How Can You Move to the US Permanently and Legally?

As an immigration lawyer, I hear this question all the time. People are traveling to the United States as tourists or visiting family or potential business partners, they like the weather and opportunities, and are looking for ways to stay.  They are generally six main ways how to stay in the US:

1. Some people have a close relative in the United States (spouse, fiancé(e), parent, child, or sibling). For example, I had lots of couples coming to my office.  A foreigner met a US citizen, and they fell in love, got married and they want to be together.

2. People come to study at a US university, get a US degree, and get a job offer from a US employer, making them eligible for a green card through employment.  The US employer hires them under optional practical training and later files a petition for an H-1B visa or another type of visa and later for a green card. 

3. Entrepreneurial people like investors want to buy or start their own businesses. 

4. Some people have extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and achieved sustained national or international acclaim. For example, I represented a Shaolin Kung Fu Master who was one of a few Shaolin Kung Fu Masters that reached the top of his field and as such I was able to get him a green card. 

5. Some people fear of being killed or harmed in their country because of their political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, nationality, or membership in a group and may qualify for asylum.

6. People may be selected in a diversity lottery that is being conducted in fall.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice. If you would like to move to the U.S. permanently and would like to discuss what is the best way to move to the U.S. legally, schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer at Juras Law Firm, PLC in Scottsdale, AZ or call our office at 480-425-2009.