GUIDETOUSAIMMIGRATIONPermanentVisas-ACCA.PDFVIP

GUIDE TO USA IMMIGRATION This document was prepared by the ACCA USA office and is intended to assist ACCA members and students wishing to move to the United States. It is intended to be a first resource for those individuals, but should not be seen as a substitute for conducting your own research and consulting the proper resources. The information provided does not encompass all paths to immigration to the United States. Instead, it is meant to provide an overview of the paths most likely to assist ACCA members and students hoping to move to the USA. For additional information, please refer to the “Resources Page” of this document. Any information in this document is intended for informational purposes and should be confirmed with an immigration attorney, the Embassy of the United States in your country, or the appropriate USA government agency. Please do not direct any questions to ACCA USA. IMMIGRATION OVERVIEW An individual wishing to legally enter the United States is required to receive an immigrant visa. Immigration involves working with and filing many forms with multiple agencies with the United States government, including the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, and much time and patience. In 2011, approximately 1 million new Legal Permanent Residents received permanent visas to enter the United States. Also in 2011, the Department of State issued temporary visas to 7,507,939 foreign nationals for the purpose of traveling, business, working, studying, and other reasons. There are two types of visas: permanent (immigrant) visas and temporary (nonimmigrant) visas. An individual wishing to achieve permanent residence status in the United States will ultimately require a per