Immigration to the United States
The United States of America is a welcoming country for immigrants, with a high-quality educational system, a leading economy, a suitable dollar income, and full of job opportunities, making it an ideal destination for young people seeking to immigrate. Immigration to the United States is possible through various methods. The ways to immigrate to the United States include:
- Immigration to the US through work
- Immigration to the US through education
- Immigration to the US through investment
- Immigration to the US through marriage
- Immigration to the US through birth
- Immigration to the US through lottery
- Immigration to the US through asylum
- Immigration of artists and successful people to the US
To immigrate to the U.S., applicants must meet key requirements such as English proficiency, financial stability, a clean criminal record, and strong educational or professional background. Costs vary by method and family size, but average between $4,000 and $11,300. Below, we explore the main U.S. visa types and immigration pathways.
Stay updated with the latest immigration news…
The United States continues to attract skilled labor through the H-1B visa!
The new Trump administration has proposed a $5 million investment option for a U.S. Golden Card, pending further details. Starting January 17, 2025, major H-1B visa changes will take effect, including updated eligibility, simplified processes, and increased fairness. Nonprofit and government research institutions conducting fundamental research will remain exempt from the H-1B visa cap.
Starting January 17, 2025, F-1 visa holders will have an easier transition to H-1B status with fewer work authorization issues. USCIS will speed up H-1B processing and ease the burden on employers. The I-129 petition form will also be updated to reflect new regulations, allowing employers more flexibility in hiring.
Advantages of Immigrating to the USA
One of the main advantages of immigrating to the United States is that applicants can obtain permanent residency in the U.S. after several years of living in the U.S. and paying taxes, after that, they can also apply for citizenship and U.S. passport. Below are some of the advantages of immigrating to the U.S.:
- High standards of living
- Strong and dynamic economy
- Suitable climate and beautiful nature
- Advanced telecommunications system
- Ease of business start-up process
- Abundant housing
- Having the world’s top universities
- High salaries and income
- Low tax rates compared to other developed countries
- High quality of insurance and health services
- Cultural diversity
- Abundant job opportunities for professionals
The reasons mentioned above can be among the motivations for applicants to immigrate to the USA. For many young individuals seeking progress, America has long been a dream place to immigrate.
Ways to Immigrate to the USA
Ways to immigrate to the USA vary, and applicants must select the best immigration path by reviewing their conditions. The methods of immigration to the U.S. include:
In the following sections, we will explore the required conditions and methods for each of the mentioned pathways.
- Immigration to the US through work
- Immigration to the US through education
- Immigration to the US through investment
- Immigration to the US through marriage
- Immigration to the US through birth
- Immigration to the US through lottery
- Immigration to the US through asylum
- Immigration of artists and successful people to the US
Immigrating to the USA Through Work
Working in the USA is a highly sought-after method for immigrating to this country. Certainly, the aim for those who have made the final decision to immigrate to the USA through work is to obtain the US Green Card of this country. On the other hand, individuals should consider that there are several types of U.S. work visas available, and not all of these visas lead to receiving the U.S. Green Card.
To obtain permanent residency in the U.S., the applicant must have resided in the U.S. for at least 5 to 7 years. Also, after ten years of residency in the U.S., the applicant can apply for the U.S. Green Card.
- What are the best jobs for immigrating to the USA?
The best jobs for immigrating to the USA are general jobs. Applicants who apply for the EB3 visa through general jobs can receive their Green Card from the moment they enter the USA and gain residency in the country.
Immigrating to the USA Through Education
One of the best ways to immigrate to America is through studying in the USA. One of the most crucial conditions for immigrating to the USA through education is convincing the case officer that the applicant will leave the country after finishing their studies in the U.S. Proving this and succeeding in an embassy interview requires experience and specialized immigration knowledge.
One of the most important points when applying through this method and obtaining a U.S. student visa is passing the SAT test or the ACT test, depending on the university and state; applicants must participate in one of these two tests. It is also worth mentioning that after completing their studies, students will have 12 months to find work in the country and convert their residency status to that of a working immigrant.
Tuition costs in the USA vary based on the type of university (public or private) and field of study. In general:
- Public universities: The cost of tuition for international students usually ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 per year.
- Private universities: Tuition costs at private universities can vary from $30,000 to $75,000 per year.
- Living costs: Living expenses (housing, food, transportation) usually range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the city of study.
Next, we will introduce the best universities in the USA for studying.
Immigrating to the USA Through Investment
There are several ways to immigrate to the USA through investment in the U.S.. Below are different methods of investment in the USA:
- EB-5 visa
To obtain an EB-5 visa, a foreign investor must invest a minimum capital in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. that employs at least 10 eligible U.S. workers full-time.
The minimum amount required for investment also depends on the investment location. If the area where you want to invest is rural and sparsely populated, $900,000 is required, and for urban areas, $1.8 million is necessary. It is noteworthy that this visa can also be converted into a Green Card or permanent residency.
- E2 visa
This visa grants the applicant permission for buying a business in the USA or starting a business in this country. The business intended for purchase must be active, meaning that it must be under direct supervision and have employees.
Among the advantages of this method, it can be mentioned that with a minimum amount of $100,000 to $150,000, permanent residency in the USA can be obtained.
- E1 visa
To obtain an E1 visa, there is no need to invest in the USA; it is only necessary to prove that you are engaged in trading goods with a company in the USA. The value of these traded goods must be at least $100,000.
With this method, as long as you continue trading goods with the related company, you can extend your residency.
- L1 visa
L1 visa is specifically for individuals wishing to establish a branch of their company in the USA. In this method, to register a company in the USA, the applicant must have a company in their home country and at least one year must have passed since the establishment of that company.
Immigrating to the USA Through the Lottery
Immigrating to the USA through the lottery, or the Diversity Visa Program, is also possible. This immigration plan is named a lottery because winners are selected randomly from 10 to 12 million applicants who register worldwide each year. The USA has established this law to maintain diversity in its population, allowing immigration from specific areas of the world.
One of the best pathways for immigration to the USA is through the lottery. In this program, only 55,000 individuals from countries with fewer immigrants in the USA are accepted annually through a lottery. After winning the lottery, you can obtain a U.S. lottery visa and enter the United States with a US Green Card.
Immigrating to the USA Through Birth
Residency through birth in the United States is another means of obtaining citizenship in this country. Generally, countries follow either the citizenship by birthright or citizenship by descent system.
In most European countries like Denmark, Austria, and the Netherlands, citizenship is granted by blood—at least one parent must be a citizen. In contrast, the U.S. grants citizenship by birth on its soil, regardless of parents’ nationality. However, U.S. citizenship for the child does not grant any immediate rights to the parents; they may apply for citizenship after 14–15 years.
Immigrating to the USA Through Marriage
Immigrating to the USA through marriage is another route to immigrate that also leads to obtaining a US Green Card. This visa is referred to as the K1 visa or fiancé visa. This visa lasts for three months. The fiancé visa application process for those who are U.S. citizens and wish to bring their spouse or fiancé to the USA usually takes about one to one and a half years.
After entering the U.S., applicants have 90 days to legally marry. Once married, they receive a three-year residency and can later apply for a Green Card. If marriage doesn’t occur within 90 days, they must leave or risk legal consequences and future entry bans. Specific conditions and documents are required to obtain this type of visa, which are mentioned below:
- Fill out Form I-129F and submit it to the International Visa Center (NVC)
- Issuance of a Case Number by the NVC and send it to the consulate
- Provide documents proving that you and your fiancé have been in a relationship for the past two years
- If you have been previously married, you must provide documents related to the divorce of your former spouse
- Provide a valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Certificate of no criminal record and medical health
- Pay the fees related to these steps
- Fill out Form I-134, which is about information related to financial support
- All documents must be sent to the embassy 15 days before the date set for the interview
Immigrating to the USA for Artists and Highly Successful Individuals
U.S. artist visas are offered to applicants who carry out specific activities through O and P type visas. Generally, P-type visas are for those who are internationally recognized and have participated in popular programs and television interviews.
Individuals can extend this visa as long as they continue their activities in the fields of arts and sports while simultaneously applying for a US Green Card from the U.S. Immigration Office. The various categories of this type of visa are summarized below:
- O1 visa
This visa is for persons who have extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or significant accomplishments in the film or television industry and are recognized at a national or international level.
- O2 visa
This type of visa is issued for individuals who accompany artists or athletes and help them perform or conduct a specific event. This visa is usually issued to companions of those who have been granted an O1 visa.
This category of individuals possesses unique skills and experience that cannot easily be fulfilled by an American worker and are essential for the successful performance of O-1.
- O3 visa
This visa is granted to spouses or children of those who have received O-1 and O-2 visas.
- P1 visa
It is designated for internationally recognized artists and athletes who apply for a visa to participate in a specific tournament for a defined period.
- p2 visa
This type of visa is issued for artists and athletes who participate in an organizational exchange program between the U.S. and another country.
- p3 visa
This visa is usually issued for groups of artists and musicians who intend to perform or teach the national culture and music of their country over a short period.
Immigrating to the USA Through Asylum
One of the paths that may be considered for immigration to the USA is the method of asylum in the USA. First, we need to define asylum. According to the Geneva Convention principle, whenever an individual faces severe fear of torture or life-threatening risks due to political reasons, specific religious orientations, racial or gender discrimination, etc., in their home country, they can apply for asylum in countries that are members of the Geneva Convention.
Illegal immigration to the USA poses significant risks and sometimes irreparable consequences and often leads to exploitation by unscrupulous financial and human traffickers. Malekpour Immigration Institute does not provide any services regarding asylum and therefore strongly advises you never to use this method for immigrating to the USA or other countries.
Easiest Way to Immigrate to the USA
There are many diverse pathways for immigrating to the United States, and accordingly, each of these pathways has its own time, cost, and specific procedures. Certainly, not all of these paths are suitable for everyone, and applicants must first seek the help of an experienced immigration consultant to evaluate the paths accurately and understand the complete pros and cons of immigration through each path, then choose the best and easiest way to immigrate to the USA that fits their situation.
In general, one of the best and easiest ways to immigrate to the USA is to work in the USA. Besides requiring very little cost for this pathway, the applicant begins working immediately and will receive a salary, and after a few years can obtain permanent residency in the United States.
Conditions for Immigration to the USA
The United States provides a suitable framework for immigrants to grow and advance due to its powerful economy, major companies, and renowned universities around the globe. Applicants seeking to immigrate to the USA must adhere to specific conditions and requirements.
Some of the conditions for immigration to the USA include:
- Proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5)
- Have sufficient financial means
- Provide a good academic and work resume
- Success in the interview
- Show a certificate of no criminal record
In addition, other conditions that applicants for U.S. immigration must pay attention to are described below:
- Duration of immigration to the United States
The time to obtain a U.S. Green Card is usually about 2 years. However, in general, the immigration process to the USA takes approximately 3 years.
- Immigration requirements for people under 18 to the United States
If you intend to send your child under 18 years old to live in the USA, or if you are under 18 years old and wish to live in this country, it should be noted that immigration to the USA for individuals under 18 typically occurs through one of two methods.
One method is through studying in the USA, where the necessary conditions for schooling in American schools must be met. The second method is through immigration to the USA via family ties. In simpler terms, if at least one of your parents can obtain U.S. residency, you may accompany them to the USA.
- Language certificate for immigration to the United States
Depending on the immigration method, the required language proficiency for immigrating to the USA will vary. For example, for studying in the USA, an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.5 is usually required, while for other methods, an IELTS score may be requested lower or higher depending on the importance of the language in that path.
- Conditions of the American economic system for immigrants
Among all the ways to immigrate to the USA, studying immigration can be the best method for finding a job in the USA. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with immigration to this country through education, considering the economic conditions in the USA and the unemployment rate in the country.
- US health care and welfare conditions for immigrants
Health insurance in the USA for immigrants is very different from that in European countries and includes significant expenses. The health insurance in the USA provides a portion of medical services to immigrants.
- The political and social situation of immigrants in America
In terms of wages and income for immigrants to the USA, it can be stated that there is complete parity between U.S. citizens and immigrant individuals based on their capabilities, skills, and expertise.
IELTS Score for Immigration to the USA
Immigrating to the USA requires specific documents, including IELTS scores. Required IELTS scores vary by visa type, with most student visas needing 6.0 to 7.5. Universities typically require a minimum of 6.5, while some programs may demand higher scores.
For US work visas, the IELTS score typically correlates with the applicant’s communication skills in the workplace. A score of 6.0 to 7.0 is sufficient for many jobs, but more specialized positions or higher authorities may require a higher score.
Steps for Immigration to the USA
Immigration to the United States is a complex, multi-step process that varies depending on the type of visa or immigration pathway you choose. Here are the general steps for immigrating to the USA:
- Choosing a visa or green card type
First, you need to decide on which type of visa or Green Card is most suitable for you.
- Collecting the necessary documents
Depending on the type of visa, the required documents will differ. Generally, you may need documents such as:
-
- A valid passport
- Identification documents (birth certificate, national ID)
- Financial documents (bank statements, pay stubs)
- Educational and employment credentials
- Medical documents (medical check-ups and tests)
- Fill out the application form
Each type of visa has its specific form. For example:
- Form I-130: for applying for family visas
- Form I-140: for applying for work visas
- Form DS-160: for applying for non-immigrant visas
These forms must be filled out carefully and accurate information must be provided. Access and selection of forms can be made at the following site:
- Payment of fees
Each immigration application has its specific costs. Costs may include form fees, medical fees, and embassy fees.
- Send request
After filling out the forms and collecting documents, you must submit your application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Depending on the visa type, your application may need to be first approved by USCIS.
- Waiting for confirmation
After submitting your application, you must wait for its approval. This process may take several months. At this stage, USCIS may ask you to provide additional information or may conduct an interview.
- Interview at the embassy or consulate
If your application is approved, you will usually have to interview at the United States embassy or consulate in your home country. At this interview, the consular officer will assess your status and may ask questions about your reasons for immigrating.
Overview of Immigration Laws to the USA
Immigration to the United States involves navigating a complex legal framework governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA outlines various pathways for those seeking legal permanent residency, commonly known as Green Card holders.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members like spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents without visa limits. Other relatives face annual caps and waiting times. The U.S. also offers asylum for those fearing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion.
Malekpour Institute does not provide services in this regard.
In 2024, the Biden administration tightened rules at the U.S.-Mexico border to limit asylum for illegal crossers and speed up expulsions, aiming to reduce illegal immigration. It also introduced a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, requiring 10 years of U.S. residence, no security risks, and marriage before June 17, 2024.
Required Documents for Immigration to the USA
The required documents for immigration to the USA and obtaining visas for this country are as follows:
- Form DS-160
- Valid passport
- passport size photo
- Visa fee receipt
- Invitation letter (if required)
- Certificate and documents to prove financial means
- Letter of acceptance from university or workplace (if required)
- Educational and work history
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance documents
- Marriage or divorce documents (if required)
- Official translation of documents into English
For precise information regarding required documents and conditions, you can visit the official website of the U.S. immigration office at https://www.uscis.gov/.
Cost of Immigration to the USA
The cost of immigrating to the USA varies for different immigration methods. Generally, the average costs associated with obtaining residency in the U.S., regardless of financial means, range from $4,000 to $11,300.
In the table below, we provide the costs for various types of U.S. visas. It is worth mentioning that the immigration process to the USA involves other costs beyond visa fees that applicants are required to pay.
| Visa type | Cost (dollars) |
| Marriage visa; family visa | 860 |
| K-1 fiancé(e) visa | 265 |
| Lottery Visa | 330 |
| Student Visa | 190 |
| Work Visa | 250 |
| Temporary and seasonal worker visas | 190 |
| Investment Visa | 205 |
| Artist and Athlete Visa | 190 |
Sometimes the question arises, how much does it cost to immigrate to the USA in tomans? There is no precise answer to this question as the daily currency and dollar prices are fluctuating, and you should consult reputable currency exchange offices for accurate calculations.
Cost of Living in the USA
The average cost of living in the USA for one month is shown in the table below:
| Cost of living in the US (monthly) | |
| Food | $370.00 |
| Residence rent | $2,197.00 |
| Transportation | $389 |
| Sports clubs | $68.87 |
| Amenities | $182.23 |
| Clothing | $14.79 |
| Drinks | $14.99 |
| Restaurant | $105.00 |
| Entertainment | $29.65 |
How Long Does Immigration to the USA Take?
The time it takes to immigrate to the USA can vary depending on the chosen method and the number of applicants who have applied. On average, the total duration is between 2 months to 5 years. The table below provides an approximate timeline.
| Duration of immigration to the United States | |
| Obtaining a family visa | 8 to 30 months |
| Temporary H1B visa | 4 to 9 months |
| Lottery visa processing | 8 months |
| Refugee status review | 1 to 4 years |
Obtaining Permanent Residency in the USA through the Green Card
Some immigration pathways can lead to obtaining a U.S. Green Card or permanent residency. There are several immigration routes for obtaining permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States.
- Family Immigration: Residents can apply for family members.
- Work Visa: U.S. employers can apply for green cards for their employees. This includes a variety of work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) and special programs such as EB-2 and EB-3.
- EB-5 Program: For foreign investors who invest at least $900,000 (in targeted areas) or $1.8 million (in other areas) in a business project and create at least 10 new jobs.
- Asylum or Humanitarian Protection Immigration: People who are persecuted for political, religious, or social reasons can apply for asylum. After one year of receiving asylum, they can apply for permanent residence.
- Special Programs: Some special programs, such as the Diversity Visa Lottery, allow people from underrepresented countries in immigration to the United States to apply for green cards.
What is a U.S. Green Card?
A U.S. Green Card, officially known as the “Permanent Resident Card,” is a document that allows non-U.S. individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. This card indicates the individual’s legal status as a permanent resident in the USA and enables them to enjoy many rights and benefits similar to those of U.S. citizens, although some specific citizenship rights, such as the right to vote, do not apply to Green Card holders.
Is Immigration to the USA Better than to Canada?
Canada offers diverse investment options, including startup and corporate programs, with easier and more flexible conditions than the U.S. Both countries provide permanent residency through work, but Canada’s Express Entry system simplifies immigration and accepts more applicants. Additionally, Canada’s provincial programs offer tailored residency options, unlike the U.S.
Studying in the USA offers prestigious universities with higher global rankings, while Canada has more affordable education and moderately ranked universities. US students can work 20 hours per week on campus, whereas Canadian students can work 20 hours both on and off campus. In the USA, student dependents cannot work, but in Canada, they receive open work permits. Post-graduation stay is one year in the USA and 2-3 years in Canada, depending on study duration.
The Best States in the US for Immigration
To immigrate to the US, it is good to be familiar with the states of this country and know which states are most suitable for immigration.
| California | Texas | New York | Washington | |
| Population | About 39 million people (the most populous state). | About 29 million people (second most populous state). | About 19 million people. | About 7 million people. |
| Economy | The largest state economy in the US and the fifth largest in the world, with a high GDP. | Second largest state economy in the US, with oil, gas, technology, and agriculture industries. | One of the largest state economies in the United States, focused on finance, media, and technology. | Strong economy focused on technology (companies like Amazon and Microsoft) and public services. |
| Jobs in demand | Information technology, healthcare, agriculture and entertainment. | Engineering, IT, medicine, and financial services. | Finance, arts and culture, information technology, and healthcare. | Information technology, healthcare, engineering, and public services. |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University. | University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. | University of Columbia University and New York University. | University of Washington and Washington State University. |
| Attractions | Beautiful beaches, national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia), Hollywood and Disneyland. | Natural parks, museums, large cities such as Houston and Dallas. | New York City, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum, and Broadway theater. | Diamond National Park, Piccadilly Circus, and the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC. |
Disadvantages of Immigration to the United States
Next, we will discuss the risks and difficulties of immigration to the United States. The disadvantages of immigration to the United States are as follows:
- High costs (education, living, immigration lawyer)
- New culture and language
- Distance from family and friends
- Administrative and legal challenges
- Lack of job security
- Social and economic pressures
- Discrimination and inequality
- Need to adapt to new systems (financial, legal, social)
- Security and social risks in some areas
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration to the United States
- How can I immigrate to the United States?
There are various methods for immigrating to the United States, including work, study, investment, lottery, etc., and applicants must choose the best path depending on their circumstances.
- What is the best way to immigrate to the United States?
Immigrating to the United States through education is known as the best and one of the easiest ways to immigrate to the United States.
- Do we need to apply through a lawyer to immigrate to the United States?
You can learn the immigration laws to the United States by spending time. But of course, an immigration lawyer to the United States can do your job faster and provide you with his experiences.
- What is the least expensive way to immigrate to the United States?
Work methods such as receiving a job offer are among the least expensive ways to immigrate to the United States. Studying in the United States is also the second least expensive way.
- How much money is needed to immigrate to the United States?
The amount of money required for each immigration route varies, but in all routes, you should pay attention to the cost of living in the United States, which is about $935.79 for one person.
- What documents are required to go to the United States?
The documents required for immigration to the United States vary depending on the immigration route, but in all routes, a valid passport and identification documents, several photos, a completed DS-260 form, a certificate of no criminal record, a medical examination certificate, and proof of financial means are required.
Conclusion:
Immigration to the United States is possible through work, education, investment, lottery, birth, marriage, etc. The approximate cost of immigration to America is $4,000 to $11,300. Also, the necessary conditions for immigration to this country include proficiency in English, having sufficient financial means, having a strong work and educational resume, no criminal record, etc.
If you still have any doubts after reading the article, you can contact the consultants of Malekpour Immigration Institute and resolve your doubts.
