U.S. Immigration, Explained: A Step-by-Step TRW Law Firm Guide (2025 Edition)
Introduction
At TRW Law Firm, we understand that deciding to immigrate to the United States is both a hopeful and complex decision. U.S. immigration law is intricate, with various visa types, strict eligibility requirements, and detailed application steps. This guide walks you through every key part of the U.S. immigration process, so you can understand your options and pursue your future in the United States with clarity and confidence.
Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant Visas
There are two broad categories of U.S. visas:
✅ Immigrant Visas (Green Cards): For individuals who want to live permanently in the U.S. and enjoy the right to work without restrictions. Green cards provide a pathway to citizenship.
✅ Nonimmigrant Visas: Temporary visas for purposes such as work, study, tourism, or family visits. These visas are renewable but do not provide permanent residence.
TRW Insight: Many immigrants start on a nonimmigrant visa (like an F-1 student visa) and later transition to a green card. Understanding both pathways is critical.
Main Types of Immigrant Visas
To permanently immigrate to the United States, you must qualify under one of these main green card categories:
1. Family-Based Green Cards
Most green cards are issued through family sponsorship. Eligible applicants include:
- Spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the sponsor is 21+)
- Spouses and children of green card holders
Immediate relatives (spouses, minor children, parents) of U.S. citizens benefit from faster processing.
2. Employment-Based Green Cards
These green cards are granted based on professional qualifications, job offers, or investments:
- EB-1: Extraordinary ability, multinational executives, top researchers
- EB-2: Advanced degrees, exceptional ability, national interest waivers
- EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled laborers
- EB-4: Special immigrants (e.g., religious workers, international employees)
- EB-5: Investors investing $500,000–$1M in U.S. job-creating ventures
3. Humanitarian Green Cards
Issued to:
- Refugees and asylees
- Victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, or crime
4. Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
Up to 50,000 green cards issued annually to individuals from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates.
5. Longtime-Resident Green Cards
For individuals who have continuously resided in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972.
6. Other Green Cards
For special categories including:
- Media professionals
- Religious workers
- Afghan/Iraqi nationals
- Canadian-born American Indians
Core Green Card Requirements
✅ Background Check: Including police records from all places lived ✅ Medical Exam: Required by USCIS; checks for communicable diseases, mental health, and vaccination compliance ✅ Eligibility Evidence: Depending on category, this may include proof of relationship, job offer, or investment ✅ Affidavit of Support: A financial guarantee from a sponsor earning 125%+ of federal poverty level
Detailed Requirements by Category
Family-Based Green Cards
- Sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder
- Financial sponsor required
- Immediate relatives (spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) do not face visa caps
Family Preference Categories:
- F1: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and children (under 21) of green card holders
- F2B: Unmarried adult children of green card holders
- F3: Married children of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens
Employment-Based Green Cards
EB-1: Requires proof of extraordinary ability or international acclaim
EB-2/EB-3: Typically requires:
- Labor Certification (PERM)
- Employer sponsorship
- Proof of qualifications
EB-5: Requires:
- Capital investment ($500k–$1M)
- Proof that investment creates 10+ jobs in the U.S.
Immigrant Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Applicant in U.S. | Applicant Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Family-Based Green Card | ~$3,005 | ~$1,540 |
| Employment-Based Green Card | ~$2,330 (filing only) | ~$10,000+ (employer fees included) |
Note: Filing fees are nonrefundable. Always confirm the latest USCIS fee updates.
Application Pathways
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
Used if the applicant is already in the U.S.
- File Form I-485 after approved petition
- Stay in U.S. during processing
Consular Processing
Used if applicant is outside the U.S.
- Petition is processed by U.S. consulate/embassy in home country
- Must remain abroad until green card is issued
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Petition Filing
- Form I-130 (family-based) or I-140 (employment-based)
- Submit supporting documents and fees
Step 2: USCIS Review & Approval
- If approved, move to green card application (Form I-485 or DS-260)
Step 3: Biometrics & Medical Exam
- Fingerprinting
- Exam by USCIS-approved doctor
Step 4: Interview
- At local USCIS office (AOS)
- At U.S. embassy/consulate (consular processing)
Step 5: Approval & Green Card Issuance
- Card mailed to U.S. address or handed upon entry
Immigrant Visa Wait Times
Key Insight: Wait times vary by visa category and country of origin.
✅ Marriage to U.S. Citizen: ~9.5 months (in U.S.); ~14 months (abroad) ✅ Marriage to Green Card Holder: ~35 months ✅ Other Family-Based Preferences: 2–15 years ✅ Employment-Based Visas: <1 year (with premium processing)
TRW Insight: Backlogs in categories like F2A (spouses of green card holders) can delay processing. Stay updated with the Visa Bulletin.
Life After Approval
Upon approval:
■ Green card mailed to U.S. address (in 3 months) ■ Valid for 10 years (or 2 years if conditional) ■ Conditional cards require Form I-751 within 90 days of expiration
Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Green card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship:
- After 5 years of residency
- Or after 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
- Must pass civics & English tests
- Must have good moral character and tax compliance
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
⚠️ The 90-Day Rule: Avoid applying for AOS within 90 days of entering the U.S. on a temporary visa
⚠️ Unlawful Presence: Overstays can lead to bans (3–10 years)
⚠️ Immigration Scams: Always work with licensed attorneys
⚠️ Outdated Info: Immigration rules change frequently — rely on TRW Law Firm for accurate, up-to-date advice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is legal immigration? It’s the process of entering and residing in the U.S. with lawful status via USCIS procedures.
What rights do immigrants have? Legal immigrants can work, access education, receive legal protection, and apply for certain public benefits.
What are consequences of entering illegally? Illegal entry can result in detention, fines, and bans from re-entry.
What is the diversity visa lottery? A random selection program offering 50,000 green cards to people from low-immigration countries.
What are sanctuary cities? Jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement for certain undocumented individuals.
Can states control immigration? No. Immigration law is a federal matter, but states influence access to education, driver’s licenses, and public aid.
Contact TRW Law Firm for Expert Immigration Help
TRW Law Firm is a full-service immigration law practice with offices in Dhaka and Dubai, providing expert assistance on:
- Marriage and family-based immigration
- Employment and investor visas
- Green card and citizenship applications
- Humanitarian and refugee petitions
- Removal of conditions and waivers
Contact Us: 📞 +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
📧 info@trfirm.com | info@trwbd.com | info@tahmidur.com
📍 Dhaka Office: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
📍 Dubai Office: Rolex Building, L-12 Sheikh Zayed Road
Book a consultation now: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
At TRW Law Firm, your immigration success is our mission.