Ways to get Visa in the US

United States of America has always been the 'most' sought after immigration destination for people across the globe in search of affluent lifestyle and opportunities. The prosperity, opportunities for growth, security and safety of family and children has attracted millions to envision and witness the big American dream.

For those who want to immigrate or take up permanent residence in the United States need to go through many legally established ways to enter into United States. Although these routes ensure smooth transition of a person into United States, but all of them require a person to hold a valid Visa.

Visas that are needed to qualify for entry into United States fall into two categories viz., immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

Non-Immigrant Visas: Non-immigrant visas allow the visa holder to stay in United States for a specific period of time to carry out their intended activity of interest for which they have arrived. The limited time period for which they are allowed varies according to the type of non-immigrant visa approved for the holder and restricted to the duration of the activity. However, the non-immigrant visa is not meant for permanent immigration to United States. A non-immigrant visa holder can further apply for Permanent Resident status in the United States.

Categories of Nonimmigrant Visas:

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas as the name suggests are for those people who want to permanently immigrate to United States of America. A person holding an immigrant visa becomes a permanent resident of United States and subsequently becomes a holder of Green Card. Any person who wants to live in United States permanently must obtain an immigrant visa to become a permanent resident. An immigrant visa entitles the visa holder to live and settle in US even if he/she does not have gainful employment, maintain any business activity, or fulfill the requirements set for the temporary non-immigration visas. Even if a person lives in United States for many years on a non-immigrant visa or illegally, then that person does not automatically qualifies or becomes eligible for permanent residence or citizenship. Following are the different categories under which immigrant visas are granted:

• Family-based immigrant visa categories
  • Immediate relatives of a US citizen
  • Quota-subject relatives of a US citizen
  • Quota-subject relatives of a US permanent resident
• Diversity Visa Lottery
• Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
  • EB-1 category
  • EB-2 category
  • EB-3 category
  • EB-4 category
  • EB-5 category
• Immigration through Investment
• Immigration through Refugee or Asylum Status