United States

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Your Complete United States Immigration Hub

From employment-based green cards to family sponsorship and the Diversity Visa lottery, the United States offers many pathways to permanent residence.

8
Visa Pathways
2026
Last Updated
uscis.gov
Official Source

Main Visa Pathways

The most common routes to United States. Use our pathway finder to discover which fits your profile best.

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EB-1 Extraordinary Ability

Premium employment green card for those with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, or athletics.

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EB-2 Advanced Degree

For professionals with master’s degrees. The NIW option allows self-petition without employer sponsorship.

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EB-3 Skilled Workers

Employer-sponsored green card for skilled workers and professionals with bachelor’s degrees.

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EB-5 Investor Visa

Invest $800K+ in a US business and create 10 jobs to earn a green card.

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H-1B Specialty Worker

Popular visa for tech and specialty professionals. Now salary-weighted as of Feb 2026.

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Family-Based Green Card

US citizens and green card holders can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

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Diversity Visa Lottery

Free annual lottery for ~55,000 green cards.

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L-1 Intracompany Transfer

For managers or specialized employees transferring within a multinational company.

Cost of Living in United States

Average monthly expenses to help you budget your move.

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Rent (1BR)
$1,800
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Meal Out
$20
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Transit Pass
$80
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Utilities
$180

Immigration News & Updates

Latest policy changes and announcements for United States immigration.

February 2026 β€’ H-1B Visa

H-1B Lottery Replaced with Salary-Weighted Selection

USCIS has replaced the random H-1B lottery with a system that weights selection by salary. Level 4 wage earners now receive 4x the entries compared to Level 1 applicants.

What this means: Higher-paid specialty workers have significantly better H-1B odds.
December 2025 β€’ Diversity Visa

Diversity Visa Issuance Suspended Through 2026

The US State Department suspended Diversity Visa issuance on December 23, 2025, though scheduled interviews continue.

What this means: Current DV lottery selectees face extended waits.

Ready to Find Your Pathway?

Answer a few quick questions and we’ll match you with the United States immigration programs that fit your profile best.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to get a US Green Card?

The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) is the easiest for eligible nationalities β€” it’s free to enter and grants 55,000 Green Cards annually. For skilled workers, employer-sponsored EB-2 and EB-3 visas are common. Family sponsorship is also a major pathway.

How long does US immigration take?

Timelines vary widely. The DV Lottery takes about 12-18 months from selection to arrival. H-1B processing takes 3-6 months (15 days with premium processing). Family-sponsored Green Cards can take 1-20+ years depending on category and country of origin.

How much does it cost to immigrate to the US?

Costs vary by pathway. The H-1B filing fees total $2,000-$5,000+. EB Green Card petitions cost $700-$2,000 in filing fees plus attorney costs. The DV Lottery is free to enter but immigrant visa processing costs approximately $1,200 in government fees.

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