If you’re not a U.S. citizen, then it can be a complicated process trying to find a legal way to settle within America. There are a few options available, depending on if your family has any U.S. citizens, or if you have any skills you can offer for the workplace.
Family Based
The most common of visas that see immigrants enter the country legally, are family based. These come in a variety of different types, but most commonly is done via marriage. If one spouse is a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, then when they marry someone who is neither, they will be able to apply for a residency visa. They may be able to become a U.S. citizen themselves.
Business Visas
There are a variety of different employment-based visas available, depending on certain factors. The most common of which, are the green card employment visas. These visas can be awarded depending on employment skills and qualifications.
The most skilled in the ability in science, arts, education, athletics or business will be given first priority in immigrating. As will those who currently work as multinational managers or professors who are of high quality.
Second preference goes to employees who hold advanced degrees, or have incredible ability in general. This is similar to the first preference in terms of ability, but usually with less experience in a high field.
Third preference is more work and practical experience based, and those who are skilled workers or general professionals will fall into this category. Most common workers will qualify for this too, no matter what industry they’re in.
There are two more uncommon types of preferences that can qualify for an employment visa. The fourth one is named special immigrants, and refers to those who are the beneficiary or an approved petition form. There are many jobs that fall into this category, all with mitigating factors.
The last fifth preference to help get an employment visa, are investors. The U.S. will welcome foreign investors with capital investment as they can help improve commercial enterprises within the country.
You can learn more about how to qualify for an employment visa by speaking to a highly qualified immigrant specialist lawyer. These lawyers, such as the ones at Farmer Law PC, can explain the process to those looking to move to the country. The Austin lawyers are experts in family immigration too, so there are options for the whole family.
Intercountry Adoption
A more modern approach to visas, are adoption-based visas. This refers to when Americans leave the country to adopt children in need of a family from other nations. Each year, thousands of Americans adopt children from abroad, and as such, the state takes great interest in making the process as smooth as possible.
In order to gain permanent residence for an adopted foreign child, the child’s home country must first permit adoptions by foreigners. The parents looking to adopt must be US citizens, or at least one if married. Once the process is complete, the parents will be able to apply for an immigration visa, through a I-600 or I-600A.