The US immigration system is complex and confusing when it is your first time taking on the application. There is a lot of paperwork involved and you also need to provide the required documents when you apply. Depending on your reason to immigrate, you will need to know the specific visa for which you should apply.
What are the different visa types?
There are two types of US visas: non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas. Individuals get non-immigrant visas when they plan to visit the country temporarily, whether as students, tourists or workers with special skills required for a limited time.
Meanwhile, an immigrant visa is specific to individuals who intend to live permanently in the US. These include:
- Family visa: A visa given to close relatives of US citizens or permanent residents.
- Employment visa: A dedicated visa offered to individuals with a job offer from a US employer.
- Investor visa: This visa, typically labeled as EB-5, is given to investors who bring in significant capital for a US business.
A visa has an equivalent set of requirements and a rigorous application process to follow. It would be advisable to gather all the necessary documents as early as possible. Working together with an immigration lawyer is also advisable to ensure a smoother application.
What if none of the visas available apply to me?
If no standard immigration visas apply to your situation, you still have several options to consider when entering the US. Some of these may also rely on government programs, US businesses and relationships with a US resident. They include:
- There is a visa waiver program that will allow some citizens from other countries to travel to the US as tourists or on business for up to 90 days without a visa.
- People who work on sea vessels or international airlines in the US get crew member visas.
- A fiancée visa allows entry to individuals planning to marry a US citizen.
- An informant on terrorism or organized crime gets an informant visa.
Whether you are applying for an immigration visa or another type of visa, you will require correct documentation and efficient legal representation so it can proceed smoothly and successfully.
