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U.S. Immigration Overview

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General U.S. Immigration

U.S. Visa L1

U.S. Visa EB-1C

U.S. Visa EB-3

U.S. Visa EB-5

U.S. Visa F1

1

How long does it take to get a green card in the USA?

The estimated duration of the green card application process ranges from a couple of weeks to several years. This greatly depends on where you apply from (family immigration, work, investment, etc.) and your country of origin.

1. Categories of Green Cards

Immediate Relative to the U.S citizens: This category refers to the spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 years of age. The processing takes about 12 months to 18 months.

Family Preference: Bro and sisters and married or grown-up children of a US citizen or green card holder. This may require 2 to 15 years or even more, this is depending on the backlogs and also the demands in your country.

Employment-Based Green Cards

  • EB-1: The quite extraordinary talent or international executives; the processing time is 8 to 18 months.
  • EB-2 and EB-3: As an advanced degree specialist, a worker or professionals - 1 to more than 5 years mainly those who are Indian nationals or China nationals.

Investor Green Card (EB-5): The filed amount is 800,000to1,050,000, a number of full-time jobs to be created is not less than 10, and the period to have the process complete is 2 to 4 years.

Asylum Based: In this category the applicant can apply green card after a year of getting the asylum. Another 1 to 2 years of time are used on post substantive approval.

Diversity Visa Lottery – If selected, this takes 1-2 years.

2. Location of Application

Adjustment of Status (inside the U.S.): Generally faster and simpler if you’re already legally residing in the United States.

Consular Processing (outside the U.S.): Can involve longer delays due to visa interview scheduling and administrative processing at U.S. embassies or consulates.

3. Other Influencing Factors

  • Country of origin: The countries where there is high demand on visa (e.g. India, China, Mexico or the Philippines) may take longer to be processed because of the per-country limits of visas.
  • USCIS and NVC processing: It depends on the type of forms, their service centers, and the general load.
  • Priority date and visa bulletin: In a few categories, mainly those under the family preference and under employment-based visas, the applicants are required to wait until the priority date is current.

Wait times vary, but the right strategy makes a difference.

At UOM, we break down the process clearly, helping you understand your wait time and how to manage it. Whether you're applying through family, employment, investment, or other categories, our licensed U.S. immigration attorneys provide tailored strategies to keep your case moving and avoid unnecessary delays.

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2

How to get a green card in the USA for students?

When you complete the process of studying in the US in an F-1 visa, you cannot be entitled to a green card. But students find a way to obtain green cards after graduating by changing legal status, which is the most popular one:

Employment-Based Green Card

The studies will enable you to work with OPT or the STEM OPT extension. In case you get hired by a company in the US at this period, chances are that they will sponsor you in obtaining a green card under either of the following categories:

  • EB-2 (for people with advanced degrees or those with significant abilities)
  • EB-3 (for qualified employees or graduates holding a minimally 3-year degree with 2 years of experience)
  • H-1B visa (Visa that presupposes the intent of becoming a green card holder; the one usually used by employers to fill the gap between F-1 visa and the green card).

Notice: Sponsorship needs a labor certification from PERM and a multi-procedural journey (Form I-140 and Form I-485).

Family Sponsored Green Card

Marriage-by-a-U.S-Citizen: Amongst the quickest methods through which a student may acquire a green card. After they have married, the American spouse can then submit Form I-130 and the student would be allowed to simultaneously submit Form I-485 in case he is in the U.S.

Family-Based Green Card: A U.S citizen or an individual with a green card may also sponsor your relatives. The processing time differs regarding the relationship and the status of the sponsor.

Other Options

EB-5 Investor Green Card: In case you or your family is able to invest 800,000 dollars (in a Targeted Employment Area) or one million five hundred dollars (standard investment) in an American business which employs people as full-time workers, you may be eligible to seek EB-5 visa. The visa gives a conditional green card, which may be made permanent in future.

National Interest Waiver (NIW) or EB-1 Extraordinary Ability: This is for the exceptionally high achieving students or researchers who can demonstrate that work of theirs leads to benefit of the U.S.

Asylum: You can seek asylum in the US in case you fear persecution in your native land, and in a case of an allowed asylum, seek a green card a year afterward.

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: As long as you are a citizen of a qualified country with low rates of U.S. immigration you are eligible to enter the DV Lottery and win a chance at a green card.

Important Considerations

  • F-1 is not a dual intent visa: You must maintain the intent to return home during your studies. Any green card plan must be pursued carefully to avoid violating status.
  • Visa Retrogression: Some green card categories (especially EB-2 and EB-3) may have wait times due to country-based quotas.
  • Seek Legal Counsel: Because of the complexity, it's strongly recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to plan the most effective route.

Not Sure What Comes After Your F-1 Visa?

At UOM, we help international students explore long-term immigration options beyond graduation — from employer-sponsored green cards to family-based paths, EB-5 investment, and even self-petition.

Our team of licensed U.S. immigration attorneys will guide you through every step, ensuring your transition from student to permanent resident is clear, compliant, and aligned with your future goals.

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3

How much investment is needed to get a green card in the USA?

Investment to get a green card in the U.S with a EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is either 800,000 United States dollars or 1,050,000 depending on where you want to do the project.

Investment Amounts

  • $1,050,000: The amount is the normal amount required by the majority of the EB-5 projects all over the U.S.
  • 800,000: You can receive up to this lesser amount when you make your investment in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) such as an area that is either a rural area or a high unemployment (150 percent or higher than the national average) one.

Requirements Beyond the Investment

All the requirements of EB-5 program have to be satisfied by your investment in order to get a green card:

  • Job Creation: The investment has to create or retain at least 10 full time jobs to U.S. labourers.
  • At Risk Investment: You need to actively invest in some business with your money; leave it doing nothing in a bank. Profit or returns are not guaranteed.
  • Legal Source of Funds: You are to demonstrate that your funds derived out of the investment activity were obtained lawfully (wages, company revenue, sale of an asset, inheritance, etc.). Besides, you will have to invest your money in some new business activity.

Family Benefits

EB-5 program grants unmarried children under 21 and your spouse the right to enjoy green card as the derivative beneficiaries.

Confused about EB-5 investment rules and options?

At UOM, we take the EB-5 in steps and with confidence, beginning with what project is most suitable to the expectations of UOM and ending up with your source of funds and the USCIS forms.

Our U.S. attorneys are licensed with experienced advisors who make the process of getting a green card much easier, safer and with full compliance to the government.

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4

How to get a green card in the USA by investment?

EB-5 program is a good measure to attain a green card through investment in a US business which meets some requirements and creates employment. Here is what goes on step by step:

Investment Requirements

In order to qualify under the EB-5 scheme, you have to:

  • You can invest 1.05 million dollars in a U.S company or 800,000 dollars in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) which can either be a rural area or area that has high unemployment.
  • The risk must be that of investment meaning that there are no chances of retrieving it. Money has to have legitimate origins such as a job, a business or an inheritance.

Job Creation Requirement

You will need to create or maintain no fewer than 10 full-time positions to qualified U.S. people within the span of around two years as a result of your investment.

Such workers should be:

  • U.S. citizens
  • Green-card holders (legitimate lasting inhabitants)
  • Or immigrants who are officially allowed to work in the U.S.

Application

The EB-5 process starts by submitting Form I-526 or I-526E to the USCIS to demonstrate that the investment fulfilled all the demands of the program.

When your petition is granted, you plus your qualifying family members (your spouse and unmarried children under 21) can be able to file a request of a 2-year conditional green card.

Removal of Conditions: 

Before your 2-year green card expires, you must file Form I-829 during the 90-day window prior to expiration.

In your petition, you shall have to establish that:

  • Your investment stayed in a risky situation and was maintained all through the 2-year term.
  • You were a job creator (or would be by the time of the completion of the survey).

In case of approval of I-829, you will get a 10-year permanent green card, and you are no longer under the EB-5 conditions.

Path to Citizenship

Five years after acquiring the status of a permanent resident, you will have the right to apply to U.S. naturalization, but, of course, there should be full compliance with other requirements (e.g., physical presence, good moral character).

Important Considerations

EB-5 Visa Quota: EB-5 visas are subject to an annual quota cap, which can lead to delays—especially for applicants from high-demand countries.

TEA Status: The project must be located in an area that is a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) in order to get the reduced amount to invest in at $800,000. Before, every time please confirm TEA designation with USCIS.

Other expenses: Apart from your investment, you will have legal, government filing, and administrative fees- at least when investing under a Regional Center.

Making Your Investment Count towards Your Future

Obtaining a green card by investment is a tactful advantage though it cannot do without professional guidance.

At UOM, we guide investors throughout the process of the EB-5. We offer personalized services, as well as advice, with licensed U.S. attorneys and experienced advisors, guaranteeing that all actions are straight and in line with your future plans.

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5

How to get a green card in the USA through marriage?

To apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence) in the U.S., follow these basic steps:

The Marriage Must Be Legally Valid

You have to be legally married in a place according to the laws of the given place of marriage.

  • The U.S. immigration law is familiar with both homosexual and heterosexual unions.
  • Domestic partnerships or civil unions are never satisfactory as a basis of immigration.

File Form I-130 to Establish the Relationship

USCIS demands form I -130, which is signed by the U.S citizen or green card holder spouse (the petitioner), to prove that the marriage between the two individuals was valid and genuine.

Required documents include:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or green card status (passport, birth certificate, green card)
  • A valid marriage certificate
  • A fact of an actual relationship exists (e.g. joint accounts, leases and photos, travel history)

If the Foreign Spouse is in the U.S.: Adjustment of Status

When the foreign spouse is already present in the U.S., he/she can request to have his/her status adjusted thus receiving a green card without having to leave the U.S.

Main forms to file:

  • Form I-485: Application for permanent residence
  • Form I-864: Affidavit of Support (financial sponsorship)
  • Form I-765 (optional): Work authorization
  • Form I-131 (optional): Travel permit (Advance Parole)
  • Form I-693 Report of medical examination

When you are married to a U.S. citizen, you will be able to reach Form I-130 and I-485 in one pack or bundle (concurrent filing).

If the Foreign Spouse is Outside the U.S.: Consular Processing

When the foreign spouse is staying outside the country, the case will pass the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to either a U.S embassy or consulate.

Steps include:

  • File Form DS-260 (immigrant visa application)
  • Submit supporting civil documents and police certificates
  • Attend an interview at a U.S. consulate
  • Complete a medical exam with an approved doctor
  • U.S. spouse must also submit Form I-864 to show financial support

Prove the Marriage is Genuine

Immigration authorities require proof that your marriage is real and not just for immigration benefits.

Examples of acceptable evidence:

  • Joint bank accounts, credit cards, or insurance
  • Shared lease or mortgage
  • Utility bills with both names
  • Travel documents, photos, messages
  • Birth certificates of children (if any)

Attend the Interview and Complete a Medical Exam

  • There are green card interviews that the couple would have to go (positioned at USCIS or held at a U.S embassy).
  • The foreign spouse should be subjected to a medical check-up with a certified doctor.

In the course of the interviewing process, officers might inquire with specific details regarding your relating relationship, everyday life and future as a couple.

Receive Conditional or Permanent Green Card

  • In case your marriage is not more than 2 years at the moment the green card is issued, the foreign distributor will be entitled to a 2-year conditional green card (CR-1).
  • Before the term of the conditional card, which expires in two years, expires, you should file a Form I-751 in order to retrieve the former conditions and get a 10 year green card.

Start Your U.S. Immigration Journey with UOM

From investor and employment-based visas to study and relocation pathways, UOM delivers expert support at every stage of the U.S. immigration process. We turn complex procedures into clear, strategic steps — tailored to your goals.

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6

How to apply for a green card in the USA?

A Green Card (officially called a Permanent Resident Card) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The process involves several steps depending on your eligibility category. This guide outlines the complete process clearly and simply.

1. Determine Your Eligibility

One can apply the US Green Card under the following few ways:

Family-based: You qualify in this based on marriage to a US citizen, as a parent or unmarried child below 21 years of age of a US citizen or as a relative of a Green Card holder. The siblings and adult children of the US citizens can thus also be eligible, though they will have to wait longer.

Employment-based: You must get a job offer in the US or a strong work record in order to apply under employment-based green card. The three most common ones include EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3. You can also make the application in certain situations including like in the case of EB-1A category or under the National Interest Waiver category without an employer.

Other classes: Other classes can apply with green card are asylees and refugees, and also, some special classes such as religious workers.

2. File an Immigrant Petition

Before you apply for a Green Card, someone must generally file an immigrant petition on your behalf (unless you're self-petitioning).

Category

Form to File

Filed By

Family-based

Form I-130

U.S. citizen/LPR sponsor

Employment-based

Form I-140

U.S. employer or self

Other categories

Varies (I-360, I-526, etc.)

Self or qualified entity

Once USCIS approves the petition, you can move to the next step if a visa is available for your category.

3. Apply for a Green Card

Applications are done in two ways depending on your location:

Adjustment of Status (in the event of being in the United States)

If you are already in the United States and are able to qualify under the category of your choice, you may use form I-485, Application to Register Permanent residence or Adjust Status, in order to apply to a Green Card.

Consular Processing (assuming out-of-the-United States)

In case you are not in the United States, you can file your Green Card by Use of the Consular Processing at a U.S Embassy or U.S Consulate by filing Form DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa).

4. Gather Required Documents

Specific documents vary depending on your category, but typically include:

For all applicants:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Document establishing relationship to applicant (e.g., marriage certificate)
  • Green card or proof of citizenship of sponsor
  • Recent passport-style photograph

For employees:

  • Job offer letter
  • Proof of qualifications (degrees, licenses, resume)
  • Financial documents from employer (if required)

For other categories:

  • You must have proof of refugee or asylum status, lottery winning notice, or religious documents.

5. Attend Biometrics and Interviews

Biometrics Appointment: After you fulfill the prerequisites, USCIS will set up a time and date to take your signature, photo, and fingerprints.

Interviews: The majority of applicants must go to an interview, which may be held in the US or on a US territory overseas. A staff member will examine your application during the interview and probe to verify your eligibility.

Planning to Immigrate to the U.S.?

UOM specializes in U.S. immigration solutions for professionals, investors, and business executives. From the beginning to the end, our qualified lawyers and knowledgeable advisors will offer precise, tactical advice, regardless of whether you are investigating pathways like L1, EB-1C, EB-3, EB-5, or F1.

With UOM at your side, take the next step toward your future in the US.

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U.S. Immigration Guide

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Immigration Requirements

Visa Application Process

Interview Preparation

1

What are the criteria to get a green card in the USA?

Every person to become a U.S. green card holder (Permanent Resident Card) has to possess those which are category-related as well as general.

You should know that in order to apply, you are required to have some legal grounds to do so, e.g., family tie, offer of job, refugee situation or other qualifying means and demonstrate that you satisfy the requirements established by the U.S. immigration law.

Common Ways to Qualify for a Green Card

Family Sponsorship: Petitioned for by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (spouse, parent, child, etc.)

Employment-based Immigration: Permanent employ by an employer based within U.S. either as a skilled worker, professional or an extraordinary individual.

Diversity Visa Lottery: This is selected on a yearly lottery basis of the persons belonging to nations that do not have much immigration to the United States.

Special Immigrant Categories: This category includes the religious workers, some Afghan/Iraqi nationals, or special immigrant juveniles.

Humanitarian/Other Cases: Refugees, asylees, the long-term residents (pre-1972) or investors (EB-5) who establish jobs in the U.S.

General Eligibility Criteria (Applies to All Applicants)

Qualifying Basis: You must have a valid reason to apply—such as a family relationship, job offer, or lottery selection.

Admissibility to the U.S.: You must not have disqualifying issues such as certain criminal convictions, immigration fraud, or communicable diseases.

Medical Examination: It is necessary for you to pass a medical examination with a doctor certified by USCIS.

Good Moral Character: Applicants are not expected to have a serious criminal record, acts of fraud, or a history of multiple immigration offenses.

Financial Support: You may need a sponsor to assert that you will not become a public charge (Form I-864).

Improper forms and process: Applications require structured documented processes where relevant forms are submitted, an example is I-485 for adjustment of status (when applying from inside the U.S.).

Lawful Entry (applying from within the U.S.): By and large, green card qualification tests will inspire the fact that candidates must be legally paroled into the United States of America.

Worried You Might Not Qualify? We Can Help

Applying for a green card is not only having the requirements. It is a matter of knowing how to utilize the available options and ensuring a smooth process on each stage.

At UOM, we help you identify the best-fit immigration category for your background, walk you through every stage of the process, and ensure your application meets U.S. standards from start to finish.

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2

How much money do you need to immigrate to the USA?

The prices of visiting the U.S. vary depending on the type of visas. The amount of investment needed in visa like E-2 and L-1A depends on the size and business prospects. On the contrary, the minimum investment requirement is only specific and apparent in the case of EB-5 visa.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa – Fixed Minimum Investment

The EB-5 visa is the most well-known investment immigration option. It provides a direct path to permanent residency (a green card) for investors and their immediate families.

  • Investment amount:
    • $1,050,000 in a U.S. business
    • Or $800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) — typically rural or high-unemployment regions
  • Requirement: The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
  • Outcome: Direct green card (permanent residence) for the investor, spouse, and children under 21.

This program is ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residence in the U.S. through business investment.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa – Flexible but Substantial

E-2 visa is granted to the foreign nationals belonging to treaty nations to invest and work in a business in the United States. Although there is no definite minimum, investments have to be substantial, in reference to the type of business.

  • Typical investment: If it is the right business model, then it can be in the range of 100, 000 to 300, 000.
  • Eligibility: The option applies only to treaty countries with the U.S.
  • Requirements: The business has to be not marginal (it should support you and family).
  • Important: There is an option of indefinite renewals provided that the business is still in existence though this visa does not directly translate into a green card.

The E-2 is also a favorite of the entrepreneurs or small business men who would like to reside and work in the U.S. but cannot afford the huge amount of capital needed under the EB-5.

L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa – Invest to Establish a U.S. Office

The L-1A visa is designed for managers or executives transferring from a foreign company to a U.S. branch or opening a new U.S. office.

  • No fixed investment, but:
    • You must prove the business has sufficient operating funds to cover rent, salaries, and other expenses.
    • For new offices, you must show that the U.S. business will support managerial functions within one year.
  • Typical recommendation: A budget amounting to 100,000 dollars or more is usually needed to validate.
  • Outcome: Temporary Status as a legal resident that would (possibly) lead to a green card to your employees under the EB-1C visa category (Multinational executives).

L-1A is a strong choice for existing businesses looking to expand to the U.S. without making a large upfront investment like the EB-5.

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa – No Investment Required, But Trade-Based

The E-1 visa is not investment-based in the traditional sense. Instead, it is for individuals or companies that engage in substantial international trade between the U.S. and their home country.

  • Requirement: At least 50% of the total trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
  • Trade can involve goods, services, or technology.
  • No set minimum investment, but:
    • You must demonstrate consistent and significant trade volume.
    • The business must already be operational and engaged in active international commerce.

While the E-1 visa doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency, it provides the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. as long as the trade activity continues.

Explore Your Best Immigration Investment Option with UOM

Choosing the right visa requires more than just capital—it demands clarity, legal insight, and a solid plan. At UOM, we help you understand which U.S. investment visa suits your goals and guide you through every step with expert care.

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3

How long does it take to legally immigrate to the US?

Immigration to the United States through legal means consists of different procedures and duration depending on the categories of visa, the personal values and status of the applicant and the region that he is submitting his application. Most of the processes, in turn, consume either 10 months or several years.

Here’s a general idea based on popular immigration pathways:

Immediate family of U.S. citizens (spouse, parents, children under 21): Family members continue to be one of the most expedited ones; it takes approximately 1018 months in order to get green cards.

Types of personal preferences in the family (siblings, adult children, etc.): These are put in a much longer average of 2 to 20+ years depending on your category and country.

Green cards through employment: EB-1, and EB-2, EB 3: The application will require 12-24 months. To citizens of backlogged countries, like India or China, it can take a few more years.

This option, available to people who are ready to spend big sums of money, requires about 2-5 years of time, depending on an individual case and USCIS processing quotes.

Adjustment of status (within the U.S.) vs. Consular processing (outside the U.S.): If you are already situated in the U.S., the processing time might be faster usually around 9–12months for family or employment based adjustment.

UOM - your trusted guide in U.S. immigration

Every immigration journey is unique - and so is our approach. At UOM, we combine legal precision with personalized strategy to help you move through the U.S. immigration system with clarity and purpose.

Whether you're applying through family, investment, study, or work, we make sure your case gets the attention and expertise it deserves.

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4

Is it easy to immigrate to the USA?

No. The process of immгigrating to the US involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, following strict procedures, and waiting due to a cap on visas and high demand for immigration to the US.

Why It’s Challenging:

Limited Visas Available: Annual limits exist for almost every category of visa, and it becomes particularly worse for applicants from India, China or Mexico due to their overwhelming population and demand.

Stringent Requirements: Family or employment based applications require rough eligibility lines which has make it difficult for contributors from various countries.

Lengthy Processing Times: Sibling family-based visas and certain employment based categories take years or decades to process.

Multiple forms, documents, interviews, and in some cases, background or health checks make the procedures multifaceted and cumbersome.

Costs Add Up: Immigration processes are coupled with filling fees, attorney costs, relocation expenses, which add on to the overall cost.

Unpredictable Delays: Depending on the country of origin, visa type, and number of applications , the visa backlog can be extensive and add more delays.

Still Possible with the Right Path

While it’s not easy, it’s not impossible. Many people successfully immigrate each year through:

  • Immediate family sponsorship (e.g., spouses or parents of U.S. citizens)
  • Employment-based visas (especially for highly skilled professionals)
  • Investment or business opportunities
  • Special programs like the Diversity Visa Lottery

Need trusted guidance on your U.S. immigration journey?

Get end-to-end support from a team you can rely on—licensed attorneys and experienced advisors who guide you through every step, from eligibility to long-term planning. That’s what you can expect when working with UOM, a firm specialized in U.S. immigration for individuals, families, investors, and professionals.

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5

How long can a foreigner stay in the US without a visa?

Being a national of the Visa Waver Program (VWP) country you may enter the United States without a visa to be present in the state only up to 90 days, that is, being a tourist, business traveler or one who is in transit to another country. However, you will be required to carry out prior registration in ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before expedition.

Key Requirements:

  • You should be an international citizen of any of the qualified VWP nations that includes (e.g., UK, France, Japan, South Korea, etc.).
  • You should be staying as a tourist, businessperson or a transit. They are not allowed, to work, to study or to settle.
  • It requires a possession of an e-passport and previously registered ESTA.
  • You cannot change how long you will stay in the United States, or change your type of immigration status once you have entered that country.

Staying Longer Than 90 Days:

In case you will stay longer than 90 days, you will also be required to obtain a U.S. visa, of the type B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism).

  • The B-1/B-2 visa normally permits a visit of not more than 6 months upon entry stamp (Form I-94).
  • In other circumstances it is possible to request an extension but it depends on whether the USCIS approves it.

However, if you're thinking beyond short visits — for work, study, or immigration purposes, you may want to consider longer-term visa options:

  • L-1: For professionals transferred within multinational companies.
  • F-1: For international students enrolling in U.S. educational programs.
  • EB-1C / EB-3: For executives, skilled workers, and professionals seeking permanent residence.

Need Help Navigating Your U.S. Stay?

Whether you're in the U.S. now or planning your next step, knowing your legal options is essential. At UOM, our licensed attorneys and advisors provide clear, end-to-end guidance tailored to your status and long-term goals - so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Make your time in the U.S. worry-free - start with UOM by your side.

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6

Can I immigrate to the USA without a job offer?

Yes, applied visas require no job offer in the US, however, there are some categories of visas that do not need employers to immigrate to the US. The key options are as below:

EB-1A Visa – Extraordinary Ability

This is a visa category, which targets individuals of extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or in sports. You would not require an offer in place of a job, but you would require very good evidence of what you have accomplished-such as major honours, publications or mentions in a field.

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Under the NIW, holders of advanced degrees or workers of exceptional ability can apply to receive a green card without having to be offered the job position in question provided that they can demonstrate that their employment yields national interest in United States.

  • Typical to STEM experts, health care specialists, teaching or renewable energy professionals.
  • You need to prove that the work you do is of great significance and national interest and waiving the job offer requirement will be of gain to U. S.

EB-5 Investor Visa

The EB-5 visa is for individuals who invest a minimum of $800,000–$1,050,000 in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers.

  • You do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship.
  • It provides a direct path to permanent residency (green card) for those with sufficient capital.

Other Options That Don’t Require a Job Offer

  • Family-Based Immigration: If you have a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative, they can sponsor you.
  • Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery): Offers green cards to individuals from underrepresented countries. No job offer or sponsor is needed.
  • Refugee or Asylee Status: Those fleeing persecution may be eligible to apply for a green card after one year in the U.S.
  • Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs): For certain religious workers, Afghan/Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government, and other designated groups.

Looking for a U.S. green card without a job offer?

At UOM, we help professionals and accomplished individuals pursue U.S. green cards through self-petition — no employer sponsorship required. Our licensed U.S. immigration attorneys guide your case from strategy to filing, helping you unlock permanent residency through your expertise and achievements.

Let your expertise or investment speak for itself — with UOM by your side.

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