What Type of Visa Do I Need to Come to the United States?

 Posted on January 24, 2024 in Immigration

For a non-U.S. citizen to lawfully enter the United States, they must obtain a visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The type of visa issued depends on the reason the individual wishes to enter. The following are the different types and the requirements to apply. For more detailed information about your situation, contact an Illinois immigration lawyer.  

Family-Based Visas

Family-based visas are designed for family reunification. To qualify for this type of visa, the applicant needs sponsorship from a family member who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The sponsor must show that they have the ability to support the applicant financially.

Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

Employment-based immigrant visas are for people seeking professional and employment opportunities in the United States. A job offer from a qualified employer is mandatory, and certain visas may have specific skill or education requirements.

Student Visas

Someone who lives in another country and wishes to pursue an education in the U.S. must obtain a student visa. Requirements include acceptance into a recognized educational institution and proof of financial capability to cover tuition and living expenses. There may also be a language proficiency requirement.

Visitor Visas

Visitor visas are for people who wish to visit the United States on a short-term basis, such as for tourism or business. In most cases, employment is not allowed under these visas. Requirements usually include proof of the intended destination, proof of return ticket, proof of housing accommodations, and the financial means to cover all expenses for the trip.

Asylum Visas

In situations of persecution or violence in their own country, individuals may seek refuge through asylum visas. The application process involves providing documentation and evidence of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. Asylum seekers often undergo interviews and assessments to determine their eligibility.

Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program and Humanitarian Visas

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program allows individuals from countries with low immigration rates to enter a lottery system. Random selection is done through a lottery selection, with eligibility criteria often based on education or work experience.

USCIS also provides a number of humanitarian programs to assist individuals displaced by “disasters, oppression, emergency medical issues, and other urgent circumstances.” The requirements vary depending on the specific program, but applicants are typically required to demonstrate a compelling need for humanitarian aid.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Lawyer for All of Your Visa Concerns

If you or a family member are attempting to apply for one of the above visas, it can be helpful to speak with an Illinois immigration attorney to find out what type of process you can expect and how the legal assistance from that attorney can help make that process easier. Call Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.