Factors that Make it Easier to Immigrate to the U.S.

Immigrating to the United States is a complex and challenging process, and understanding the factors that make it easier to immigrate is crucial. The U.S. government has various immigration programs, and the requirements for each program vary depending on the country of origin.

Factors that Make it Easier to Immigrate

The three main factors that can make it easier to immigrate to the U.S. are a country’s relationship with the U.S., family ties to the U.S., and skills/education.

A foreign country’s relationship with the U.S.

When considering immigration to the U.S., it is important to understand the factors affecting an individual’s eligibility for various immigration programs. A country’s relationship with the U.S. is one of the most significant factors. The U.S. government has created immigration programs prioritizing countries with strong alliances or trade relationships with the U.S. For instance, individuals from certain countries may be eligible for expedited processing or more favorable treatment under specific immigration programs. For example, the U.S. government created the DV Program to promote diversity and offer opportunities for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. The DV Program is a lottery system that randomly selects applicants from eligible countries to receive immigrant visas. Individuals who are selected may then apply for permanent residence in the U.S.

The list of eligible countries in the DV Program varies yearly and is determined by the U.S. Department of State. However, citizens of countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are not eligible for the program. Some countries included in the DV Program in recent years include Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana, among others. It’s worth noting that even if a person is a citizen of an eligible country, they must also meet other requirements, such as educational or work experience, to qualify for the program. See more information about the DV Program below.

Family ties to the U.S.

Family-sponsored immigration is one of the most common pathways to U.S. citizenship. Having an immediate family member who is already a citizen of the U.S. will often make it easier to immigrate. The U.S. government prioritizes family reunification, creating several family-sponsored immigration programs. As mentioned, immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible for family-sponsored immigration. These immediate family members include spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21.

There are also family-sponsored immigration programs that allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor other family members for immigration, although the wait times for these programs can be much longer. For example, the Family First Preference category allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their unmarried children over 21. In contrast, the Family Fourth Preference category allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings. The wait times for these categories can be several years or even decades, depending on the country of origin and the number of applicants.

It’s important to note that there are specific requirements that both the sponsor and the sponsored family member must meet to be eligible for family-sponsored immigration. For example, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, must have a certain level of income, and must be able to demonstrate that they can support their family member financially. The sponsored family member must also meet specific requirements, such as passing a medical exam and criminal background check. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer or consultant can help navigate the complex family-sponsored immigration process.

Skills and Education

The U.S. government has various immigration programs designed to attract high-skilled immigrants. Foreigners with advanced degrees in specific fields may be eligible for immigration to the U.S. under the employment-based immigration program. This program is designed to attract high-skilled immigrants who can contribute to the U.S. economy. The program consists of five categories or “preference levels,” with the first three reserved for individuals with advanced degrees, exceptional ability, or certain types of work experience. Preference level four is reserved for certain special immigrants, and preference level five is reserved for immigrant investors.

EB-1 visa: reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their fields, including scientists, researchers, professors, and executives.
EB-2 visa: for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their fields. This category includes individuals with graduate degrees in STEM fields and those with extraordinary arts, sciences, or business abilities.
EB-3 visa: for skilled workers and professionals, including those with bachelor’s degrees and two years of work experience, as well as those with specialized skills in fields such as engineering, computer programming, or medicine.
EB-4 visa: for special immigrants, including religious workers, certain foreign broadcasters, and other individuals who the U.S. government has designated as having a special status or skill.
EB-5 visa: for immigrant investors willing to invest significant money in a new commercial enterprise in the United States that will create jobs for U.S. workers.

Individuals who are eligible for the employment-based immigration program must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor their visa. The employer must also demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job. For individuals in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the employment-based immigration program can be particularly beneficial. These fields are considered critical to the U.S. economy, and there is a shortage of workers with the necessary skills and education to fill positions in these areas. Individuals with advanced degrees in STEM may be eligible for the second preference category, reserved for individuals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees. In addition to the job offer and labor certification requirements, individuals in this category must also demonstrate that their admission to the U.S. will benefit the national interest.

Understanding Visa Quotas and Lottery Programs

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), also known as the green card lottery, is a program that is designed to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population. While the odds of being selected may not be high depending on the country of origin, if selected, this status will often make it easier to immigrate. The program is administered annually by the U.S. Department of State and provides up to 55,000 visas (for 2023) to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.

To be eligible for the DV Program, the individual must meet the following requirements:

Be a native of a country with a low rate of immigration to the United States.
Have a high school education or equivalent or two years of work experience within the previous five years in a job requiring at least two years of training.
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
Be admissible to the United States.
Be from a country that is eligible for the program.

Each year, the U.S. government determines the list of eligible countries for the DV Program. The list is based on a complex formula that takes into account the number of immigrants from each country in the previous five years. The DV Program is popular, and the number of applications far exceeds the number of available visas each year. As a result, the odds of being selected for the DV Program are very low. However, if you are selected, you will be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa.

Section 3: Researching Immigration Programs and Requirements

Researching the different immigration programs and requirements that apply to an individual’s country of origin is critical. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is an excellent resource for learning about immigration programs and requirements. The website provides detailed information about each program and the requirements for eligibility. Working with an immigration lawyer or consultant can also help navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Immigration lawyers and consultants can provide guidance on the various immigration programs, help individuals understand their eligibility, and assist with preparing immigration documents.

Accurate Translations Will Make it Easier to Immigrate to the U.S.

It is important to note that these factors are not the only ones that can affect the ease of immigration to the U.S. Other factors, such as language proficiency, health, and financial resources, may also be considered in the immigration process. Therefore, individuals need to research the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the immigration program(s) that they are interested in pursuing. However, many disregard the importance of providing accurate translations of required documents during the application process. Inaccurate and incomplete translations cost applicants money and time and can lead to an erroneous denial of immigration. It’s critical to partner with a qualified translation service with experience working with the USCIS, like The Perfect Translation.

At The Perfect Translation, we have individuals fluent in foreign languages and experienced in navigating the FCPA and other regulations impacting international business. The Perfect Translation uses teams of language experts with professional experience in the legal topics you’re dealing with–from patents to contracts, disclosures, and advertising materials. Don’t leave your important translation work to computerized bots or generalized linguists. Contact us today for a free quote and learn more about what makes The Perfect Translation the best place to get accurate legal translations.