A Break Down of the U.S Immigration Process

As the year 2021 comes to a close, perhaps the start of 2022 could be the perfect time to begin your journey toward citizenship in the United States. Admittedly, the immigration process can seem quite daunting when approaching it for the first time, so we wouldn’t blame you for feeling unsure about where to start. In this blog, we’ll outline a few of the most common and accessible methods of immigration as a means to help you choose the right track!

Family Based Immigration

Family takes high precedence when it comes to the US immigration system, and an unlimited number of visas are made available each year to immediate relatives of current US citizens who meet certain financial requirements. Eligible immediate relatives are defined as spouses of US citizens, parents of US citizens, and minor children of US citizens.

A finite number of visas are also made available under the family preference system. Individuals eligible to apply for such visas include adult children of US immigrants, brothers and sisters of US immigrants, and spouses or unmarried children of long-term permanent residents.

To start the process of admission through family-based immigration, the US citizen or resident must first create a petition, prove the relationship is legitimate, establish proof of financial requirements, and provide proof of a medical examination including COVID-19 vaccination.

Employment Based Immigration

What if you don’t already have family situated in the United States? In most cases, such individuals turn to employment-based immigration. A maximum of 140,000 employment-based immigrants are permitted into the United States per year who can demonstrate plans to provide valuable skills. These 140,000 are divided into the following categories:

  • Extraordinary ability in arts, science, business, or athletics (40,040)
  • Individuals with advanced degrees (40,040)
  • Skilled workers with two years of experience/ training or professionals with college degrees. (5,000 people may be unskilled laborers seeking permanent positions)
  • “Special Immigrants” appointed by US government, or religious workers (9,940)
  • Individuals who plan to invest $500,000 – $1 million in a business which will create jobs and employ at least 10 full time employees.

Even if you do meet the criteria for one of these points, there are only so many spots that can physically be filled. As such, it may be worth looking into temporary visas along with hiring an attorney to maximize your chances of delivering an airtight case for your US residency.

The US Immigration System is Complicated. Elizabeth Anu Law Can Be Your Guide

If you or a loved one is uncertain how to proceed with the immigration process, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need.  Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype, Zoom and Facetime consultations are available as well.

Contact Us

    Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC.
  • Address: 90 Painters Mill Road Suite 201 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
  • Phone: (443) 352-3201

  • Email: info@elawrencelaw.com

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