Call From Japan: 03-3221-8740
Call From Overseas: 81-3-3221-8740
Kosins Law Office — Tokyo
Representing Japanese clients with US visa & immigration matters since 1986
Poll: Which US Visa?
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Immigrating to the US Immigrating to the U.S. can be done in several ways, the most common being by what is known as “Family Sponsored Immigration” or “Employment Based Immigration”. Also, there is the “Green Card” Lottery system, plus asylum or refugee status. These are all briefly explained below: Family Sponsored Immigration Immigration based upon a family relationship. 1. U.S. citizens may petition for their spouses, parents, children and siblings. 2. Permanent residents (“Green Card” holders) may petition for their spouses and children. Employment Based Immigration Immigration based upon a job, talents, or careers of the foreign individual. 1. EB-1: Foreigners of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors, Researchers and Multinational Executives and Managers. Individuals falling within one of these categories can petition for permanent residency without doing the time consuming labor certification process. 2. EB-2: Workers with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability in Sciences, Arts or Business. These individuals need a job offer, and the potential employer must complete the labor certification process. The job market must be tested and it must be shown that the individual is not taking a job away from a U.S. worker. Labor certification can be waived if the individual can show that his or her entry is in the national interest. 3. EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals. The person needs to have a job offer and the potential employer needs to complete the labor certification process. 4. EB-4 Special Immigrant Visas for Religious Workers. For individuals who are ministers of religious organizations. 5. EB-5 Investor/Employment Creation Visas. Each year 10,000 immigrant visas are available for aliens who invest in new U.S. commercial enterprises creating ten jobs. The investment can be $500,000 if made in a business located in "targeted employment areas" (a rural areas or areas experiencing high unemployment of at least 150% of the U.S. national average). Where the business is located in other areas of the U.S., the investment needs to be at least $1,000,000. DV-1 Visas (the "Green Card Lottery") Annually 55,000 immigrant visas are randomly given to individuals from nations designated in the U.S. law as being underrepresented. This is done by lottery after foreign individuals submit a simple application. Refugee and Asylum Applications Persons may be able to apply for asylum or refugee status in the U.S. if they can show they have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
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