Guide to Residency in the United States

Obtaining a residency visa in the United States is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in the United States gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Determine the appropriate residency category
  • Most common routes include: employment, family sponsorship, diversity visa lottery, or asylum.
  • Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for detailed categories: https://www.uscis.gov/greencard
• Find a sponsor (if required)
  • For employment-based visas, your employer will typically be your sponsor.
  • For family-based visas, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative will need to sponsor you.
• File an immigrant petition
  • Your sponsor (or you, in some cases) will need to file an immigrant petition with USCIS.
  • Common forms include I-130 (family-based), I-140 (employment-based), or I-589 (asylum).
• Wait for a decision on your petition
  • Processing times vary depending on the visa category and your specific case.
  • You can check processing times on the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
• Apply for an immigrant visa or adjust status
  • If you're outside the U.S., you'll apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate.
  • If you're already in the U.S., you may be able to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident.
  • You'll typically need to submit forms such as I-485 (adjustment of status) or DS-260 (immigrant visa application).
• Attend your visa interview or biometrics appointment
  • You'll be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. consulate or a biometrics appointment at a USCIS office.
  • Bring all required documents, such as your passport, photos, and civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.).
• Undergo a medical examination
  • You'll need to have a medical exam performed by a USCIS-approved doctor.
  • Bring your vaccination records and any relevant medical history.
• Wait for a decision on your application
  • Again, processing times vary.
  • You can check the status of your case online: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.jsp
• Receive your visa or green card
  • If approved, you'll receive an immigrant visa (if you applied at a consulate) or a green card (if you adjusted status).
  • Your green card will be mailed to you, or you may need to pick up your visa at the consulate.
• Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
  • You'll need an SSN to work in the U.S. and to access certain government services.
  • Complete Form SS-5, available on the Social Security Administration website: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
  • Gather required documents, such as your passport and green card.
  • Submit your application in person at a Social Security office or by mail.
• Maintain your residency status
  • Keep your green card valid and up-to-date.
  • Meet any conditions of your residency, such as maintaining employment or not committing any crimes.
  • If you plan to leave the U.S. for an extended period, consider applying for a reentry permit.

Additional Resources

The U.S. immigration process can be complex. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney or using resources from USCIS, such as their customer service line (1-800-375-5283) and website (https://www.uscis.gov/).

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in United States?

"In order to enter the United States, non-U.S. citizens must obtain a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, the type of visa you require and the length of validity may vary. You must apply for a visa in advance of your arrival in the U.S. and must provide certain documents, such as a passport, photograph, and proof of financial support, that accompany the visa application. In order to stay in the United States for a longer period of time, it may be necessary to apply for residency. Generally, potential residents have to petition the U.S. government with an application and supporting documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, financial records and bank statements, to prove the validity of their relationship and/or dependents. Depending on the relationship, further evidence jointly signed documents, photos, or affidavits from third-party witnesses may be required. Once the application is submitted, generally, a U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer will review the evidence and will determine, in some cases after an interview, whether the applicant is eligible for residency," commented one member living in the United States.

"PR is a US territory, so Americans only need to arrive. Residency and Visas for other nationalities have the same requirements as the USA," mentioned one expat living in US.