relatives of present residents and people with green cards. Spouses, widows/widowers, children, parents, and siblings are examples of eligible family members; however, the regulations differ based on whether the sponsor is a citizen of the United States or holds a green card, as well as on how closely related the immigrant is to the sponsor.
M&L helps couples apply for their marriage-based green cards. You can get a fully assembled application package, reviewed by an independent immigration attorney who also answers your legal questions here.
2. Employment-based green cards
To enter the United States, many immigrants use employment-based green cards, which are granted in five categories depending on the abilities or other benefits you provide to the nation.
The first four categories—designated as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-4—concentrate on the abilities you bring to the table as an employee. You may need a U.S. company to sponsor your application in some circumstances; in other situations, you may need to provide evidence of exceptional talent or specialised training.
The EB-5 green card is a little different because investors must invest between $500,000 and $1 million to be eligible to receive one. A work permit should not be confused with an employment-based green card.
M&L Migration can help you apply for your work permit along with your green card application, and you’ll get your paperwork checked by an independent attorney to make sure everything’s in order. Learn more about how we can help, or check your eligibility for a green card today.
Am I eligible for the migration program?
For the majority of green card applications, you will need to pass:
- A background check, which may require you to provide police reports from previous residences and respond to inquiries about past crimes.
- A medical examination, which includes inquiries about your history of communicable diseases, drug and alcohol use, and mental health.
You’ll also have requirements based on the specific visa for which you’re applying.
M&L Migration can help you figure out if you’re eligible for the specific visa you’re applying for, and can make the whole process quicker and easier. Want to know more?
What do I need to prepare?
Are you interested in immigrating to the United States or want to sponsor someone? The United States provides for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and diversity visa.
Book free consultations to know all about regulations, the application process, required documents, and more.
