What are the different types of visas available for individuals wanting to immigrate to the United States?
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There are several different types of visas available for individuals wanting to immigrate to the United States. The most common types of visas are family-based visas, employment-based visas, and diversity visas.
Family-Based Visas
Family-based visas are available to immediate relatives of American citizens, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21. There are also family-based preference visas available to other close relatives of American citizens and legal permanent residents, such as siblings, adult children, and spouses and unmarried children of legal permanent residents.
Employment-Based Visas
Employment-based visas are available to foreign workers who have been offered a job in the United States. These visas are broken down into five categories based on the worker's job and qualifications:
- EB-1 visas: for workers with extraordinary ability in science, art, education, business, or athletics
- EB-2 visas: for workers who have advanced degrees, exceptional abilities, or are being sponsored for a national interest waiver
- EB-3 visas: for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who have a job offer in the United States
- EB-4 visas: for certain special immigrants, including religious workers and certain employees of the U.S. government abroad
- EB-5 visas: for immigrant investors who are investing at least $1.8 million in a U.S. commercial enterprise that will create jobs
Diversity Visas
Diversity visas are available to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Each year, approximately 55,000 diversity visas are awarded through a lottery system.
It is important to note that there are limitations and exceptions to each type of visa, and that the process for immigrating to the United States can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, there are a limited number of visas available each year, so it is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the process and increase your chances for success.
