Migrate to USA
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Migrate to the USA
The United States offers unmatched opportunity and an unparalleled quality of life for families and individuals. Its powerful economy, excellent educational system, and liberal way of life make it a bastion of progress and growth. At Skyward, we have extensive experience with the US immigration processes. Our teams have the knowledge and experience to help you get started with your American Dream.
About the USA
USA is the fourth largest country in the world and is the most preferred destination for immigration. The country is backed with a strong economy and numerous opportunities for aspirants from around the world.
Prominent states in the USA –
- New York
- Las Vegas
- Orlando, Florida
- Atlanta
- Miami
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- San Francisco
- Denver
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Houston
*Looking to settle in the USA? Start here! Go through the H-1B Visa Flipbook.
Types of US Visas
Some of the most common types of US visas are listed below:
- Student visa
- Tourist visa
- H-1B visa
- Employment-based visas
- Family-based Immigration
US Visa categories
The US visa is divided into two categories:
Immigrant visa
- Immigrant visas are issued to foreign candidates who plan on living and working in the USA on a permanent basis. The employer or the relatives of the primary applicant usually sponsor the individual in most cases.
Non-immigrant visa
- Immigrant visas are issued to foreign candidates who plan on living and working in the USA on a temporary basis. Non-immigrant visas are mostly for individuals who seek to enter the country temporarily for medical treatment, tourism, business or other similar purposes.
US Green card
Green card, commonly known as a permanent residence card authorizes a Non-U.S. candidate to gain permanent residency in the country. The Green card holder can live and seek employment in any part of the country and will also qualify to apply for US citizenship after three-five years.
*Did you know? Over 1 million Green cards are issued every year by the US government.
Green Card Eligibility
The eligibility criteria to apply for US Green card are as follows –
Apply for a Green card via employment as an immigrant worker:
First preference Immigrant worker
- Must possess extraordinary skills in athletics, business, education or arts etc.
- Must have renowned experience as a researcher/professor.
- Must be a multinational level executive or manager who fulfills a list of given criteria.
Second preference immigrant worker
- Must be a professional with an advanced degree.
- Must have exceptional skills in arts, business or sciences.
- Must be someone who is looking for a waiver at the national interest.
Third preference immigrant worker
- Must be a skilled worker with a minimum of two years of job experience or training.
- Must be a professional who is currently employed with at least a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S or outside U.S with an equivalent degree.
- Must be an expert who is currently employed and has a Master’s degree in the U.S
Apply for a Green card via Family
- Unmarried children of US citizens under the age of 21.
- Spouse of US citizens
- Parents of US citizens who are at least 21 years of age.
Benefits of US Migration
- Provides high quality of education
- Earn in dollars with flexible salary packages
- High standard of life
- Has some of the top educational universities in the world
- The country assures a high level of financial security to its citizens
- Offers a diverse range of educational prospects
- Provides easy citizenship opportunities upon eligibility
US Immigration Eligibility
The eligibility criteria to migrate to the US differ based on the type of permit. However, the general eligibility requirements for US immigration are as follows:
Age: Must be over 18 years of age.
Educational qualifications: Must meet the minimum educational qualification that is equal to higher than the secondary education in the USA.
Language proficiency: Must get a minimum score of at least (6+) in IELTS or TOEFL.
Work experience: Must have at least 1 year of professional work experience in the field of your choice.
Employment offer: You can migrate to the US with or without an employment offer.
(Contact Skyward to know more)
How to migrate to US?
There are many ways to migrate to the USA; some of the most common ways to migrate to US are listed below:
Migrate to the US as an employee
Temporary work visas allow candidates to enter the United States for the purpose of working for a sponsoring employer. The visa is valid for a set amount of time after which the applicant must return to his home country. Work Permit visas can be granted to applicants if their potential employer submits a petition with the USCIS on their behalf.
Migrate to the US through the investor route
The EB 5 investment visa for United States immigration permits affluent persons to get a green card providing permanent residence status as soon as they enter the country, without having to wait significant periods of time. To qualify for this visa, you must be willing to invest a large sum of money, ranging from 500,000 USD to one million USD. The funds must be invested in an American company, and the applicant must be willing to participate actively in its management.
Migrate with your family to the US
Permanent residency in the United States is also available to family members of US citizens or Green Card holders. There are two types of family-based immigration, depending on the degree of affinity.
The following groups of people are granted the ability to live permanently in the United States:
- (Future) spouses
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
- Parents of US citizens or Green Card holders.
They will be given their permanent residence permit immediately.
Siblings and children of US citizens or Green Card holders over the age of 21 are included in the second group. Only a small number of Green Cards are available to them. Furthermore, they are frequently subjected to lengthier wait times.
US Immigration Process
You can follow the simple steps given below to apply for US Immigration:
Step 1: Check your eligibility.
Step 2: Sort out the requirements of the visa.
Step 3: Apply for the visa.
Step 4: Await the status of your visa
Step 5: Migrate to USA.
Skyward: US Immigration Consultants
Skyward, the world’s best immigration company, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements. The impeccable services of Skyward include:
- Expert guidance/counseling for US Immigration
- Avail Skyward coaching services for IELTS Coaching, GRE Coaching, PTE coaching and more.
- Get Skyward job search services to help find the right job for your career.
- Avail free career counseling from industry experts.
Latest US Immigration Updates and News
December 11, 2024
USCIS announced US visa bulletin for January 2025
As per the January 2025 Bulletin, EB visa dates have changed, especially for Indian applicants. Candidates who want to apply for a Green Card via the EB category will be provided with a final action date for receiving the visa as soon as possible to issue or adjust the status of the approved application.
*Willing to know more about US visas? Contact Skyward.
December 04, 2024
USCIS announced the H1B Cap has been reached for Fiscal year 2025
USCIS announced the H1B Cap reaches for Fiscal year 2025. This H1B cap includes a 65,000 visa under the regular cap and a 20,000 US master cap visa. USCIS is still accepting and processing applications that are not related to the cap.
*To know more about how to apply for the US H-1B visa, contact Skyward.
November 20, 2024
3,31,602 International students are studying in the US 2024! Apply Now!
According to the stats, India ranked no.1 as 3,31,602 international students are currently studying in 2023-2024, 23% more than the previous year. The enrollment of international students to study in the US was higher for graduation and OPT.
Below is the total number of international students in the US (2018-2024):
Year
Total international students in the US
2023-24
3,31,602
2022-23
2,68,923
2021-22
1,99,182
2020-21
1,67,582
2019-20
1,93,124
2018-19
2,02,014
Here is the breakdown of International students enrolled in the US universities for different academic levels:Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Academic level
2023-24
Total %
Undergraduate
36,053
10.9
Graduate
1,96,657
59.3
Non-Degree
1,426
0.4
OPT
97,556
29.4
*To know more about how to apply for US visas, contact Skyward.
November 20, 2024
International Students enrolment trends in the US
Below are the list of total number of students enrolled in the US universities:
Year
Total international students
Total US enrolment
% of change from previous year
2023-24
11,26,690
1,89,39,568
6.6
2022-23
10,57,188
1,89,61,280
11.5
2021-22
9,48,519
2,03,27,000
3.8
2020-21
9,14,095
1,97,44,000
-15
2019-20
10,75,496
1,97,20,000
-18
2018-19
10,95,299
1,98,28,000
0.1
*To know more about how to get a US study visa, contact Skyward.
November 02, 2024
U.S. issues a record 11.5 million visas – State Department
The US State Department recently revealed that over 11.5 million visas were issued as of September 30, 2024, according to statistical data. The majority of the US visas issued in 2024 were visitor visas for 8.5 million tourists. The US is further aiming to increase the number of tourist visas issued by 8.7% in 2025 and to issue 90 million US visitor visas by 2026.
October 30, 2024
USCIS to undergo system maintenance on October 30, 2024
USCIS announced that it would perform system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS), starting October 30, 2024, through October 31, 2024. The maintenance will occur from 11:50 p.m. on October 30 until 2:00 a.m. on October 31, 2024.
Given below is the list of tools that would temporarily be down during the maintenance:
- Check My Case Status
- e-Request
- Change of Address online
- Check Case Processing Times
- Civil Surgeon Locator
- Office Locator
- File Online
- myUSCIS online account
- Service Request Management Tool (SRMT)
*Want to migrate to the US? Sign up with Skyward to help you with the process.
October 10, 2024
USCIS announced new rules on the International Entrepreneur Rule effective from 1st October 2024
USCIS recently announced updated guidelines on the International Entrepreneur Rule, which require the increase in investment, revenue, and other thresholds to be notified every three years. The revised investment and revenue amount is effective from October 1st, 2024, and is effective for applications applied before and after that date.
Under this guideline, USCIS describes the required three-year increase in investment, revenue, and other thresholds and how the government will arrange biometrics appointments for applicants outside the country or who choose to receive their parole documentation.
*To know more about US visas, contact Skyward.
October 03, 2024
U.S. announces new rules for EB1 immigrant visas
The U.S. has announced new guidelines for the eligibility criteria of (E11) EB-1 visa. The latest updates related to the clarification in the types of documents considered for the EB-1 visa applicants will be included in the Policy Manual.
October 01, 2024
US government added 25,000 visa slots for Indians
The US government added around 250,000 visa slots for Indians, including students, travellers, skilled workers, and officials who can apply. This new initiative simplifies Indians’ travel process to the US.
September 20, 2024
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months
The USCIS announced that it will extend the validity of Green cards or PR cards to 36 months, which will come into effect starting today, September 10, 2024. This change applies to lawful PR holders who file for an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90). Permanent residents who file Form -190 to renew an expired or expiring Green card can also avail themselves of this extension.
September 19, 2024
USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for the first half of FY 2025
USCIS announced that it has reached the cap for H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of FY 2025. September 18, 2024, was the final date for H-1B workers filing the petitions and requesting employment start dates before April 1, 2025.
*Looking to work in the USA? Sign up with Skyward for end-to-end support with the process.
August 30, 2024
USCIS to Open International Field Office in Quito, Ecuador
USCIS today announced the opening of an international field office in Quito, Ecuador, on Sept. 10. The Quito Field Office will focus on helping reunite individuals with their family members already in the United States and increasing refugee processing capacity
To know more about how to apply for the US visas, contact Skyward
August 30, 2024
Essential changes to the US’ EB-5 Program
The USCIS has introduced significant reforms to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. One of the most important changes is the reauthorization of the Regional Center Program. A few other changes include the introduction of priority date retention, Increased Scrutiny in the Interview Process, and Faster Processing Times.
To know more on how to apply for EB-5 visa, contact Skyward
August 29, 2024
US issues new guidelines on OPT eligibility!
The USCIS issued new guidelines for F and M non-immigrant students on OPT eligibility, grace periods, and study abroad for international STEM students. The revisions cover online study allowances, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programs.
Willing to study in the USA? Contact Skyward, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!
August 28, 2024
USCIS Updates Guidance for F/M Non-immigrant Student visas
USCIS updates guidance in the USCIS policy manual for F/M non-immigrant students who are eligible for backward extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
To know more about how to apply for the US visas, contact Skyward
August 28, 2024
Good News: USCIS allows H1-B spouses to work in America!
The US Court has passed a rule confirming H-1B spouses can work in the US. Major tech companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, supported the rule.
To know more on how to apply for H1B visa, contact Skyward
August 20, 2024
US reaches annual limit of EB-5 visa
The United States has reached the annual limit of EB-5 visas for the fiscal year 2024 in the unreserved category. On October 1, 2024, The annual limits will be reset when the new fiscal year begins.
To know more on how to apply for EB-5 visa, contact Skyward
August 19, 2024
DHS Implements a process to keep families together
On August 19, the Department of Homeland Security announced a Federal Register notice to keep families together. This implementation was to support the unity and stability of families and strengthen the diplomatic relationship with partner countries.
*Want to migrate to the US? Sign up with Skyward for complete immigration assistance.
August 13, 2024
The Kolkata consulate provides the fastest US visa processing time
Visiting the US has become more accessible for Indians as the Kolkata consulate quickly issues US tourist visas, with a wait time of just 24 days. Kolkata offers the shortest processing time for B1 and B2 visas.
To know more about how to apply for a US tourist visa, contact Skyward for end-to-end support!
August 8, 2024
USCIS completes selection of 70,000 H-1B applications for FY2025
The USCIS has selected 70,000 H-1B applications for FY 2025 and would be holding additional registration to reach the cap count for H-1B visas. Potential petitioners have already been informed about their eligibility criteria and the updated fee requirement.
August 6, 2024
H-1B Spouses right to work in the US secured by a court ruling
The US Court of Appeals has recently confirmed that H1-B spouses are allowed to work in the US. The decision is gladly welcomed by major tech companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft as it helps them to recruit and retain foreign skilled professionals willing to be permanent residents of the US.
August 2, 2024
US to expedite visa processing time for college graduates with job offers
On July 15, the Department of State announced measures to expedite visa processing for college graduates with job offers. This new policy will attract more skilled graduates to the US.
To know more on how to apply for H1B visa, contact Skyward
July 31, 2024
USCIS announces Second H-1B Lottery for FY 2025
The U.S announced the second lottery for the H-1B visas for the FY 2025. The first H-1B lottery was held in March 2024. The USCIS said that the cap for Master’s has been reached so the second H-1B lottery that will be held will solely be for the regular cap. Candidates with selected registrations will have their myUSCIS accounts updated to include a selection notice.
July 30, 2024
The U.S. government is encouraging more Indian American-Green card holders to register for US citizenship. To address the ongoing elections, eligible Indian Americans with a Green Card are urged to apply for citizenship and participate as an active voter. The government will now grant citizenship within just 3 weeks for individuals who have been living in the country as a Green card holder for at least 5 years.
July 25, 2024
US plans to increase H-1B Visas for Indian graduates
A new bill named HR 9023 has been introduced under the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act. The new bill aims to increase the number of H1-B visas issued annually. The visa application process will be simplified to make it more accessible for Indian and other foreign students willing to work in the US.
July 08, 2024
U.S. Celebrates Independence Day by Welcoming 11,000 New Citizens on July 4th
The USCIS celebrated the US Independence day on July 04, 2024. Around 195 naturalisations ceremonies were held across the country to commemorate the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The country welcomed around 11,000 new citizens as a part of the Independence day celebrations of 2024.
July 03, 2024
US job openings increased to a record 8.14 million in June, 2024
The US Bureau of Labour statistics reports that job vacancies in the US reached a record-high figure of 8.14 million in June 2024. The sectors that have the highest number of job openings in the US include the manufacturing industry and the government sector.
June 19, 2024
U.S. to give citizenship to 500,000 immigrants – Biden
In a recent announcement, the US president Joe Biden launched a new citizenship plan to offer US Citizenship to 500,000 immigrants. Spouses of US citizens who have completed a 10-year residence in the country can apply for US Green Card or permanent residency under the new plan.
May 21, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Integration Grant Program will provide $2.6 Million in funding in 2024
USCIS announced a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. Up to $2.6 million will be awarded to organizations that have not been funded previously. USCIS plans to train the organizations to help them establish high-quality citizenship programs.
May 16, 2024
U.S. issued 5 million visas in first quarter of 2024
The U.S. issued a record number of non-immigrant visas in the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of State issued 5 million visas worldwide, breaking all previous records. Around 205,000 visas were issued to temporary and seasonal workers in agriculture and other sectors. The U.S. Department of State also broke records by issuing 152,000 green cards to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
May 9, 2024
Google and Amazon suspend U.S. Green Card applications. What’s the alternative?
Amazon and Google have suspended green card applications because it is difficult to process more applications. Both companies have stopped accepting PERM applications from 2023. International job seekers looking for tech roles in the US should find alternate options like Canada PR and Australia PR.
May 1, 2024
U.S. Embassy in India accelerates F1 Visa process. Apply now!
The US Embassy in India prioritizes Student visas and reduces the processing time for other visas. US President Joe Biden has instructed to reduce the wait times for Indians. The US Embassy in India issued over 140,000 student visas in 2022.
April 25, 2024
U.S. Opens Doors: Apply Now for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
The USCIS announced the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. This program provides funding for citizenship development in communities across the country. USCIS hopes to award around 40 organizations $300,000 each for two years to increase the availability of high-quality citizenship and integration services.
April 23, 2024
USA H2B Visas cap reached, what next?
The USCIS has reached the target of 19,000 H-2B visas for the second half of FY 2024. The initial date for the petition was set between April 1 to May 14, 2024, while April 17, 2024, was the last date for filing for H-2B supplemental visas under the allocation for returning workers. USCIS has started accepting new petitions for workers who wish to seek employment from March 15 to September 30, 2024, from April 22, 2024.
April 22, 2024
Hyderabad’s Super Saturday: U.S. Consulate Conducts a Record-Breaking 1,500 Visa Interviews!
The US Consulate in Hyderabad organized a Super Saturday Drive. Around 1,500 visa interviews were held for US visitor visa applications. The previous Super Saturday drive was held on March 9, 2024 by the US Consulates in Mumbai and New Delhi processing 2,500+ US visa applications.
April 18, 2024
Indians consider other PR options as the 1 Million US Green Card wait continues.
According to data from the U.S. government, over 1 million Indians are currently waiting for a US Green Card. Individuals waiting for a Green Card include outstanding researchers, professors, multinational executives, and managers. Indians are considering other PR options, like Canada PR and Australia PR.
April 13, 2024
Harvard and Caltech plans to reintroduce SAT/ACT as mandatory requirements for admission.
Harvard University and the California Institute of Technology announced the reintroduction of SAT/ACT for admissions. The students taking admissions for the year 2025 have to take SAT/ACT tests as requirements for admission. Elite schools such as Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown are using tests to recognize talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.
April 12, 2024
There are 10 million jobs in the USA, and 450K for IT professionals. Apply Now!
US employers posted 10 Million new job openings in March. Around 450K IT Jobs were posted in March; Software developers and IT support specialists saw the largest openings. The recent CompTIA report states that New York, Dallas, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago had the highest job openings.
April 8, 2024
Good News! Indians with pending EAD applications of H1-B visa holders get 540 days extension
USCIS has increased the extension period for EAD applications of H1-B visa holders from 180 days to 540 days. The extended extension period of up to 540 days will apply to applicants from October 27, 2023.
March 2023, 2024
US extends the H-1B visa registration date to 25th March 2024. Apply Now!
The USCIS extends the registration period till March 25 for the H-1B cap for FY 2025. During this extended period, Individuals are required to use a USCIS online account to register for the selection process. Individuals who are selected will be notified by March 31, 2024.
March 19, 2024
Last 2 days are left in the H-1B registration period, which closes on 22 March.
The initial registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2025 closes on March 22. Prospective petitioners must use an online US Citizenship account to register each beneficiary during this period. USCIS will start accepting online application forms for H-1B cap petitions on April 1.
March 02, 2024
H1-B visa registration for FY 2025 begins on March 6, 2024
USCIS has announced the dates for H-1B visa registrations for FY 2025. The registrations will begin on March 06, 2024, and continue till March 22, 2024. Prospective petitioners and their representatives can use a USCIS online account to register. USCIS has made various initiatives to improve collaboration, assist individuals, and simplify processes. Furthermore, online filling for Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for selected registrations will begin on April 01, 2024.
February 06, 2024
Get H1-B in five weeks now under pilot program, apply from India or Canada. Hurry limited seats!
United States launched H-1B visa renewal under pilot program and allows eligible citizens from India and Canada to renew their visas without requiring leaving the country. The Department of State will offer up to 20,000 application slots during the pilot program. Application slot dates are released on specific periods of time starting from January 29, 2024 to February 26, 2024. The department estimates a processing time of five to eight weeks after receiving applications.
February 05, 2024
New H1B rule effective March 4, 2024. Provides start date flexibility
USCIS has revealed a final rule for H-1B registration process to strengthen the integrity of visa and reduce fraud. The rule will be operative after the initial registration period for FY 2025. It will be effective from March 01, 2024 and the cost for the registration will be $10. The initial registration period for FY 2025 H-1B cap will start on March 6, 2024 and end on March 22, 2024. USCIS will accept online filings of Forms I-129 and related Form I-907 for H-1B petitioners starting on February 28, 2024.
January 16, 2024
H-2B visa quota exhausted for the first half of fiscal year 2024, what now?
USCIS received sufficient number of petitions and reached the cap for H-2B visas for returning workers. Petitions are still being accepted for the separate allocation of 20,000 visas reserved for nationals of specific countries. Petitioners whose workers were not approved under the returning worker allocation have an alternate option to file under the country specific allocation whilst the visas are still available.
January 9, 2024
Elon Musk in favor of increasing H-1B visa caps
Elon Musk suggested increasing the H1-B visa caps and an employment document enabling foreign workers to travel to the US. He said, “Skilled workers should enter the US legally, and illegal migration has to be stopped”.
Frequently Asked Questions
The US Visas have around 185 categories. The 2 main categories are:
Non-immigrant Visa:
It is for provisional visits like studying, visiting family, work, business, or tourism.
Immigrant Visa:
It is for individuals to immigrate to the US. This US Visa holder is processed for I-551 or Permanent Resident Card also known as the Green Card at the port of entry. It serves a san provisional I-551 as evidence for Permanent Residence for 1 year upon being endorsed through a CBP admission stamp.
A child with IH-3 or IR-3 Visa will become a US citizen automatically upon admission to the US. The N-560 or Citizenship Certificate will then be processed for the child.
The compulsory documents necessary for US Visitor Visa are:
- An original passport that is valid for minimum 6 months after the anticipated entrance date in the US
- All previous passports
- 1 photograph as per specification with both hard copy and digital copy
- US Visa application DS160 verification page stamped at the VAC – Visa Application Center
- Proof of payment of a fee
- The hard copy of the appointment letter of the US Visa interview
The Supporting documents required for US Visitor Visa are:
The intention of the supporting documents is to confirm –
- Legality
- Validity
- Crime record if any
- Monetary affordability
- Intention to go back to the home nation
Supporting documents that sustain the above will facilitate a positive outcome in the Visa interview.
The exact processing time for a US Visa from India varies. The time and processing timings are just an approximation and can change at any time. The processing times cannot be assured and nonrefundable reservations or tickets should not be purchased. This is until you secure all Visas and Passports are obtained and are in your possession.
General Processing Times
If you make an in-person application, the processing times will be around 3 to 5 working days.
For people of Indian origin, US nationals requiring a reference, all non-US nationals and for short-term Visas, the processing times are minimum 1 to 2 weeks. It can take more in some cases.
The processing time for reference check is minimum 1 week for all cases that require prior reference check.
The mailing and transit time for both ways must be added when you apply by mail such as courier, post, etc.
Crew members and Pilots of all Trainers, Demonstration, Cargo, Private jets, and Chartered Flights are in the category of Unscheduled Airlines. These are considered as Reference cases and will need prior clearance from competent Indian authorities. It takes around 5 weeks for such an application and Visa will not be issued without the mandatory clearance.
Each immigrant Visa case is unique and thus it is tough to predict the processing times for the Visa application of a specific individual. There are 3 factors that generally influence the required processing times:
- Time needed for processing the application
- Time needed for processing through the Consulate and the National Visa Center
• Time needed for the case to become current
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a “Green card,” which is proof of lawful permanent resident status and allows the holder to live and work anywhere in the country. Green cards must be renewed every 10 years for the most part, however those obtained on the basis of marriage or investment must be replaced after two years.
The physical card’s identification “CR1” stands for “conditional resident,” and a conditional green card is only good for two years. A conditional green card holder must file Form I-751 to “remove the conditions” and get a permanent green card.