US immigration has become the goal of countless families when they want to start a new life abroad. The US government has also approved many policies and programs to support immigrants with many different categories. So what are the current US immigration categories? Let’s find out in this article.
US immigration categories
Currently, immigration by guarantee and immigration by investment are the most well-known US immigration categories. In which, HLG is providing US immigration consulting services under EB5 and E2 investment. You can refer to the details below.
Immigrate to the US under EB5
As part of the US settlement categories, EB5 (short for Employment Base Fifth) is a program for individuals who want to immigrate to the US by investment, approved by the US Congress in 1990. Accordingly, the program EB-5 will issue green cards to foreigners who want to immigrate to the US as an investment, aiming to solve the high unemployment or slow economic growth of some local areas. in America.
- Investors participating in the EB5 program can choose to invest directly anywhere in the US with a budget of $1,050,000. Or investors can choose the form of indirect investment by participating in projects under the management of designated Regional Centers (Regional Centers) with a budget of 800,000 USD.When investing indirectly through designated Regional Centers, investors can only invest in designated areas in rural areas or areas with high unemployment. Currently, most investors in Vietnam choose the indirect investment method to reduce the amount of money to invest and limit risks.
The EB5 Visa Program has simple requirements:
- Invest in a new commercial enterprise located in an economic development area (TEA) or outside a TEA:
- Investment in TEA: minimum qualified investment is 800,000 USD
- Non-TEA investment: minimum qualifying investment is $1,050,000
- Must prove the source of capital used for investment
- The investment can be risky and must create at least 10 jobs as required by law.
The application process of the program is as follows:
- Submit completed applications and required documents
- USCIS will issue a 2 year conditional green card to applicants and dependents for successful applications.
- Before the expiration of the 2-year conditional Green Card, the applicant must file a request to remove the conditions on the conditional Green Card.
- Processing time varies depending on which country the investor is from
- Countries with high EB-5 Green Card demand suffer from backlog delays.
Immigrate to the US as a non-immigrant E2
The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant investor visa program for citizens of countries that have signed a Bilateral Agreement (Treaty E2) with the United States. The program does not require a number of days to live in the US, applicants only need to invest in a business or a business establishment in the United States.
Because Vietnam is not one of the countries that signed the Treaty E2 with the US, investors who want to receive an E2 Visa need to take one more step, which is to join the naturalization programs of the Treaty E2 countries. To qualify for the program, HLG would like to introduce to investors the citizenship by investment program in Grenada, Turkey, Montenegro, investors can refer to.
With the above practical benefits, the E2 visa program has not too strict requirements. Investors only need to meet the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a country that has an E2 Treaty with the United States at the time of application;
- Clean criminal record;
- Complete medical examination;
- Proof of capital used for investment;
- Complete the application review process.
Coming to HLG, investors will be consulted in detail about the necessary documents and documents according to the following steps:
- Applicants from countries that are not part of the E-2 Treaty can meet the legal filing requirement by becoming a citizen of a country such as Grenada, Turkey, Montenegro, North Macedonia.
- The investor must be in the process of acquiring or starting his or her business at the time of application.
- It is possible to establish a new business, acquire a business, purchase a franchise, or set up a joint venture.
- The application will be created and sent to the US Consulate in the country where the applicant resides.
Skilled Immigration Programs
In addition to the EB5 and E2 categories for investors, the US government also permits immigration programs for skilled workers. Specifically, these areas are as follows.
- EB1: Workers with special abilities;
- EB2:
- Highly qualified professionals are invited to work in the US;
- Workers with special abilities offered to work in the United States;
- Workers with special abilities or high qualifications will benefit the United States of America;
- EB3
- Professional workers;
- Skilled workers;
- Unskilled workers;
- EB4: Religious workers.
Guaranteed immigration programs
In addition to the EB5 and E2 US immigration categories, applicants can live with their family in the US through the sponsored immigration categories. Currently, there are many programs to sponsor families to the US, with each program having different conditions and documents for sponsoring families.
For spouses and children who need to sponsor, there will be categories including IR1/CR1, IR2/CR2, IR3, IR4, K1, K3, F1, F2A, F2B, F3. For family members such as parents, siblings will have IR5 and F4 streams.
How to check immigration status?
HLG assists investors in preparing and submitting their immigrant visa documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your application is completely valid but has not been approved, HLG will personally find out and offer the most suitable solution.
If the application is approved, USCIS will forward the application to the National Visa Center (NVC) for storage. NVC then sends these petitions to the correct U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Investors can visit the website and enter their application number to check the status of the application.
How powerful is the US green card?
The US green card is considered a certificate of permanent resident status in the US, so the green card is also called a permanent resident. There are two types of green cards in the US, which are 2-year green cards (conditional green cards) and 10-year green cards (permanent green cards).
The validity of the conditional green card lasts 2 years and can be extended into a 10 year green card if certain conditions are met. Green card holders will receive the following benefits:
- Have the opportunity to become a Permanent Resident; long-term stay in the United States;
- Can apply for US citizenship and keep dual citizenship;
- Be able to live in any of the 50 states in the US;
- Have the opportunity to work at any company in the US (many jobs only accept green card holders or US citizens);
- No need for a labor certificate;
- Have the freedom to open a company or business;
- May own real estate or any property that a U.S. citizen has a right to own;
- Spouses and children under the age of 21 can be registered with the immigration application
- The investor’s children are exempt from tuition fees when studying at public schools from primary to high school. University and graduate tuition fees are equivalent to US citizens (only 1/3 of that of international students);
- Students with green cards can get long-term interest-free (or very low-interest) loans from the US government to pay tuition fees;
- Receive social security benefits upon retirement if working for more than 10 years before retirement;
- May apply for Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medical Care (Medicare) benefits if eligible;
- Enter the US unlimited times and do not need a visa.
The US Green Card is considered as proof of a person’s permanent resident status in the US
Why do many investors dream of immigrating to the US?
The United States is known worldwide as a leading great power in all aspects. The United States possesses rich and rich natural resources, combined with a technological and modernized infrastructure system, which has helped the United States achieve a leading position.
The US economy still holds the No. 1 position in the world with a GDP of $25.3 trillion, accounting for nearly a quarter of the global economy. The average income of the American people ranges from 692 USD / week to 1566 USD / week depending on the degree and industry. For example, a career as an orthopedic surgeon with a medical degree can earn up to $306,220 a year. It is thanks to the attractive income level and open career opportunities that many families have the desire to immigrate to the US.
But not only that, but there are many other factors that attract investors to settle in the US. The education system in the US is very advanced and modern, equipped with many high-quality facilities and programs. Investors also do not need to worry about sending their children to school because there is a separate bus route to pick up and drop off children, which is both safe and convenient. The United States also provides a universal health care system and many other social security policies such as pensions, insurance, etc., enabling immigrants to enjoy full benefits like American citizens.
The living environment in the flag country is also an equally important attraction factor. The US is a country with a high urbanization rate, possessing many large megacities with many modern infrastructures, making people’s lives more comfortable. The intelligent transportation system is also a highlight of the United States. The sense of traffic compliance of American citizens is very good, when traveling will be easier.
Harvey Law Group – The leading prestigious immigration law consulting firm
Harvey Law Group (HLG) was founded by lawyer Jean-François Harvey in 1992 in Montreal and operates in the field of immigration investment law consulting. Up to now, HLG has 30 years of experience in the industry with many outstanding achievements.
HLG’s consultants include many world-renowned lawyers, with each country having a team of lawyers from the host country. With a strict and fast working process, HLG always listens to customers’ problems and offers the most practical solutions.