If you decide to move to the United States of America for permanent residence, you will first need to obtain a residence permit (Green Card), which will allow you to legally live and work in the country. After five years, you will be able to apply for citizenship.
Instructions
Step 1
Choose one of the main options for obtaining a residence permit. Win the Green Card Lottery, get a work or investor visa. Every year, the US State Department conducts a drawing of a certain number of visas for permanent residence. Leave your application and wait for the lottery results. If you are lucky, you will become the proud owner of a residence permit. Work visa (H1B) is issued to specialists wishing to work in the United States. Each year, the country's Congress sets a quota for the number of visas of this type. It is issued for a period of 3 years and can be extended up to 6 years. The specialist's family has the right to move with him and legally reside in the United States. The Н1В visa gives the right to obtain permanent residence. You can quickly get a residence permit by making an investment of $ 500,000 or more in the economy. You will receive an investor visa and then citizenship.
Step 2
You can get a residence permit in America on the basis of marriage. K-1 visa is issued to those who come to the country for the purpose of marriage. Refugee status gives you the right to obtain a residence permit. It can be granted if there is evidence of persecution or fear of persecution of the applicant. However, keep in mind that the interview at the American Embassy is pretty tough.
Step 3
Having received a residence permit, live in the country for the required amount of time (depending on the type of visa) and start obtaining citizenship. Begin training 3 months before the expiration of the 5-year Permanent Resident or the 3-Year Spouse of a U. S. Citizen. Go through the naturalization process and take the citizenship exam. Obtain the application form (petition for naturalization) from the immigration office. Fill it out and hand it over to the Immigration Service. You will be assigned a date for the citizenship exam.
Step 4
During the exam, demonstrate your knowledge of the English language and answer questions related to economics, politics, US history, and more. If you fail the exam, take preparatory courses to retake it and reapply.
Step 5
When applying for citizenship, declare that you live in the country and want America to become your place of permanent residence.
Step 6
When you pass the exam, your application will be sent to the district court, where it will be reviewed and a decision on granting you citizenship will be made. You will receive a certificate confirming your status as an American citizen.
Step 7
If you have children under the age of 16, they will automatically receive citizenship with you.
