FAQ
Immigration Pathways and Visa Types
Family-Based Immigration: Sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident family member.
Employment-Based Immigration: Sponsorship by a U.S. employer for individuals with specific skills or qualifications.
Diversity Visa Lottery: A program for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
Refugee or Asylee Status: For individuals fleeing persecution.
Special Categories: Such as the Cuban Adjustment Act or humanitarian parole programs.
Visa: A temporary authorization to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose (e.g., tourism, study, work).
Green Card: Officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, it allows an individual to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Family-Based Immigration: Immigrant Visa (IR/CR categories)
For Employment Purposes : H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB visa types
Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen: K-1 Visa
For Students: F-1 or M-1 Visa
For Tourism or Business: B-1/B-2 Visa
- Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can visit the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. However, they must first obtain a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before their trip.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Pass the English and civics tests.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
Application Process and Documentation
- To check your case status, visit the official USCIS Case Status Online tool and enter the 13-character receipt number associated with your application.
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Form N-400: Application for Naturalization.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
- Yes, USCIS offers online filing for many forms through its website.
- Fees vary depending on the form.
- Processing times vary depending on the form type and the USCIS workload.
- Valid passport
- U.S. visa (if required)
- Supporting documents (e.g., Form I-20 for students, Form I-797 for workers, marriage certificate if immigrating as a spouse)
- Proof of funds or a return ticket (if visiting as a tourist)
Life in the U.S.
There is no set amount, but you should have enough funds to cover initial living expenses—such as housing, food, transportation, and emergencies—for at least 3 to 6 months, unless a sponsor or employer is providing support.
- Yes, but they may need derivative visas (such as K-2, H-4, F-2) depending on your visa type. For green card applicants, you must include them on your immigration petition
- Having health insurance is highly recommended, as healthcare costs in the U.S. are very high. Additionally, it’s important to note that certain visa categories, such as the J-1, legally require insurance coverage.
- Yes. Immigrant children, including those on non-immigrant visas, are entitled to attend public K-12 schools. For higher education (college or university), however, admission and tuition policies differ significantly based on a student’s immigration status.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in visa cancellation or removal from the U.S.
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- How long will you be staying?
- Where will you be staying?
- Do you have a return ticket and/or sufficient funds for your visit?
- Yes. A visa does not guarantee entry. CBP has the final authority to grant or deny admission based on your answers, documents, and immigration history.
- Fresh fruits/vegetables
- Meats
- Narcotics
- Large amounts of cash (must be declared if over $10,000 USD)
- Unauthorized medications (See U.S. CBP guidelines for the complete list)