Many people come to the U.S. every year, most require a visa to enter the country. In some cases, they are only in the U.S. for a short while before they are scheduled to go back. On the other hand, there is another group of people who enter in as immigrants and they do not want to return to the present countries of citizenship. Whatever the case, there are several options that they can choose to stay in America legally. For example, here are the classifications that people can opt for when they enter into the states.

• Green Card
• Visa
• Diversity Visa lottery
• F1/Student Visa
• B1 Tourist or Business Visa

Each of which is distinct in rules, guidelines, and laws that govern how long an individual can remain without being subject to deportation. So, for those of you who are interested in knowing a little bit more about each type, here is a brief overview that relates to topics like immigration to the United States.

Actual application time for this year is October 3rd – November 7th.

Diversity Visa Application

 

What Is a Green Card and Its Requirements?

The green card can be described as a significant part of the immigration process. In fact, when an individual has received their green card, it is considered be authorization that one will need to stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation. This form of identification will also serve its holder and anyone who request to see it as proof of lawful permanent resident. With this identification being presented, the person will have the official proof that is normally granted to U.S. citizens. Additionally, when the green card is presented to employers, it also gives them permission to take employment.

How to Apply

Before an individual can obtain their green card, however, there are some eligibility requirements that they must meet in advance. These requirements can be found online via the official Green Card Eligibility web page Visa Application. So, for those people who are interested in finding out what each of the requirements is, they can visit this site for the full details. In particular, which forms on the page that they will be required to complete and submit for permanent residence. For the forms to be accepted and approved, all instructions and documentation requirements must be complete before they can be accepted as a full application.

When does the Card Expire

Once an individual obtains their green card, it is important to note that they must carry the card with them at all times. Particularly, if the person is 18 years or older. The card that the person carries must also be the original documentation and not a photocopy. Though the person does have permanent legal status to stay in the U.S., the card that they receive does expire. Therefore, the card itself must be renewed in 10 years, after which it does expire.

Visa

Applying for a visa is another way to enter and stay in the U.S. legally. There are also eligibility requirements that must be met to be approved by immigration laws. For instance, here are two of the 4 specifications that you must adhere to ensure the terms and the conditions are met.

• You must be a minor child or the spouse of a resident that is a permanent citizen or a green card holder
• You must be in the U.S. with an I-I30 still pending or waiting to receive your immigrant visa number.

You will also need to obtain certain official documentation to apply for the visa. For example, you will need to secure the following:

• One photo
• Current passport and old passport
• An original interview appointment letter
• Receipt of Visa Fees. The receipt that shows the amount of money paid to the bank prior to taking the appointment.
• Copy of Form DS-160 that can be found online – must have barcode CEAC printed on the document.

What does a Visa Allow the person to do?

First of all, there are different types of visas that people can apply for. So, the type that the individual holds can make a difference in what the person can and cannot do while in the states. According to information found online, there are at least 185 different types of visas that people can apply for. Each of which can be grouped into one of two classifications, non-immigrant visa and immigrant visa.

• Non-Immigrant Visas – Allows the holder to visit the states temporarily to conduct business, study, work or to tour.
• Immigrant Visas – Used by People who are intending to immigrate to the U.S.

As previously noted, the guidelines and rules for each type of visa will differ since they are based on a diversity of statuses and durations (i.e. diplomats, government representatives and staffs ….A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G4 ).

F1/Student Visa

America has students entering in from all over the globe. South Korea, Japan and other countries allow their students to study the English language and other academic curricular in colleges and universities in the states. However, these students must be approved in advance to remain for an extended period of time. Usually, the time limit that it takes to complete their individual programs, and up to 60 days beyond the time that has been pre-established. Students can stay beyond their initial student visa if they have been approved to stay over and work under a program that is called OPT. When this is the case, the type of visa that the student must be approved for is the F1 Student visa.

B1 Tourist or Business Visa

If an individual wants to come to the U.S. for either business purposes or to tour areas that they desire, they will need to obtain a B1 tourist or a Business Visa. Once these individuals apply and meet the necessary qualifications, they are allowed to stay for at least 6 months. However, it is important to note that during these times, B1 tourists and business Visas are not allowed to be hired within the U.S. The only exception is when the employer petitions for these actions first.

Diversity Visa Lottery

There are many different ways to seek permanent residence in the U.S. Even though some may take longer than others, there is an avenue available that can expedite the process of being a permanent citizen. One in which involves the person’s access or participation in the DV lottery. The DV lottery or the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This program is available on an annual basis and it consists of the granting up to 50,000 immigrant visas. In this lottery, the names of individuals are drawn randomly, which means there is no specific order in this selection process. These entries, however, do favor those individuals who come from countries that have the lesser entry rates of immigration into the states. Therefore, the countries included in this program can vary from year to the next. For instance, in 2018, Canada, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Colombia are not eligible because they have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. within the last 5 years. This program is currently administered by the DOS (Department of State).

To enter this lottery, the entrants must sign up and receive a confirmation info no later than May 2, 2018 by noon.

With so many different ways to enter the U.S. as an immigrant or a non-immigrant, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information online that can assist people with getting started. From applying for an F1/ Student visa to attend an American college or university to obtaining a B1 Tourist visa to travel across the country, each situation is different and can vary greatly in eligibility and requirements.