What types of visas are available for those wanting to immigrate to the United States?
As a lawyer, I am happy to provide legal advice regarding the types of visas available for those seeking to immigrate to the United States.
There are several types of visas available depending on the purpose of the immigrant's visit to the United States. The most common types are as follows:
- Family-Based Visas: These visas are available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21. Some family members may also qualify for family preference visas, which are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and have a limited number of visas available.
- Employment-Based Visas: These visas are available to foreign nationals who have been offered full-time employment by a U.S. employer. There are several subcategories of employment-based visas, such as H-1B visas for skilled workers, L-1 visas for intra-company transfers, and O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities.
- Diversity Visas: Also known as the "green card lottery," these visas are available to individuals from countries with traditionally low rates of immigration to the United States. The lottery is held once a year, and around 50,000 visas are available.
- Student Visas: These visas are available to foreign nationals who are enrolled in an academic program in the United States. There are two types of student visas - F-1 visas for academic programs, and M-1 visas for vocational programs.
- Special Circumstances Visas: These visas are available for individuals who do not fit into any of the above categories. This may include victims of human trafficking or individuals seeking political asylum.
It is important to note that each type of visa has its own set of requirements and limitations, and some may be subject to a cap or waiting list. It is recommended that individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States seek the advice of a licensed immigration lawyer to determine the best course of action for their particular situation.
I hope that this information is helpful, and please feel free to ask any further questions you may have.