IR-1/CR-1 (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen)

• Eligibility: For spouses of U.S. citizens.
• Requirements: Valid marriage to a U.S. citizen.
• Documents Needed: Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), proof of U.S. citizenship, marriage certificate, proof of termination of prior marriages (if any), Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), and Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application).
• Processing Time: Typically 12-18 months.
• Tips: Ensure all forms and documents are complete and accurate. Provide ample evidence of a genuine marriage.

IR-2/CR-2 (Child of a U.S. Citizen)

• Eligibility: For unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
• Requirements: Child-parent relationship.
• Documents Needed: Form I-130, child's birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship of the parent, Form I-864, and Form DS-260.
• Processing Time: Generally 12-18 months.
• Tips: Prepare all necessary documents and ensure they are properly translated if not in English.

EB-1: Priority Workers

• Individuals with Extraordinary Ability: Demonstrated through sustained national or international acclaim in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
• Outstanding Professors and Researchers: Recognized for outstanding academic achievements and holding at least three years of experience in teaching or research.
• Multinational Executives and Managers: Those employed by international companies and transferred to U.S. operations.

• No labor certification required.
• Faster processing times compared to other employment-based visas.

1. Prepare Evidence: Gather documentation proving extraordinary ability, research excellence, or multinational managerial role.
2. File Form I-140: Petition for Alien Worker by the employer or self-petition for extraordinary ability applicants.
3. Adjust Status or Apply for Consular Processing: Complete Form I-485 for adjustment of status (if already in the U.S.) or apply at a U.S. consulate.

EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals

• Master’s degree or higher (or equivalent).
• Exceptional ability in relevant fields.
• Minimum of five years of progressive work experience in the chosen field (if substituting for advanced degrees).

1. Labor Certification (PERM):
   • 1. 1. Conduct market testing to confirm no qualified U.S. workers are available.
        2. Obtain a prevailing wage determination.
        3. Secure Department of Labor (DOL) approval.
2. File Form I-140: Employer submits a visa petition.
3. Complete Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Submit biometrics, medical exams, and background checks.

EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals

• Professionals: Requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Skilled Workers: Requires at least two years of training or work experience.
• Unskilled Workers: Limited quotas available.

1. Labor Certification (PERM): Employer must prove there are no qualified U.S. workers for the role.
2. File Form I-140: Submit petition along with supporting documentation.
3. Visa Processing:
   • Complete Form I-485 if in the U.S.
   • Apply at a U.S. consulate for consular processing.

EB-4: Special Immigrants

• Religious workers.
• Employees of international organizations.
• Other designated special categories.

• No labor certification required.
• Annual quotas limit the number of visas available.

1. File Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
2. Provide Supporting Documents: Include evidence specific to the subcategory (e.g., religious affiliation, organizational employment).
3. Complete Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or apply for consular processing.

EB-5: Investor Visa

• Invest a minimum of $800,000 (in targeted employment areas) or $1,050,000.
• Create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

• Investment can be through a regional center or direct investment.
• Provides conditional residency initially, with a path to permanent residency.

1. File Form I-526E: Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor.
2. Complete Investment: Document the investment and job creation process.
3. Conditional Residency: Obtain a two-year green card.
4. File Form I-829: Remove conditions by proving the investment and job creation requirements have been met.

1. Market Testing: Employer must prove there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position.
2. Wage Determination: Ensure the offered wage meets prevailing U.S. standards.
3. DOL Approval: Submit application and receive certification from the Department of Labor.

1. Supporting Documentation: Provide evidence of eligibility.
2. Employer Sponsorship: Ensure employer files the petition unless self-petitioning (e.g., EB-1 Extraordinary Ability).
3. USCIS Processing: Await approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Adjustment of Status (Form I-485):

1. Background Checks: Conduct security screenings.
2. Medical Examination: Submit Form I-693 to verify health conditions.
3. Biometrics: Attend an appointment for fingerprinting and photographs.
4. Final Approval: Receive green card upon meeting all requirements.

DV Lottery (Green Card Lottery)

• Eligibility: Individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.
• Requirements: High school education or equivalent, or two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation.
• Documents Needed: Confirmation of selection, passport, birth certificate, police certificates, Form DS-260, and medical examination results.
• Processing Time: Varies; selection does not guarantee a visa.
• Tips: Apply during the open registration period and follow all instructions carefully. Keep a copy of your confirmation number and check your status online.

SI Visa (Special Immigrant Visa)

• Eligibility: Certain employees or former employees of the U.S. government abroad.
• Requirements: Proof of qualifying employment, good moral character.
• Documents Needed: Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), employment records, recommendation letters, Form DS-260, and medical examination results.
• Processing Time: Several months to a year.
• Tips: Gather thorough documentation of your employment and any commendations or awards received.