I am a mexican citizen and I would like to immigrate legally to the United States, what are my options?
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: Mexico Already Tried: Nothing
Hi, my name is Kim & I will be happy to answer your question.
Generally speaking there are two main ways to live in the US legally: 1) work visa sponsorship; 2) family petition. There are other categories as well, such as asylum & refugee status.
Do you have either an offer of employment, or a close family relative that is a US citizen or a legal permanent resident?
Thank you,
Kim
My wife has a cousin who is a permanent resident and married to an American citizen.
Unfortunately that is not a close enough family relationship. it must be an immediate relative, spouse, bother/sister, parent (if you are under 21 & unmarried).
Do you have a company that has offered you a position in the US?
There is also the investment route if you invest a substantial amount of money into a company. The investments must be $100K or higher for this type is visa.
Ok, investing 100k would it have to be in an existing company or ciuld it be a personal startup? In the mean time I would keep my mexican company running.
Additionally, there is the student F1 visa option if you intend on getting a degree in the US. However, if you come in on a student visa, then you would not be allowed to work. Have you considered student visa option? you will have to apply and be accepted into a program in the US. After graduation, a company may offer you a position in the. US. That's a longshot but is still a possibility.
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Ok, investing 100k would it have to be in an existing company or could it be a personal startup?
the investment would be in an existing company or buy a business. $100K is not an exact amount. The amount must be "substantial" and depends on the business you are investing in. it could be more than that to qualify.
Here is a link with info on E2 treaty investor visas. http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1273.html
Mexico is a treaty country with respect to these types of visas. Investment must be active --not "passive" like stocks.
The following requirements must be met:
(1) Requisite treaty exists;
(2) Individual and/or business possess the nationality of the treaty country;
(3) Applicant has invested or is actively in the process of investing;
(4) Enterprise is a real and operating commercial enterprise;
(5) Applicant's investment is substantial;
(6) Investment is more than a marginal one solely for earning a living;
(7) Applicant is in a position to "develop and direct" the enterprise;
(8) Applicant, if an employee, is destined to an executive/supervisory position or possesses skills essential to the firm's operations in the United States; and
(9) Applicant intends to depart the United States when the E-2 status
Hi Juan, I'm just following up with you to see how everything is going. Did my answer help?Let me know,Kim