Immigrating to the United States

The ability to enter the US on a visa and obtain permanent residence can be a complicated process, especially if you don't know what you are doing. If you want to enter the United States it might be a good idea to check out the US Visa Lottery program. This program was established in 1996 for immigrants to enter the country to live and become a productive member of society. Here is some helpful, basic information about the US Visa Lottery and the issues surrounding permanent citizenship as well as temporary residence.

Every year the State Dept. of the US allows thousands of immigrants to obtain United States citizenship on a US Visa Lottery. You must apply to be eligible, and then chosen for this type of visa. There are a few restrictions though on the US Visa Lottery.

• Your country must be an eligible one that the US government allows to participate in the US Visa Lottery.
• Either you or a legally married partner must be a native born residence or possibly a mother or father to obtain this type of visa.
• You must have completed 12 years of formal schooling, or 2 years training and/or work experience to apply for a US Visa Lottery.

How you want to change your status depends on if your unique situation once you are chosen for a US Visa Lottery. Check out some of the comparisons between, an adjustment of status and a consular immigration approval on a visa.

• With a change of status processing there can be delays and a longer wait time. Travel is required to the place where the US Visa Lottery winner immigrated from. In the case of a consular visa up to a 2 year time frame can be the waiting time for processing.

• Adjustment of status immigrants will need to maintain their status during the hearing, while a US Visa Lottery applicant does not have too.

• Lawyers are allowed if an immigrant wants a lawyer on an adjustment of status at the INS. At a meeting in an adjustment of status with consuls the right to have a lawyer present to represent the immigrant is not allowed.

• During an adjustment of status one can apply for jobs, while with the consular hearing it's denied.

• There are restrictions on travel on an adjustment of status application. With an immigrant US Visa Lottery winner there isn't.

There are other differences between the US Visa Lottery winner, and an adjustment of status for permanent domicile in the US. Make sure to start early when applying for legal status in the country. It's the best way to approach the process. Also be sure to keep copies of all paperwork, and be punctual on meetings and filing deadlines. If you do not it could cost you a lot of frustration and waiting for your needed answer to arrive, and for your immigration to the United States.

Go online and check out the official US governmental information at www.travel.state.gov. You will be able to find out what it takes to get a visa and a correct passport for immigration too. The website www.uscis.gov is the place to go when looking for ways to contact local field offices, places to download forms, fees for immigration, and where to go to have your fingerprints taken. Their website is the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is another branch of the US government.

Never give up on living in the US because lots of people have achieved their goal of living there, and have found a very nice lifestyle full of success and happiness. Just follow the guidelines and you will soon be there.