5 Easiest Ways to Immigrate to the United States of America

Congratulations on deciding to immigrate to the United States of America. However, before you begin your immigration journey. You will need to first understand what the process involves. Moreover, in order to permanently Immigrate to the United States of America. You must meet certain requirements, pay government fees, and have your application approved by the US government. This can be complicated and expensive, therefore it's important to be well informed.

Besides, when people talk about the easiest way to immigrate to the United States of America (U.S. lawful permanent residence) they are usually interested in a combination of: "Which way of getting a green card is fastest? And which way has the least demanding eligibility requirements?

There is no doubt that the United States of America is one of the most popular countries in the world. This made her draw the attention of foreigners all over the world for a very long time. Many wish to relocate to the United States from their countries for greener pastures. There are several reasons why foreign nationals choose the United States of America when it comes to immigration.

Do You Need an Immigrant or Nonimmigrant Visas

Immigrating to the United States means permanently relocating to the country by obtaining a green card (otherwise known as an immigrant visa or Lawful Permanent Residence). However, a green card grants the holder unrestricted employment and can be renewed indefinitely. Moreover, it also provides a pathway, or it is the final step before the ultimate goal of US citizenship.

However, not every foreign national is eligible to apply for a green card. Besides, applying for an immigrant visa can be time-consuming and often expensive. As result, most people instead use temporary visas to visit, work, or study in the United States. Temporary visas, officially known as nonimmigrant visas are often renewable and good for multiple visits. Which might allow the holder to live in the United States for several years.

Since our topic is about the pathways to immigrate to the United States of America. This guide focuses on the options for permanent immigration. Therefore, you will be needing an immigrant instead of a nonimmigrant visa to immigrate to the United States of America. Although, there are many people that start out on temporary visas. Such as F-1 or J-1 student visas before going on to gain green cards. So, if you don't currently qualify for a green card, you should consider if a temporary visa might help you achieve your goals.

Immigrate to the United States of America

However, to immigrate to the United States of America, you, first of all, need to figure out which type of green card you meet its eligibility criteria. You will likely only be able to immigrate if you're eligible for one of the following immigrant visas:

• Employment-based green cards
• Family-based green cards
• Humanitarian/ asylum
• Diversity lottery green cards
• Through Investment in the United States’ economy and other green cards

Below are the 5 easiest but most common paths to entering the United States Of America legally and possibly obtaining permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

1. Through Employment-based Immigrant Visas

The United States is a country where talents are appreciated. You cant take advantage of various job vacancies advertised online, If you are lucky, your prospective employer files a petition with the USCIS, The approved petition is required in order to apply for a work visa.

Work visas vary from a limited amount of time up to permanent resident status. Be sure of your time limits, and re-apply or you could face deportation. In some cases, deportation still occurs, so if you plan on staying for a longer period of time, you may want to consider becoming a citizen to avoid it altogether.

2. Through Family-based Green Cards

If you have a relative or family member who is a US citizen, you can migrate legally to the country through their personal invitation according to the USCIS. For example, if a U.S. citizen is your spouse; the unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen; or the parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older), you will be able to immigrate.

3. Through Diversity Lottery Green Cards

Any foreign national who belongs to an under-represented country can take advantage of the Diversity Visa lottery program. This program helps people who do not have job offers or relatives in America, to sponsor them for US Green Cards, to immigrate to the United States. 50,000 Green Cards are being issued to people who take part and win the Green Card lottery program every year.

If you do not qualify for a family-based or an employment-based Green Card, you can go for the Green Card lottery. But remember that your country of citizenship must be on the list of countries that are eligible to take part in this program. Moreover, you need to meet other eligibility requirements to take part in this program.

Benefits of Visa Lottery Awards

Their a lot of facts and benefits you will gain on your Visa Green Card Approval:

• Unlimited entry to the USA - no need for a US Visa or ESTA anymore!
• Live without restrictions in any US state.
• Holding of the previous citizenship.
• After three or five years you can apply for US citizenship.

As an employee

• A work visa is no longer required.
• Free choice of employer.
• Indefinite employment contracts and change of employer are no problem.
• Less strict work requirements than for other non-Americans.

As a self-employed person

Certain limited permits, such as business licenses or trade licenses, can be obtained more easily and quickly.

As a student

• Studying in the US without a student visa.
• Tuition fees can be reduced by up to 80%.

As a pensioner

• Legal and permanent immigration for retirement.
• Entitlement to pension insurance earned in the USA and in your home country, e.g. Germany.
• Entitlement to medical care and other state social benefits.

Note: For this entitlement, you must have lived in the USA for at least five years

4. Through Humanitarian/ Asylum

People may also show up at a U.S. port of entry and seek asylum if they can prove they have been or could be persecuted in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, participation in a certain social group, or their political opinions. Anyone who seeks the same protections from outside the U.S. is considered a refugee. Anyone who is illegally in the United States can also seek asylum protection.

5. Through Investment in the United States’ Economy

Having enough money to Invest in the U.S. economy will no doubt make it easier for you to get United States Visa. For a $500,00 investment in an EB-5 government-approved regional center, you will be on your way to a green card, however, you can’t control how your money is managed. A $1 million investment, however, will give you control of your funds.

Green Cards Requirements

Moreover, these are the requirements you will need to provide for most green card applications:

• A background check, for which you may have to submit police reports from places you have previously lived and answer questions about past convictions.
• A medical exam, during which you’ll be asked questions about your mental health, use of drugs and alcohol, and history of communicable diseases.

However, there are also other requirements that will be based on the specific visa for which you are applying.

How Much Does it Cost to Immigrate to the United States of America?

The costs and requirements for each specific immigrant visa vary. But the cost of the family and employment-based green card are as follows:

However, the total cost of applying for a family-based immigrant visa is approximately $1,960 for an applicant living in the United States or just about $1,400 for an applicant living abroad. Moreover, this includes US government fees, which are nonrefundable, including the typical cost of the required medical examination.

On the other hand, the total cost of applying for an employment-based immigrant visa varies depending on the category under which you are applying. However, you can expect to pay $1,225 for your green card application, but your employer could face additional filing fees and labor certification costs, potentially driving the total cost to around $10,000.

Moreover, in either case, your filing fees are nonrefundable, so it’s important to get your application right the first time. For a rate of $995, or $83 per month (separate from the required government fees above).