Over the past decade, the idea of moving to the United States has continued to capture the imagination of South Africans. The American Dream, perhaps? Or maybe it is the tangible opportunities, sheer variety of life experiences, and higher standard of living that draw us to their shores. Whatever the reason, America is at the forefront of people’s minds when they dream of a new beginning or the next big step in their lives.

Let’s explore how to make your move to the U.S. smooth and successful, starting with understanding how to enter the country.

Visa Requirements for the United States

Overview of visa categories

The United States offers various visa categories, broadly classified into immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Immigrant visas are for those who intend to reside permanently in the U.S., while nonimmigrant visas cater to individuals visiting for temporary reasons such as tourism, business, work, or study.

Nonimmigrant and tourist visas

Nonimmigrant visas are necessary for individuals planning temporary stays. The B-1/B-2 visa, for instance, is designed for business and tourism purposes, respectively. Applicants must demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after their visit to be eligible.

The U.S. State Department issues millions of nonimmigrant visas annually, with the B-1/B-2 visas constituting a significant portion. In 2019, over 9 million B-1/B-2 visas were processed, highlighting the demand for temporary travel to the U.S.

Immigrant visas and permanent residency when moving to the United States

If you want to move to the United States or sponsor someone else to do so, the U.S. offers immigrant visas for those with family connections, job offers, plans to adopt, special immigrant status, and through the Diversity Visa program.

The Department of State administers the Diversity Visa program, which is an annual program for immigration to the United States. Up to 55,000 immigrants can enter the United States each year from countries with low rates of immigration to the country. To enrol for this opportunity when and if it is available,  submit an entry online.

The visa application process

Navigating the visa application process for U.S. visas requires careful preparation and adherence to specific steps. Failure to submit the appropriate visa will significantly delay the process.

Step 1: Understand the purpose of your move and submit the correct visa category and type.

Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form DS-160 (for nonimmigrant visas) or DS-260 (for immigrant visas) correctly.

Step 3: Most applicants will undergo an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Step 4: Applicants should gather the necessary documents, including passports, photos, and financial evidence, to demonstrate their eligibility.

Step 5: Fees vary by visa type and must be paid before the interview.

If you would like to view the frequently asked questions about the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Employment-based immigration visas

For some employment-based immigrant visa categories, the applicant’s future employer or agent must first get a labor certification approval from the Department of Labor. After getting this approval (if needed), the employer can file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the right employment-based preference category. (Note: Individuals with extraordinary abilities in the Employment First preference category can file their own petitions.) When submitting the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, it’s important to follow the detailed instructions on the form and check the USCIS Permanent Workers webpage for more specific requirements.

Processing time for employment-based immigrant visas

The time it takes to process employment-based immigrant visas can be longer due to their numerical limits. The duration varies widely from one application to another and is difficult to estimate accurately for any specific case. Delays often occur if applicants fail to follow instructions precisely. Additionally, some applications may need extra administrative processing after the interview with the consular officer, further extending the timeline.

View a list of all available visa types.

Actionable tips for success

• Familiarise yourself with the latest visa policies and requirements from official U.S. government websites.
• Compile all necessary documents before your interview to substantiate your application.
• Prepare financially for any fees that will be payable.
• Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for complex cases or if you encounter difficulties during the application process.

Arrival in the United States: What to expect at the Port-of-Entry

Holding a visa enables a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and ask for permission to enter the country. It’s important to understand that having a visa does not guarantee you’ll be allowed into the United States. The decision to admit or deny entry lies with the officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For essential information on admission and entry requirements, travellers are advised to consult the CBP website under the Travel section.

After you’ve paid the USCIS immigrant fee and are admitted into the U.S. as a permanent resident, your Permanent Resident Card, also known as Form I-551 or a green card (previously referred to as the Alien Registration Card), will be sent to you by mail.

Applying for a Social Security Number Card

If you choose to receive your Social Security Number Card automatically on your immigrant visa application, expect it to be mailed to the U.S. address you provided on your form. The card typically arrives around six weeks after you enter the United States as an immigrant. If you didn’t opt for automatic issuance, you’ll need to apply for a Social Security Number Card once you’re in the U.S. For details on how to apply, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.

Understanding your permanent resident status

As you start your new life in the United States as a permanent resident, it’s important to familiarise yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a Lawful Permanent Resident. The USCIS offers a helpful resource, “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants,” available on their website, which provides valuable information about living in the U.S.

Choose Elliott when moving to the United States

Elliott’s international team have successfully moved countless households abroad. Our premium relocation services and extensive partner network are unmatched in the industry, offering you peace of mind when you choose to move with your possessions. If you are unsure about how to move your belongings overseas, the international team are ready to assist you in choosing the best option for air and sea freight. If you are interested in shipping via groupage, have a look at our article “Groupage Services for International Relocations”.

Moving to the United States is a challenging process, from selecting the right visa to successfully navigating the application procedures. By understanding the requirements, preparing thoroughly, and following the outlined steps and advice, applicants can improve their chances of a positive outcome. Remember, the key to a successful move is meticulous planning, adherence to legal processes, and patience through each stage of the journey.

Please keep in mind that the information in our blogs is for information purposes only. Additionally, country laws and emigration rules change. It is therefore essential to get in touch with the local home affairs office and use the current government immigration or citizenship resources they make available to you.