Is Immigrating to the US a Reasonable Goal?

3 minute read

People often become overwhelmed when discussing United States immigration. The process can sometimes seem like it is too complicated, long, or overwhelming. While US immigration can be complex, it is certainly not impossible. There are options available to individuals in different circumstances that may lead to what is referred to as a green card or lawful permanent residence in the United States.

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Jun 29, 2023

Common US Immigration Pathways

The most commonly used pathways to permanent immigration to the US include family sponsorship and employment-based immigration. We’ll explore both options below.

Family Sponsorship

If you have an immediate family member in the United States who is a citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to petition for your sponsorship to the US. In these cases, the US citizen can sponsor their foreign-born spouse, children, parents, or siblings. Permanent residents of the United States can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children. While in most situations, the US has a limited number of visas to offer per category each year, immediate family sponsorship does not typically have a limited number available.

One of the main requirements for family sponsorship immigration is that the petitioner must be able to support their family members financially. This would require demonstrating that their income is above the poverty line.

Factors to Consider

There are still several additional pathways to a US green card that you can explore, but it will all depend on which options you qualify for. There are options for individuals who can invest large amounts of money in the US, and there is a diversity visa that is granted to those from certain regions that typically have low immigration rates to the US. Learn more by exploring our US Visa Guide.

The United States is a destination of choice for many immigrants, and they receive millions of applications each year from applicants around the world. It is important to note that the US usually grants permanent resident status to around one million applicants yearly. This means that you could be subject to very long wait times. Extended wait times also affect many visas outside the family category, which have limited numbers for how many can be granted per year. Extended wait times may also affect those applying from countries that have a high number of applicants, including Mexico, China, India and the Philippines.

There is no correct answer to the question of whether immigrating to the US is a reasonable goal, as it depends on your personal circumstances and which pathways you qualify for. One of the most important factors is ensuring your application is strong and stands out. You can do that by working with My Visa Source immigration lawyers, who can help you catch mistakes and advise you on the best course of action.