1. What is a green card?
2. I would like to get a job in the United States. How do I get a visa?
3. If I apply to immigrate to USA what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?
4. Will having family in USA help me to immigrate?
5. What if I have a background in business?
1. What is a green card?
The official name is Alien Registration Receipt card, and it shows that the holder has Permanent Residence status in the United States. This is the first step towards becoming a citizen of the United States. The card is in fact pink!
Note that in the USA Permanent Visas are called Immigrant Visas and "Temporary Visas" are called "Non Immigrant" Visas.
2. I would like to get a job in the United States. How do I get a visa?
Non - Immigrant "H" visas |
They provide a vehicle for many people to enter the United States as Temporary Workers, subject to their employer being able to demonstrate that their skills are required in the United States. |
H-1B visas |
120,000 are available each year for people with "specialised knowledge and skills. A bachelor's degree is normally required; however other qualifications and experience may be acceptable. |
L1> visas |
Allow companies with international offices to transfer staff into the United States to work as managers or executives in their US offices. |
Limited numbers of Immigrant visas are available. Issue of these visas is based on a preference system, with the first preference set aside Managers and Executives subject to international transfer to the United States, and for people with extraordinary talents or abilities.
Other applicants for "Employment Based" Immigrant visas may require Labour certification which is a clearance required from the US Department of Labour that demonstrates that the employer has not been able to find suitably qualified applicants from the US Labour force.
3. If I apply to immigrate to USA what is the status of my spouse?
If we both qualify who should apply? If you qualify for a visa to work in the United States, your spouse will not necessarily be permitted to work.
4. Will having family in USA help me to immigrate?
There are Family Migration visa classes for the USA where the relationship and sponsorship will be the deciding factor. For example if you have an American spouse, child or parent who is able to sponsor you there is potential for you to successfully apply for immigration. It is important though that you confirm your position before making an application. Some family based visa applications can be subject to very long delays.
5. What if I have a background in business?
Again there may be opportunities to enter the United States on "Immigrant" and "Non- Immigrant" visas. To apply directly for a green card, an investment of US$1 million is required in a venture that will employ 10 US workers over a two year period. (In certain regions an investment of only US$500,000 is required)
Other visas, such as the E2 Treaty Investor visa, enable entrepreneurs from certain countries around the world (including the UK) to set up in the United States with much lower levels of investment.
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