The United States offers various immigration options for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, athletics, and other specialized fields. The O-1 visa is available for those with extraordinary talent, offering a temporary stay to work in their field. The P-1 visa caters to internationally recognized athletes and performers, while the EB-1 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for those with extraordinary abilities. Each of these options requires evidence of sustained national or international acclaim and a substantial body of work in the respective field.

The United States offers asylum to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. To apply for asylum, individuals must be physically present in the U.S. or seek entry at a port of entry. Asylum seekers can apply within one year of arrival in the U.S. If granted asylum, they can live and work in the U.S., eventually apply for a green card, and potentially bring family members to join them.

The United States offers several immigration options for companies, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. The E-2 visa is available for investors from treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business. The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives or managers to their U.S. offices. The EB-5 visa provides a path to permanent residency for investors who invest a minimum of $1.8 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. These options support business growth and innovation in the U.S. while offering significant opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and companies.

The United States allows citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor family members for immigration through family petitions. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, children under 21, and parents, can obtain green cards without numerical limits. Other family categories, like adult children and siblings, have annual caps and longer wait times. Once a family member obtains a green card, they can live and work in the U.S. and, after meeting residency requirements (typically five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), they can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. The naturalization process involves passing an English and civics test and demonstrating good moral character.

This program is aimed at individuals who have been in the U.S. illegally for 10 years or more and are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It applies to those who have not been removed from the U.S. and can demonstrate that they meet specific criteria related to their long-term presence and family connections.

Available to certain family members of U.S. military personnel, allowing them to stay in the U.S. and adjust their status without leaving the country.

The United States offers various immigration options for professionals and workers seeking employment opportunities. The H-1B visa is available for highly skilled workers in specialty occupations, requiring at least a bachelor's degree. The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees to their U.S. offices. The EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories provide pathways to permanent residency for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, and skilled workers or professionals with bachelor's degrees, respectively. Additionally, the TN visa under NAFTA allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the U.S. These options enable U.S. employers to hire global talent and provide workers with opportunities to advance their careers in the U.S.

For victims of human trafficking, providing temporary status and work authorization while they assist in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a U.S. immigration program that allows individuals from designated countries experiencing ongoing conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions to remain and work in the U.S. temporarily. TPS provides protection from deportation and the ability to apply for work authorization. To qualify, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements and re-register during designated periods. TPS does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship but can offer crucial relief and stability for those affected by crises in their home countries.

For victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting those crimes, offering temporary legal status and work authorization.