America has been and remains the most attractive country for migrants from various countries. US law provides for many different ways to legalize foreigners. Among them, one can observe both typical for European states and rather exotic ones. Migration legislation is moderately strict. Most of those wishing to move to the United States for permanent residence have a real chance of obtaining a residence permit and subsequently American citizenship.
Advantages and disadvantages of moving
The standard of living in the country is very high. Americans are socially protected, provided with quality medicine, education, and many government benefits. As in any country in the world, there are positive aspects of life in the United States that are not very attractive for foreigners.
Advantages | Flaws |
| High quality of basic consumer goods (food, technology, etc.) | The population mainly travels by their own cars, the public transport system is developed only in megacities. |
| Tolerant and politically correct population of the country | Paid medical care is quite expensive |
| Good environmental situation | Higher education is paid |
| Low unemployment rate | It is impossible to get a good job without a university degree |
| Corruption is virtually eliminated | A diploma received in the CIS countries requires verification |
| Prestigious and quality education | High taxes |
| Good roads | To buy a house or apartment, you need to get the consent of the neighbors |
| Big salaries | Complex adaptation process |
| Quality medical care | There are poor areas in cities where crime rates are high and it is advisable not to visit |
Types of US resident visas
To live in the United States for a long time, you will need to issue a special permit. An immigration visa makes it possible to stay in the country for a long period and subsequently obtain a permanent residence permit (green card).
A green card can be issued on a temporary or permanent basis. The first is issued to those whose reasons for obtaining are of a fickle nature (students, employees).
A permanent card is issued to a foreigner for a period of 10 years with subsequent renewal. Such a document allows you to live, work, study and receive medical care in the United States. The green card gives the rights close to those that the citizens of the country have, with the exception of participation in electoral processes.
The holder of such permission can:
- To leave and enter the country at any time without additional processing of visa documents;
- Acquire real estate and invite family members to the United States.
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit
More than 180 ways to obtain a residence permit are recorded in US law. To apply for any type of residence permit, a foreigner must have certain grounds.
Among the methods of obtaining a green card, you can find completely exotic ones. Popular methods include:
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- Marriage with a US citizen;
- Having relatives with American citizenship;
- Large investments in the country's economy;
- Opening and running a successful business on the territory of the state;
- Employer's petition to attract a foreign specialist;
- Granting refugee status;
- Naturalization;
- Petition by US authorities for a Distinguished Service Green Card.
For foreigners who have no reason to obtain a residence permit, there is an opportunity to win a Green Card in the lottery. Every year in the United States, there is a drawing of residence permits, in which any foreigner who meets the requirements of the law can participate.
Foreigners are allowed to the lottery:
- Over 18 years old;
- Those with a diploma of secondary or higher education;
- Not violating migration legislation.
Applicants for moving to the United States are carefully screened. Pay attention to the authenticity and reliability of the documents provided, the data of the medical report.
Non-compliance with the accepted norms leads to a refusal to issue a visa. This also applies to migrants who have won a Green Card.
The process of obtaining a residence permit
To apply for a Green Card, a foreigner needs to collect all the necessary documents and apply with a ready-made package to the US Embassy. Consulate staff carefully study the submitted application and set a date for the interview.
At the appointed time, the applicant must appear at the Embassy and answer the questions of the migration inspector.
The procedure begins with filling out an application on the Consulate website. The questionnaire must be filled out in English, informing about yourself in the most detailed and truthful way. The document is filled out for each family member applying for the move, including minor children.
After filling out, the questionnaire is printed and attached to the main package of documents. It includes:
- Passport and copy;
- Education documents;
- Employment history;
- Birth certificate;
- Certificate of absence of a criminal record;
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- Bank statement on the state of the account;
- Real estate ownership documents;
- Valuation of owned real estate;
- Medical certificate from an accredited institution;
- Military ID.
The final list of documents depends on the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. Usually it needs to be supplemented with papers confirming the existence of such grounds.
Features of registration of different types of residence permit
Basis for registration | Description | Additional terms |
| Lottery win | The drawing is held every year. Applications are submitted online. | Printed list of winners and a participant's questionnaire |
| Doing Business | Issued to people who open a company in the United States that creates jobs for the citizens of the country, or who have invested at least $ 1 million in the economy | It is necessary to provide a certificate of registration of the company and a certificate of timely payment of taxes. |
| Marriage | Issued by a foreigner who has entered into a marriage union with a resident of America | Marriage certificate |
| Buying a property | Is not a basis for issuing a residence permit | |
| Refugees | People who are persecuted for political or religious beliefs, whose life in their homeland is in danger, can apply for a Green Card |
|
| Work | Issued to specialists who have signed a contract with an American company | Employment contract indicating the level of payment |
| Family ties | For those with American relatives |
|
| Outstanding Service | Issued to foreigners who can make an invaluable contribution to the development of the state |
|
Time and cost
Visa and residence permit registration will cost a migrant about 1000-1500 dollars... This amount includes costs:
- To undergo a medical examination;
- Translation of documents;
- State duty.
A week after passing an interview at the US Embassy, the foreigner receives a ready-made solution. Sometimes the inspector conducting the meeting will voice the answer right away. In this case, after 7 days, the applicant is delivered a ready-made visa. After crossing the border, the migrant receives a Green Card within a month. It is sent by mail to the address indicated in the questionnaire.
What to do in case of refusal
The refusal can be appealed in court. It is problematic to do this on your own; it is better to involve an experienced lawyer.
The reason for the refusal may be:
- The applicant has dangerous diseases;
- Concealment of reliable information;
- Errors when filling out the questionnaire;
- Deliberately submitting false information or forged documents;
- Conviction;
- Collaboration with the underworld or terrorist organizations.
Dates of validity
The duration of the residence permit directly depends on the grounds for its registration. In certain cases, it remains valid as long as the reasons for the issue are valid.
A residence permit for employment is issued for a year with subsequent renewal. Upon marriage, a temporary permit is issued for 2 years, after which you need to apply for citizenship. Green cards received during the lottery draw are valid for 10 years and can be renewed. The same applies to the residence permit of investors.
To renew the permit, the local migration department must provide evidence of grounds and a valid residence permit.
Grounds for loss of status
The main reason why a foreigner is deprived of his resident status is a violation of the country's legislation. You can also lose a residence permit if you do not live in the United States for more than 6 months a year.
Reviews
Alyona:“It is better to fill in the visa application form with your own hand. When I was interviewed for the first time, I was refused because I turned to intermediaries. As soon as the inspector heard that I had never seen the questionnaire and that other people were filling it out, he crossed out my application and refused to issue a visa. "
Daria: “Getting a green card is not that difficult. It is much more difficult to adapt to a new society. In my 2 years of living in Denver, I haven't made a single Native American friend or buddy. "
Obtaining a residence permit in the United States is a real challenge for those wishing to relocate. After passing the registration procedure, a Russian has an excellent opportunity to live in a developed state, to enjoy all social benefits on an equal basis with Americans.
