A Comprehensive Guide to Immigration in USA

As of February 2024, 31 million immigrants (19.3%) work in USA. The United States has a long history of attracting skilled workers and immigrants from different cultures and backgrounds. The high standard of schooling ensures good quality education. Moreover, it is known for medical innovation, single handedly contributing to global healthcare.

If you posses any important skill, the USA is the best place to embrace new career opportunities. Most companies in the USA help candidates with specialized skills obtain visas and provide attractive employment benefits.

If you are planning to migrate to the USA, here are some nuggets of information that can be useful to you.

Eligibility checklist

Here are the must-haves for obtaining a migration visa to USA

1. A valid passport before applying for US visa

2. A letter of acceptance from university (for student visa) / employment letter (for work visa)

3. Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement)

4. A original documents and certifications

5. English speaking skills

6. Police clearance certificate

7.Marriage certificate if applicable

8. Must be medically fit

Pathway to Lawful Permanent Residency in the USA

Green card (Immigrant Visa)

Obtaining a green card, also known as an immigrant visa, is the best way to immigrate to the USA. It provides unrestricted employment opportunities and you can renew it as many times as possible. It makes you a lawful permanent resident of USA. However, it is not similar to obtaining citizenship. You may not have permission to vote in elections. This is a direct way to obtaining US citizenship and immigration after 3-5 years.

Types of green card visas in USA

Family-based green cards – For non-citizens having family members of US citizen

Employment-based green cards – For priority workers with extraordinary abilities / skills

Humanitarian green cards – For people seeking refugee, crime victims, abuse, human trafficking etc. Learn more

Longtime-resident green cards – For those who have lived in the USA for a long time (at least 8 to 10 years).

Conditional green cards – For people who married a US permanent citizen or invested in a US business.

Green Card Application in USA

Before you apply for green card make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Find more details about green card eligibility categories here.

Step 1

File an immigrant petition from your side, after checking eligibility

Step 2

On approval by USCIS, you can file a visa application with the USCIS

Step 3

Take an appointment for biometric checks, fingerprints, photos and signature

Step 4

Appear for the visa interview and receive a decision on your application

Step 5

Once your visa is approval, you can move to USA

Temporary visas in USA

Here are some of the US immigrant work visas:

B1 Visa

Business Visitors

H-1B Visa

Person in Specialty Occupation (Temporary Workers)

H-1B1 Visa

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional - Chile, Singapore

H-2A/ 2B Visa

Temporary Agricultural Worker / Non-agricultural

H-3 Visa

Trainee or Special Education visitor

J Visa

Trainees / au-pairs

L Visa

Intracompany Transferee

O Visa

Individual with Special Ability or Talent/Achievement

P-1 Visa

Athlete, or Member of an Entertainment / Sports Group

P-2 / P-3 Visa

Artist or Entertainer (Part of reciprocal exchange program, teaching/coaching)

Q-1 Visa

Participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program

R Visa

Religious Workers

F-1 / J-1/ M-1 Visa

Student (Course of Study - Undergraduate)