U.S. VISA & IMMIGRATION OPTIONS
Understanding Immigrant Visas, Nonimmigrant Visas & Green Cards
What's the difference between a U.S. visa and a Green Card?
Immigrant visa
For individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States and become a permanent resident.
Nonimmigration visa
For people coming to the United States temporarily—for example, to work, study, visit, or conduct certain business activities.
Green Card / Lawful Permanent Residence
Evidence of lawful permanent resident status, allowing an individual to live and work permanently in the United States, subject to applicable immigration laws.
Work in the U.S.
H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and other employment-based options
The United States offers several employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant pathways for foreign professionals, executives, skilled workers, and individuals with specialized qualifications.
Start or Expand a Business
E-1, E-2, L-1, EB-1C and other business-related pathways
Foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and international companies may have several U.S. immigration options when establishing or expanding business operations in the United States. Depending on nationality, ownership structure, business activities, investment, and the relationship between foreign and U.S. entities, potential options may include E-1, E-2, L-1, EB-1C, and other applicable pathways.
Invest in the U.S.
E-2 nonimmigrant investor and EB-5 immigrant investor pathways
Foreign investors may have different U.S. immigration options depending on their nationality, investment structure, source of funds, business activities, and long-term immigration objectives. Potential options may include the E-2 Treaty Investor classification for qualifying nationals of treaty countries and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program for qualifying investors who meet applicable investment and job-creation requirements.
Join Family in the U.S.
Marriage, fiancé(e), family-sponsored immigration and related Green Card options
U.S. immigration law provides several pathways for individuals to join qualifying family members in the United States. Depending on the family relationship and the immigration status of the sponsoring relative, options may include marriage-based immigration, family-sponsored immigrant visas, fiancé(e) visas, and other family-based categories.
Family immigration cases can involve different procedures depending on whether the beneficiary is already in the United States or is applying from abroad. Understanding the relationship requirements, sponsorship obligations, documentation, and applicable procedures is an important first step toward developing an effective immigration strategy.
Study in the U.S.
F-1, J-1 and related options
The United States remains a major destination for international students and exchange visitors. Foreign nationals who wish to pursue academic or vocational studies may qualify for student or exchange visitor classifications, including the F-1 and J-1 categories, depending on their educational program and circumstances.
Studying in the United States may also provide opportunities for practical training and future professional development. Because the rules governing student status, employment, and changes to other immigration categories can be complex, students should consider their immediate educational objectives as well as their longer-term plans in the United States.
Become a Permanent Resident
Family-, employment-, and investment-based Green Card pathways
Lawful permanent residence, commonly known as a Green Card, allows an individual to live and work permanently in the United States, subject to applicable immigration laws. There are several pathways to permanent residence, including family-based, employment-based, and investment-based immigration, as well as other specialized categories.
The appropriate Green Card pathway depends on factors such as family relationships, employment qualifications, immigration history, and individual circumstances. Whether you are already in the United States or applying from abroad, understanding the available options and choosing the appropriate process—such as adjustment of status or consular processing—is an important part of planning for permanent residence.
