Recent statistics show that more than 44 million immigrants live in America. Does this figure ring a bell? Well, if it does, it shouldn’t shock you because the United States is one of the best tourist friendly countries ever.
The country boasts of some of the best transport systems coupled with its robust economy.
If you desire to relocate permanently to the US, then this article is for you. Read on to find out the various ways you can legally secure a permanent stay in the US.
Despite the rhetoric, since the year 2000, the Homeland security statistics show that the issue of illegal crossings to the US has dropped by over 90 percent. That’s said, let’s now walk you through the 6 most effective methods of migrating to America without any fuss.
If you are ready, then, let’s get started:
1). Work Visa
Are you passionate about migrating permanently to the United States? Then give the idea of getting a work visa a serious consideration. Getting a work visa is another legal way of becoming a permanent resident in America. Employers in the US can sponsor a skilled worker provided they can’t find such a skill in the country.
There are different types of work visas. There are visas that would enable you to stay in the country for a short period of time, after which you must return to your country. On the other hand, there are visas that would grant you a permanent stay. For instance, when there is a high demand for computer science experts or Engineers, the H1B visa type would serve in this regard.
2). Student Visa
Another method to legally enter the United States and seek a permanent stay is through the Student Visa method. There are two types of student visas. An M visa would allow you to pursue a non-academic program or vocational studies, while an F visa would allow you to pursue language training programs or academic studies.
If you wish to stay permanently after your studies, you will face certain legal restrictions except you request for an adjustment of your status. You can do this through the immigration department.
3). Family-Based Immigration
Research shows that most immigrants in the US got into the country using the family-based immigration method. The family-based Immigration method is a practice whereby a citizen or legal resident invites a foreign spouse, unmarried children, parents or siblings to the country.
So, if you have a family member resident in the State, request the person to send you an invitation letter. If you have the invitation letter handy, the process of obtaining a visa would become seamless.
4). Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program is another legal way to enter the US. Every year, the US Government in a bid to encourage countries with low immigration numbers issue out over 50,000 visas randomly. You can apply for the visa lottery and who knows? You might be among the lucky winners from your country.
5). Asylum Seekers
This list would not be complete without mentioning the asylum method. Seeking asylum at the port of entry is another legal means to enter the United States, provided you can convince the border officials that your home country wants to persecute you due to your race, nationality, religion or participation in a certain social group. If you request protection from the US Government on the basis of asylum, the government would oblige your request.
6). Investors
You can gain a permanent residency in the United States if you are an investor. But there are certain conditions you must meet before an immigrant investor visa would be issued to you. You must have at least USD $500,000 to invest in the country and create not less than five full-time jobs.