Moving home can be tricky at the best of times. When it comes to moving to an entirely new country, then you’re really talking about having your hands full. But before you start booking flights and start thinking about to take and what to leave behind, you have to make sure that you’re actually eligible to move. The United States is one of the most popular destinations for people looking to live a new life, and a lot of people will wonder how to get in. So, how do you?
Is it all potluck?
A lot of people don’t know that there’s a way to get into the US completely by luck. It’s known as the Green Card Lottery or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Not everyone will be treated as equal in the lottery, however. Mostly, it applies only to those from countries that have an underrepresented population in the States. People of nationalities like the UK, China, and India, for instance, aren’t eligible for the Green Card Lottery. The UK does come with the caveat that Northern Irish citizens are eligible, setting them apart from the other nations. There are some other requirements to get in the lottery, too, such as having a high school education and two years’ experience in an industry.
Temporary access
If you’re not keen on moving permanently, then getting temporary access can be a lot easier in some respects. For instance, many apply for education in the US and stay for the duration of their further education. There are also temporary relief visas for people in parts of the world facing hardship. For instance, the Haiti USA Visa status has continued to allow people from Haiti to stay in the US since the 2010 earthquake. But these are temporary measures. In the latter case, Haiti USA visas are likely to stop being eligible after six months if there isn’t another delay. There are also tourist visas that can extend for up to six months, but they are taken with the understanding that you are not to seek education or employment while you’re there.
Get all your ducks in a row
If you want to live permanently in the US, then you’re likely going to need some factor that might already give you prior eligibility. One of the major reasons that people move to the US, for instance, is to work there. If you’re willing to switch careers, there are some jobs that are more likely to get you in. Otherwise, you might be looking at getting a green card through members of your family who are citizens if they’re willing to sponsor you. If you have a fiancé or spouse in the US, you might qualify for a green card through marriage, too.
As you can see, there are a lot of different circumstances that can lead to you getting your US Visa. Some will only be temporary and some are entirely luck related. But it’s a good idea to know what options are open to you and what to expect when you make that move.
