Applying for U.S. immigration is a complex process that involves multiple steps and links, and different immigration categories have their own specific requirements and processes. So, what is the process of applying for U.S. immigration?
1. What is the process of applying for U.S. immigration?
1. Determine the immigration category: Applicants should first choose the appropriate immigration route according to their own conditions, such as employment-based employment-based immigration (EB visa), including EB-1 Extraordinary Ability, EB-2 Professional Advanced Degree Holders, EB-3 Skilled Labor Professionals, EB-4 Special Immigration, and EB-5 Investment Immigration. or family reunification based on family ties (IR visas), such as spouses, children, parents or siblings.
2. Preparation of materials and assessment: Applicants need to collect personal data according to the selected category, including but not limited to birth certificates, marital status certificates, educational background, work experience certificates, financial certificates, etc., and may need to determine the most effective immigration strategy through a free assessment or consultation with a lawyer.
3. Submit a Labor Certification Application (for certain employment-based immigrants): For some employment-based immigration categories, such as EB-2 and EB-3 based on employment, the U.S. employer is required to submit a PERM labor certification application to the U.S. Department of Labor for the foreign worker to prove that it is unable to find a suitable and willing local employee in the United States.
4. I-140 Immigrant Petition: After receiving the approval of the labor certification, the employer or applicant will file the I-140 immigrant petition to officially begin the green card application process. For categories that don't require a labor certification, this step can be done directly.
5. Waiting for the priority notice: Depending on the applicant's nationality and the immigration category applied for, there may be a corresponding waiting time for the priority date. Once the priority date becomes current (i.e., "priority date available"), you can move on to the next step.
6. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If the applicant is in the U.S. and is lawfully residing, he or she may apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident by filing an I-485**. If the applicant is abroad, the visa must be processed through the National Visa Center (NVC) and an immigrant visa interview will be attended at the embassy or consulate in their home country.
7. Payment of fees and biometric information collection: Corresponding fees must be paid at all stages along the way, and fingerprint collection and other biometric identification will be carried out at the appropriate time.
8. Interview and Final Decision: Applicants are required to attend an interview to verify that all information provided is accurate and that they meet the requirements of other immigration regulations. After the interview is passed, the U.S. will issue an immigrant visa or USCIS will approve the adjustment of status application.
9. Entering the U.S. and obtaining a green card: Applicants who obtain an immigrant visa must enter the U.S. within the validity period and activate their green card status upon entry; Applicants who are already in the U.S. will receive a green card by mail after successful adjustment of status.
It is important to note that the entire U.S. immigration process involves multiple departments and agencies, and each step may be affected by policy changes, so it is crucial to seek professional legal advice throughout the process. If you have any questions about immigrating to the United States, please leave a message in the comment area
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