Frequently Asked Questions about the USA
Is an immigration attorney necessary to apply for a visa or ‘green card’ for the USA?
Immigration attorneys can be a big help when filing for visas, but are not absolutely necessary. Companies that hire many expats may already have an immigration attorney, or be familiar enough with the necessary processes that one isn't needed. In order to employ expats, companies often need to prove that foreign workers are needed because a US citizen cannot adequately fulfill the position. This process is most easily facilitated by an attorney. Aditionally, there are a lot of regulations and loopholes in the American immigration process which can be helpful to exploit, but are confusing to learn on one's own.
Can my family work in the US?
Members of a families are usually allowed visas if their spouse or parent has been given permission for employment in the US. Once residency is established, spouses can apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for permission for employment. This does not apply to children.
Do I need a Social Security Number to live in the US?
Yes, this is important for everything from getting a drivers license to opening a bank account. To receive a social security number one must be in the country for 10 days, but the application can be also be completed from abroad at the same time as applying for an immigrant visa.
Can I become a US Citizen?
It is possible to become a US citizen. One must have a valid residency card and must have resided in the US for a number of years. This is easier if marrying a US citizen. One must also past a citizenship test. Any children born in the US will automatically be considered American citizens.
Immigration attorneys can be a big help when filing for visas, but are not absolutely necessary. Companies that hire many expats may already have an immigration attorney, or be familiar enough with the necessary processes that one isn't needed. In order to employ expats, companies often need to prove that foreign workers are needed because a US citizen cannot adequately fulfill the position. This process is most easily facilitated by an attorney. Aditionally, there are a lot of regulations and loopholes in the American immigration process which can be helpful to exploit, but are confusing to learn on one's own.
Can my family work in the US?
Members of a families are usually allowed visas if their spouse or parent has been given permission for employment in the US. Once residency is established, spouses can apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for permission for employment. This does not apply to children.
Do I need a Social Security Number to live in the US?
Yes, this is important for everything from getting a drivers license to opening a bank account. To receive a social security number one must be in the country for 10 days, but the application can be also be completed from abroad at the same time as applying for an immigrant visa.
Can I become a US Citizen?
It is possible to become a US citizen. One must have a valid residency card and must have resided in the US for a number of years. This is easier if marrying a US citizen. One must also past a citizenship test. Any children born in the US will automatically be considered American citizens.
