USA Immigration Pathways: Different Ways to Migrate to the USA

How to Migrate to USA

Today, the United States offers foreign nationals many ways to migrate to its territory. Ranging from the American visas, legal permanent residences and to citizenship by naturalization.

All of them represent effective ways to reach North American lands. However, when it comes to choosing applicants, the United States is usually very demanding.

In general, any migrant who wishes to visit, study or work in the United States must necessarily first obtain a non-immigrant visa. This visa is the first step to achieve the long-awaited goal: to migrate to the United States.

Ways to Migrate to the USA

The following are the alternatives most used by migrants to stay in the US;

1. Through Visas

The visa is a legal document that gives a foreign citizen the possibility of staying in the destination country.

There are two types of visas in the United States: an immigrant visa, which grants the migrant permanent legal stay; while the non-immigrant visa does it temporarily.

• Immigrant Visa Requirements
  • The application process must be done by a sponsor
  • This person must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • The beneficiary must have an application request made by the sponsor
  • The applicant must consult the Directory of Visa Categories and choose the type of visa that the sponsored will need in the United States.
  • Wait for USCIS to notify the approval of the application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Requirements
  • Be a foreign citizen.
  • Possess a valid passport.
  • Willingness to leave the United States once the visa expires.
  • Consult the Directory of Visa Categories and select the one that best suits your situation.
  • Be eligible for some of the types of non-immigrant visas.
  • Submit online application form DS-160.

2. Through Green Card

Officially known as a permanent resident card, it is a legal identity document that gives a foreign citizen the status of a lawful permanent resident. This card allows its holder to reside permanently in the country during the validity of the document.

• Requirements to Apply For the Green Card
  • Fill the Form I-485 with USCIS to request an adjustment of lawful permanent resident status.
  • Check the eligibility categories to which it belongs.
  • Choose the eligibility category that best suits your situation and follow the steps corresponding to the one selected.
  • Wait for USCIS to notify the approval of the application.

Errors That Affect the Process of Obtaining the Green Card

Among all the errors, the following stand out include;

• Lying to an immigration or consulate officer. Most especially, when it is frequent and is related to obtaining the green card.
• Staying illegally in the United States.
• Get married as a tourist immediately after entering the United States
• Marry a boyfriend other than the one who sponsored the K-1 visa.

3. Citizenship by Naturalization

Citizenship by naturalization is the process that allows a foreign citizen to acquire a legal link (rights, obligations, privileges and responsibilities) with the country that admits it.

• Requirements
  • To be 18 years old or more.
  • Possess legal permanent resident status and have been in the country for 5 continuous years.
  • Be an exemplary citizen of good moral principles.
  • Learn about the customs and history of the United States.
  • Know how to read, write and speak an acceptable level of English.
  • Fill the Form N-400 which is the Application for Naturalization, with USCIS

How to Migrate to USA in 10 Steps

In reality, migrating to the United States is considered an act carried out by a foreign citizen to obtain a legal immigration status that guarantees their stay and permanence in the country.

From this, it is concluded that the migrant must carry out a series of well-defined steps to achieve this.

Below are the 10 steps that will allow a foreign citizen to legally migrate to the United States;

1. Consult the Directory of Visa Categories.
2. Select the visa that best suits the purpose of your trip.
3. Process the DS-160 smart application and print the confirmation sheet.
4. Complete the process of paying the fee corresponding to your visa application on the official website of the Official Visa Information and Appointment Services in the United States.
5. Create a user account at the Applicant Service Center. Note: Have the confirmation sheet available.
6. Schedule your appointment at (CAS) using proof of payment.
7. Go to the Applicant Service Center closest to your home to take fingerprints and photographs.
8. Attend the interview at the United States Embassy in your country.
9. If the application is not approved, pick up your passport at the embassy after the interview.
10. If the non-immigrant visa is approved, you will be notified of the place to pick up your passport along with the visa. The location can be a DHL or CAS office.

Conclusion

This article has explained the most important things about your migration to the United States. It is therefore left for you to share this piece with your friends and family who might also be interested. Thanks.