Having a US visa stamped in your passport can open the door to amazing opportunities living in America. The benefits available to you and your family will depend on whether you are granted a non-immigrant visa for a limited stay in the United States or receive a US immigration visa for permanent residency. Each type of US visa offers particular benefits that determine how long a foreign national can live in the United States, whether the individual is permitted to legally work in the USA, as well as options they may have to attend educational programs, start a business, etc.

Millions of people are issued various types of non-immigrant US visas each year which authorize them to live in the United States for a certain amount of time and for a particular purpose. Major categories of non-immigrant US visas include business visas, visitor visas, student visas, and temporary work visas. Non-immigrant US visas are stamped inside of a foreign national’s passport and show the validity dates indicating the time period when the individual is permitted to travel to and from the United States. The amount of time that a non-immigrant US visa is valid for will be determined by the type of visa, the reason for traveling to the United States, etc. For example, a short-term business/visitor visa to the US might be issued for an initial period of 1-6 months, while a temporary US work visa may be initially granted for up to one, two, three or five years. Many non-immigrant US visas have an option to be renewed for an additional amount of time if the person meets the criteria (this should be done prior to the US visa expiration date).

Certain types of non-immigrant US visas authorize a foreign national to work in the USA (for example, temporary work visas), but other visa types do not allow US employment (for example, a visitor visa). Student visas and certain other non-immigrant US visas give foreign nationals permission to attend educational programs (for example, university, vocational school, etc.) in the United States. Individuals who have been issued a student visa or temporary work visa to the United States usually have an option for their spouse and children (under 21 years of age and unmarried) to apply for a non-immigrant US visa for family members so they can also live in America. In some cases, the spouse of an international student or temporary foreign worker may be allowed to work in the USA or attend educational programs in the United States, but this depends on the US visa type and other factors. An additional benefit of having a non-immigrant US visa is the opportunity to travel across the United States and visit the many points of interest. There is also access to an endless selection of products and services that are not always available in other parts of the world.

Of course, this is a brief summary of some of the many benefits enjoyed by holders of a non-immigrant US visa. Further details can be provided relevant to your particular case by the team of experts at ABD Göç Hizmetleri after they evaluate your options for relocation to the United States.

Foreign nationals who are issued a US immigration visa and permanent resident Green Card enjoy many of the same benefits that American citizens are entitled to. Around 200,000 individuals living outside of the United States are granted a US immigration visa and permanent resident Green Card each year through employment-based visa programs as well as the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. A much larger number of foreign nationals already living in America with a non-immigrant US visa are approved for a “change of status” to Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States and granted a Green Card (many through family sponsorship by American citizens or US permanent residents).

A foreign national who is living outside of the United States and is granted Lawful Permanent Resident status will normally have a US immigration visa stamped inside their passport for initial entry into the USA. The new permanent resident will need to enter the United States during the time that their US immigration visa is valid. They will also need to pay the Immigrant Fee to the USCIS government agency in order to be issued a permanent resident Green Card. Basically, the US immigration visa gets the new permanent resident into the United States at the port of entry, but the Green Card is carried long-term while they are living in America as proof of Lawful Permanent Resident status.

People who are approved for US immigration and receive a permanent resident Green Card are authorized to live in the United States for an unlimited length of time. Lawful Permanent Residents are also permitted to work in the USA, have the option to start a business, and can attend educational programs in the United States (for example, vocational school, college, university, etc.). Receiving an education in the United States can enhance a person’s career opportunities. Before they can work in the USA, Lawful Permanent Residents need to receive their personal Social Security Number (and Social Security Card), which is another benefit of US immigration. The Social Security Number is not only associated with retirement and other benefits, but it is also needed to open a bank account, apply for a loan, and is required for US employment. A Lawful Permanent Resident can own property in the United States, apply for a driver’s license, sponsor certain family members to receive a Green Card, and travel inside and outside of the USA. They are also protected by local, state and federal laws. Additionally, when an immigrant living in America gives birth inside the United States, that baby born in the USA is born with American citizenship. Green Card holders who live in the United States for five years and pass other requirements can apply to become naturalized American citizens.

A Green Card holder who becomes a naturalized American citizen gets additional benefits, such as being able to receive a US passport, sponsoring eligible family members for a Green Card, having the option to travel outside of the United States for extended periods of time, the right to vote in elections, and the opportunity to run for public office. Furthermore, when an American citizen gives birth anywhere in the world, that baby is entitled to receive American citizenship.

Whether you receive a non-immigrant US visa or are approved for a permanent resident Green Card, living in America will be an exciting adventure that is full of possibilities for you and your family!