How Can I Live In The US Legally?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • You must be at least 18 years of age at the time that you apply (Application for )
  • You must have lived in the USA for at least five years as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) or for 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen.

Can I live in USA without a Green Card?

If you do not have a Green Card, you will need either a valid ESTA or an appropriate US visa to enter the USA , depending on the purpose and duration of your stay.

Can you live in the US without being a citizen?

Non-U.S. citizens can permanently live and work in the U.S. by applying to be a lawful permanent resident and obtaining a Green Card. Lawful permanent residents are entitled to limited rights and benefits as compared to U.S. citizens.

How long can a non citizen stay out of the US?

Remaining outside the United States for more than 12 months may result in a loss of lawful permanent resident status.

Can you move to the US without a job?

If you don't have an employer or family member in the US who can petition for you, there may be another way for you to relocate to the country. Some common options include: Self-petition if you have extraordinary ability .

What is the easiest way to move to USA?

  • Green Card Lottery. Winning the US Green Card Lottery is probably the most beautiful and, with a little luck, also the easiest way into the country of your dreams. ...
  • Family-based immigration. ...
  • Employment-based immigration. ...
  • Immigration via investment.

Can I stay on green card forever?

As the name suggests, permanent resident status is generally constant. It's granted to people who intend to live in the United States for the foreseeable future. Permanent residents, also known as green card holders, have the privilege of living and working in the United States permanently.

Can I lose my U.S. citizenship if I live abroad?

One of the many benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen is that it's a stable status. Unlike the situation for lawful permanent residents (green card holders), a citizen can't lose

How long can you stay in America without a green card?

The quick answer to the question of how long a visitor can lawfully stay in the United States for most people is six months . To be more precise, once an admission is determined to be “fair and reasonable,” the default position is that the visitor is granted a six month time period to stay.

Can you just move to America?

Foreign citizens wishing to immigrate and live permanently in the U.S. must comply with U.S. visa immigration laws , and specific procedures to apply for visas. At DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for immigration matters, including naturalization.

Can a friend sponsor me to live in USA?

Unfortunately, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member. But there is still a way you can help. You can sponsor your friend's immigration petition financially . ... You can sponsor your friend financially by providing a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

How much money do you need to move to America?

Despite its popularity, for many, becoming a U.S. permanent resident or a naturalized citizen is a long and costly process. If we sum up all the specific payments towards acquiring citizenship to the USA, the amount ranges somewhere between $4,000 to $11,300 . Most people end up spending between $6,000 and $8,000.

How hard is it to immigrate to the US?

There are very strict laws in place to be able to come here.” Immigrants can come to the U.S. on temporary visas for students, tourist and skilled workers. ... But, to stay, live and work in the U.S., immigrants need a “green card ,” which is the only way to ultimately become a U.S. citizen.

Who can sponsor me in USA?

Who Can Sponsor Who Who You Are Immigrants You Can Petition U.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes) Minor, unmarried children U.S. citizen Married children or adult children U.S. citizen age 21 or older Brothers and sisters

What do I need to know about moving to America?

  • MOVING TO THE USA WITHOUT A JOB IS POSSIBLE, BUT IT ISN'T EASY. ...
  • YOU DON'T NECESSARILY NEED A GREEN CARD. ...
  • YOU'LL NEED A LOT OF PAPERWORK. ...
  • MOVING TO THE USA MIGHT MEAN LESS HOLIDAY. ...
  • THE WORK CULTURE IS VERY FOCUSED. ...
  • THE COST OF LIVING VARIES A LOT. ...
  • MEDICAL INSURANCE IS A MUST.

Can I lose my green card if I get divorced?

Green card holders are usually unaffected by a divorce when they file another application or petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if they are already a lawful permanent resident with a 10-year green card. There is usually no reason for USCIS to reevaluate your petition after a divorce.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.