Immigrate to the USA

It is the dream of freedom and endless possibilities – the United States is and remains the top destination for many people all over the world. There is hardly any other country that has been shaped by its immigrants as much as America, also known as the "melting pot of cultures". However, on the way into the new life, many things have to be taken into consideration. To help you with your project "immigration to the USA", we have collected some advice for you.

Reasons for immigration to the USA

Each year, thousands of people apply for a US Green Card to seek their fortune in America. But what exactly is it that makes immigration to the USA so attractive to them? Here are the most common reasons:

• The American way of life: The US is still the number one destination for people who are looking to fulfill their dreams. Freedom, democracy, leading a self-determined life, becoming the one that you desire to be – all of that is possible in America.

• More work opportunities: The largest and most active economy in the world offers an extensive range of career opportunities. Therefore, it is still the right place to pursue the dream of professional growth.

• Better education: A multitude of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world is maintained in the US. It is the dream of many ambitious men and women to graduate from one of America's top universities and colleges.
• Better living conditions: The Land of the Free is home to culture, entertainment, technology, nightlife, and much more.
  
  
• Reuniting with family members: When falling in love with an American citizen, spouses are eligible for immigration to the USA. It is also possible for children, parents, or siblings from abroad to obtain permanent resident status in the United States.
  
  
• Escaping a troubled country: The United States is one of the preferred immigration countries for individuals who have to flee from war-torn nations to escape danger and dire conditions.

Ways to immigrate to the United States

So, how to turn the dream of immigration to the USA into reality? There are several ways to reach this goal. These are the most common ones:

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.

The Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program or the DV Lottery, is the annual draw of 55,000 permanent residence permits (Green Cards) issued by the US government. Since its first edition in 1994, it has evolved into a true model of success. Anyone who meets the requirements for participation in the Green Card Lottery can sign up free of charge directly with the US State Department.

However, the application process is complicated, and the rules of the Green Card Lottery slightly change from year to year. About 40 % of all applicants are disqualified from the lottery every year, often due to minor formal mistakes. Seeking support can, therefore, bring a great advantage. Our Green Card experts from The American Dream will ensure that your Green Card application is submitted to the US authorities in the correct form and on time. An investment that will most certainly pay off!

Family-based immigration

Family members of US citizens or Green Card holders are also eligible for permanent residence in the United States. Family-based immigration is divided into two categories, which depend on the degree of kinship.

The right to live permanently in the US is granted to the following groups of people: (future) spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of US citizens or Green Card holders. They will receive their permanent residence permit without waiting times.

The second category includes siblings and children over 21 years of age of US citizens or Green Card holders. Only a limited contingent of Green Cards is available for them. Moreover, they usually must face longer waiting times.

Employment-based immigration

Yet even without winning the Green Card Lottery or relatives on-site, immigration to the USA is possible. People who sign a contract with a company in the United States are eligible for employment-based immigration. When it comes to job search, education is the key! With higher qualifications, the chances of being hired by a US company increase.

The visa will then be bound to the respective position and does not yet grant a lifelong right of residence in the United States. Nevertheless, it offers a great opportunity to establish a livelihood in America and to get to know the country and its people better.

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Immigration via investment

Entrepreneurs are always welcome in the United States – provided they bring sufficient equity and plan to create jobs for at least ten employees in the US. The amount of the minimum capital required varies between $900,000 and $1,800,000 depending on the state. Immigration via investment is particularly interesting for self-employed individuals who dispose of enough assets.

Moving to the USA

Are you determined to immigrate to America as soon as possible? Before you leave, it is recommended to take care of the following things:

• look for a furnished apartment for the first few months
• refresh your English skills
• digitalize important documents (e.g., birth certificate) and have them translated into English
• check or extend the validity of identity documents (e.g., passport)
• conclude international health insurance for the first few months

After moving to the USA, you should take care of obtaining the following items: 

• a Social Security Card
• an American driver's license
• an American bank account
• an American cell phone number

Working in the USA

From dishwasher to millionaire? Like no other place, the land of opportunity still offers many ways for immigrants to become who they’ve always wanted to be.

Winners of the Green Card Lottery, whose visa is not tied to a specific workplace, are especially well off. They are completely free to choose where they want to settle and in which company or position they want to be working in the USA. Alaska or Alabama, waiter or broker - everything is possible!

A good education is an advantage because skilled workers have the best chances of finding work in the USA. As an industrial nation, America’s economy is strongly shaped by the service sector. Therefore, there will most likely be a high demand in the following professions: medical personnel, IT specialists, engineers, or craftsmen.

Living in the USA

Where is the best place to live in America? The vibrant New York, cool Wisconsin, idyllic Kansas, or rather sunny Hawaii? The decision of which place should become your new home is not an easy one. The United States, the third-largest country in the world, is divided into 50 Federal States and several climate and time zones. Almost unlimited possibilities of living in the USA ...

And finally, we still have some good news for you: about five years after immigration to the USA, it is even possible for Green Card holders to obtain American citizenship.

Your decision is final and you want to seek your fortune in the US?
Register now for our Green Card Lottery service. Our professional immigration experts will help you fill out the application form correctly, thus greatly increasing your chances of living in the land of opportunity. Good luck!

travel.state.gov, de.usembassy.gov