A Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For The Top 5 Most Popular Immigration Programs In The United States
The United States has long been a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life. As such, it’s no surprise that the country has several popular immigration programs that attract people from all over the world. Here are the top five most popular immigration programs in the United States:
Read: Setting the Record Straight: Addressing Common Myths About Immigration In The United States and How to Help
H-1B Visa:
his program is designed for skilled workers in specialty occupations and is one of the most sought-after visas in the country. The H-1B visa is especially popular among technology workers and requires sponsorship by an employer.
Eligibility requirements for H-1B Visa:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specialized field related to the job offer
- You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer
- The job offer must be in a specialty occupation, such as engineering, technology, or finance.
- Your employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor.
Steps On How To Apply For The H-1b Visa
- Find an Employer – Find an employer who is willing to sponsor your H-1B visa.
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) – Your employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor to confirm that the job offer and working conditions meet the legal requirements.
- Form I-129 – Your employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Pay Fees – You and your employer will need to pay the appropriate fees.
- Interview – If your H-1B visa is approved, you may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program):
The Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa Program, offers citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the United States the opportunity to win a green card and permanently live and work in the country.
Eligibility requirements for Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program):
- You must be a native of a country that is eligible to participate in the lottery.
- You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work
- Experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
How to Apply For Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program):
- Register Online – Register online during the registration period, typically held each October.
- Submit Required Documents – If selected, you will need to submit required documentation and fees to the Department of State.
- Interview – Attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy if selected as a winner.
F-1 Student Visa:
The F-1 visa is for international students who want to study in the United States. This program is popular among students from all over the world, and it provides a pathway to obtaining a green card in the future.
Eligibility requirements for F-1 Student Visa:
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student in an educational program in the United States.
- You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working in the United States.
- You must have a valid passport and be in good health.
How to Apply For F-1 Student Visa:
- Get Accepted to a School – Apply to and get accepted to a U.S. school that is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Form I-20 – The school will provide you with a Form I-20, which you will need to apply for the F-1 visa.
- Pay Fees – Pay the appropriate fees for the visa application.
- Attend an Interview – Attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy to complete the application process.
Family-Based Immigration:
Family-based immigration is another popular program in the United States. This program allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their family members for green cards.
Eligibility requirements for Family-Based Immigration:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). ( Read how to Become US Citizen)
- You must be sponsoring a relative who is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- You must provide proof of a qualifying relationship to the relative you are sponsoring, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
How to Apply For Family-Based Immigration:
- Determine Eligibility – Determine if you are eligible to sponsor a relative for a green card.
- Form I-130 – File a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
- Wait for Approval – Wait for approval of the Form I-130.
- Apply for a Green Card – Once the Form I-130 is approved, your relative can apply for a green card.
EB-5 Investor Visa:
The EB-5 visa is a program for investors who are willing to invest a minimum of $500,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise that will create or preserve at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers. This program is popular among wealthy individuals who want to obtain a green card and eventually become U.S. citizens.
Eligibility requirements for EB-5 Investor Visa:
- You must invest at least $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise in the United States.
- The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- The commercial enterprise must be a for-profit business that is not primarily engaged in speculative or passive investment.
 How to Apply for EB-5 Investor Visa:
- Find a Qualifying Investment – Find a qualifying investment that meets the criteria of the EB-5 visa program.
- Form I-526 – File a Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, with USCIS.
- Pay Fees – Pay the appropriate fees for the visa application.
- Wait for Approval – Wait for approval of the Form I-526.
- Apply for a Green Card – Once the Form I-526 is approved, you can apply for a green card.
Each of these programs has its own set of eligibility requirements, and the application process can be complex. However, the reward of obtaining a green card and permanently living and working in the United States makes it all worth it for many immigrants.
