Visa that is only valid for a certain time
A transitory visa must be renewed on a regular basis. You must have a job before applying for this non-immigrant visa. Following are the actions to take after accepting a job offer:
If required, file a petition.
If you do not yet meet the requirements, your employer must file a petition with USCIS on your behalf. A petition is not necessary for any other circumstances. If you are investing or doing overseas trade, you do not need an employer petition.
Citizens of Canada and Mexico who qualify for a temporary visa without a petition are in the same situation.
Wait for your business to approve your petition.
The USCIS must accept your employer’s petition before you may apply for a visa. If you do not wait for their approval, your application will be denied. The amount of time you must wait is depending on your job type.
Because some categories are only permitted to issue a certain number of visas each year, the approval process might take many years.
Meet with a representative from the US embassy or consulate.
The goal of the visa interview is to ensure that you meet all of the requirements for the visa. They collect your visa application money, examine your original papers, gather your fingerprints, and either approve or refuse your application.
If your application is denied, you will be given the opportunity to complete it with the missing papers or information.
Fill out a temporary visa application.
After the petition is approved, gather the necessary documents, such as your passport, travel, and employment history, and submit an online application. Make a note of your Application ID number for future reference.
The application is written in English and requests information about your work history, education, and criminal background. To submit your application, click the “sign application” button, then “submit.” You’ll need the confirmation sheet for your interview, so print it off.
Obtain a visa.
After your application has been granted, you may pick up your visa a few weeks later. There might be other charges, so be sure to inquire.
A current green card
A green card is a document that permits a foreign national to live and work in the United States permanently. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program provides prospective immigrants with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency through an annual green card lottery.
Online applications for the green card lottery are accepted. Every year, the program selects candidates at random and grants around 50,000 green cards.
If you are already working in the United States on a temporary visa, you can apply for a green card. It allows you to remain in the country without having to renew your visa or return home.
Determine your priority date. When an employer submits an immigration petition, USCIS notifies them of your priority date. On that day, your application will be due. It’s critical to understand because if you apply before that deadline, your application will be refused. Look up the filing chart on the government website to find out when you may start working on your application based on your priority date.
Insist on your employer completing an I-140 form. Your employer must file an immigration petition on your behalf. Petitions may be needed to be certified by the US Department of Labor. Using the services of an immigration attorney to help you navigate the process may be advantageous.
Schedule a medical exam. On the USCIS website, you may look for an approved doctor and schedule a medical examination. The purpose of that consultation is to ensure that you are in excellent physical and mental health and that you have all of your vaccinations up to date. If necessary, the doctor may provide a missing immunization and advise on follow-up therapy.
Complete and submit your application. To do so, create a duplicate of the needed official papers and submit them to the USCIS website according to the instructions. There are application costs to consider.
Complete the application. On the USCIS website, you may download and fill out Form I-485. Give honest answers and, if required, seek the advice of an immigration attorney.
Biometrics and a personal interview USCIS will require your fingerprints, signature, and photographs. They may also invite you to an interview in the embassy. They will notify you of the day and hour of these appointments after they have received your application. The purpose of the interview is to confirm the answers you provide on your application.
Wait for the decision. Applications are frequently refused due to missing papers, inaccurate information, or items submitted after the deadline.
