What is the USA Immigration System?
Build Your Career in One of the World’s Most Livable Countries
The United States Immigration System is designed to allow foreign nationals to enter the country for various purposes, such as employment, education, investment, or family reunification. The immigration system is highly structured, with multiple visa categories based on the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and goals.
For individuals looking to immigrate to the USA, there are several routes, each with its own specific requirements. These include work visas, investment visas, family-based visas, and student visas. The U.S. also has a path for permanent residency through the Green Card process.
Here’s a breakdown of how the U.S. immigration system works, including the most common pathways for skilled professionals, investors, students, and entrepreneurs.
How Does the USA Immigration System Work?
The U.S. immigration system operates through a combination of visa sponsorships and points-based selection systems for certain categories (like the Diversity Visa Lottery and the Employment-Based Green Card process). Immigration options typically require a petition from an employer, family member, or the applicant themselves (in the case of investors or entrepreneurs).
Some of the most common visa categories for immigration to the USA are based on the following factors:
Key U.S. Visa Categories for Immigration
The U.S. offers multiple visa categories for those wishing to live and work in the country. These are primarily divided into non-immigrant visas (temporary stay) and immigrant visas (pathways to permanent residency).
The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most popular visa categories for individuals looking to work in the UK. It allows foreign workers to come to the UK to fill jobs that require specific skills and qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer who is an approved sponsor.
- Skill Level: The job must be in a skilled occupation (e.g., managerial, professional, or technical roles).
- Salary: The salary must meet the minimum threshold (usually £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, depending on the occupation).
- English Language: Applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency, typically through an approved English language test.
Points Allocation:
- Job Offer: 20 points (for a job offer from a licensed sponsor).
- Salary: 20 points (for meeting the minimum salary requirement).
- English Language: 10 points (for meeting the language proficiency requirement).
- Job Type: Additional points are awarded for certain shortage occupations (e.g., healthcare workers, engineers).
The Skilled Worker Visa can lead to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is one of the most popular immigration routes for foreign nationals wishing to invest in the U.S. and gain permanent residency.
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: This program provides U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) to individuals who invest $1 million (or $500,000 in targeted employment areas) in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate the source of their investment funds, as well as show that the investment will create jobs.
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Available for individuals from countries that have a treaty with the U.S., this visa allows investors to live and work in the U.S. for the purpose of managing and developing their investment in a U.S.-based business. This visa is renewable as long as the business is operational.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Investment: Minimum capital investment (varies depending on the program).
- Job Creation: For EB-5, the business must create 10 full-time U.S. jobs.
- Business Ownership: For E-2, applicants must demonstrate ownership or significant control over the business.
The F-1 Student Visa is one of the most commonly used pathways for international students wishing to study in the U.S.
- F-1 Student Visa: For individuals accepted to study at a U.S. college, university, or language program. The F-1 visa is generally valid for the duration of the academic program, with the possibility of extending for practical training after graduation (OPT – Optional Practical Training).
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: This visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs, such as scholars, interns, and researchers. The J-1 visa also allows for some work options, depending on the program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Acceptance to a U.S. Institution: You must be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school.
- Financial Proof: You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel during your stay in the U.S.
- Intent to Return: Applicants must show that they plan to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members for permanent residency.
- Immediate Relative Visas (IR-1): For spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- Family Preference Visas (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4): For extended family members of U.S. citizens (siblings, adult children, etc.) and relatives of U.S. permanent residents.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Family Sponsorship: A U.S. citizen or permanent resident must sponsor the family member.
- Relationship Verification: Proof of the qualifying family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) is required.
Immigration Points Calculator
How to Calculate Your Eligibility for U.S. Immigration
The U.S. immigration system is complex, and eligibility typically depends on factors such as:
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need guidance on which visa category to apply for, the Globally Career team can help you assess your profile and navigate the U.S. immigration process.
