How can an alien become a legal permanent U.S. resident or green card holder?
[November 21st 2013]
To become a legal permanent resident, an alien must first be admitted as an immigrant. There are two basic methods for obtaining an immigrant visa: 1) through family relationship with a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, or 2) through employment. Specific information is available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States.
What is the difference between an immigrant and a nonimmigrant visa?
[November 21st 2013]
An immigrant visa is the visa issued to persons wishing to live permanently in the United States. A nonimmigrant visa is the visa issued to persons with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis, for example, tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study.