Permanently migrating to a new country or continent usually opens doors to new possibilities. For instance, migrating to the USA, is for many a door to new beginnings. However, taking such action needs to be carefully assessed and done in accordance with specific procedures. Actually, it is a tiring process that deserves a lot of patience and preparation. This article assesses the steps that you must take in order to live permanently in the USA:
1. Assess whether you qualify for a USA permanent visa or green card. This is the one document that will grant your permanent residence in the USA. Normally, it is granted in case of four main reasons which are;
- Promoting diversity
- Family Ties
- Status as a refugee
- Employment
In this instance, applying for a permanent Visa might be the most suitable way of earning the USA permanent citizenship. Such a decision will be provided by the U.S. immigration department. Normally, the immigration department provides necessary information and materials regarding how to become a permanent resident of the USA and obtain a visa or green card. To expand your information on granting a green card or permanent residency permit for the USA it is in your interest to check out the motives that can lead to rejection.
2. Submit a petition for a permanent Visa
The petition should be submitted by a person sponsoring your application. Usually, the person varies depending on how you have qualified for the permanent Visa. Most of the times, it is your relative who lives in the USA.
3. Review Application
Review your application and the relevant supporting documents with a lawyer. Reviewing your application ensures you correct all the available mistakes. This is of great significance in ensuring your application is not rejected. Remember, one minor mistake will see your application being rejected. Therefore, it is advisable to have a competent lawyer on board. A law firm near you may be a perfect partner in cases like this.
4. Submit your application, supporting documents and pay required fees and wait
After paying the required fees, you will be required to submit your application alongside supporting documents. The supporting documents should also include your financial records. This will ensure that you do not become a financial liability to the US.
5. Have a medical examination prior to the day of the interview
This is important to confirm if you would be a health threat if you would live in the U.S. The doctor will confirm in case you have any communicable diseases. After the medical test, he or she will have to fill a USCIS form 1-693.
6. Interview day!
You will be required to go for an interview at the US embassy, where you will be interviewed by a U.S. government official. At the end of the interview, you will be notified whether your Visa or green card application has been accepted. It’s important that you bring all the documentation needed, behave accordingly, answer questions with honesty and get familiar with the right term or type of immigration you are willing to make. Make sure to know all the necessary terms and be able to explain them to the officer. Here’s a great article explaining the difference between immigration, emigration and migration.
7. Enter the United States
You are granted to enter into the USA once you fulfill the necessary criteria for visa or Green Card holders.. Make it your responsibility to always renew your Green Card after 10 years, or in case of a visa, stay updated with your visa expiration date.
Apply for the US Citizenship
This is one of the vital things to do in order to become a permanent resident of the US. However, first, you will have to do the following:
- Reside for at least 5 years with a valid green card in the U.S.. This period allows you to prove that you adhere to all laws and regulations of living in the U.S. This will earn you the chance of applying for the US citizenship.
- Apply for a Naturalization – This process will require you to fill out the N-400 form. Upon approval, you get to enjoy full rights as a citizen of U.S.
- Go for a citizen interview – Once your application has been processed, you will be called upon to attend an interview. Normally it is conducted by an Immigration department and U.S. citizenship agent. Ensure you display a high level of honesty during this interview.
- Pass the U.S. citizenship test – After passing the interview, the next thing to do is taking the U.S. citizenship test. Naturalization applicants will have to choose a test between Civics and English. This test is not a walk in the part – considerable preparation is needed to successfully pass this test.
- Take a United States Oath – passing the Citizenship will not automatically make you a citizen of the US. You will have to take an oath, pledging loyalty and allegiance to the United States. At that very moment, you become an official citizen of the United States.
Conclusion
The quest of becoming a citizen living in the USA is not an easy process. There are important things you need to do, for instance obtaining a permanent Visa and full citizenship. However, ensure you pay attention to the necessary requirements for all your applications to be validated, and you might just make this process a bit faster and easier.
BIO
Rilind Elezaj is an experienced a Digital Marketing Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Rilind possesses a strong entrepreneurial mindset and has devoted his career to enhancing the sphere of digital marketing. In his methodological approach, Rilind integrates web development and other digital marketing solutions to create hybrid strategies that bring the best results.
