Migration time estimate
12 months - 18 months
Standard Of Living
⭐⭐⭐
Migration Cost Estimate
₦1,679,264
USA
Welcome to the United States!
The United States of America is the world’s fourth-largest country.
Situated in North America, there are 50 states and a federal city in the United States. The United States shares borders with Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico, Russia, and others.
Also, the United States is categorised as the third most populous country in the world with over 331 million people. In addition, new immigrants from different countries move into the United States every 666 seconds, according to the census Bureau.
Washington DC is the capital, while New York is the financial center and the most populous.
Culture
Other than the Native Americans, the native Hawarden, and the native Alaskans, most Americans or their forefathers migrated into the territory known today as the United States of America or were slaves in past centuries.
The common American culture is western culture, largely influenced by European immigrants, along with influences from other sources. The United States houses many ethnic groups, traditions, values and a wide range of culture.
As it is said in certain quarters, almost all the regions in the world have influenced American culture.
Traditionally, Americans have been characterised by their strong work ethic, individualism, and competitiveness. The perception that there is high socio-economic mobility in the United States plays a vital role in attracting immigrants. Although. the accuracy of this perception has been a debate topic for a while.
Also, Americans are charitable on a global scale. According to a 2006 British study, they give more than any nation to charity. They gave 1.67% of their GDP (gross domestic products).
Currency
The official currency of the United States is the United States dollar. Other countries also use the American dollar.
However, there are other varieties like Singapore Dollars, Australian Dollars, Taiwan Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Canadian Dollars, etc.
The symbol for other varieties and the United States Dollar is $. You can differentiate other varieties from the United States Dollars by looking out for USD or US$.
Languages
According to the US government, there is no official language. However, the English language is their national language.
Almost all the languages in the world are spoken in the United States. Regardless, approximately 90% of the population speaks and understands English and official businesses are carried out using the language.
Widely spoken languages aside from the English language are German, Spanish, Chinese, and French.
Food
In its early history, American foods were influenced by native Americans and the Europeans. There are now numerous foods that are known as American foods. Foods like hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, potato chips, and hot dogs.
Moreso, there are methods of cooking and varieties of food that are region-specific; just as the American fast food industry is described as the largest in the world.
Weather
There are four seasons in the United States. Each season lasts for about three months.
Spring begins from March to May, while summer runs from June to August.
Autumn runs from September to November, and winter takes off in December and ends in February.
Visa Requirements
The processing time for your visa is dependent on the type of visa you are applying for.
The non-immigrant visa takes months or weeks. For instance, an applicant for a tourist visa might get it in a few weeks, while an immigrant visa can take many more months, or perhaps years, before approval.
Process And Guidance For E1 Visas
This is a non-immigrant visa issued for trade-related purposes. This visa is for employees and business owners working for an enterprise in the United States or engaging in import and export.
Before you can apply for an E1 visa, you must be a citizen of one of the countries that the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with.
Before qualifications, you are expected to be **a treaty trader, i.e., a business owner. **
Your trade needs to be substantial. Make certain that you conduct major trade between your country and the United States.
Also, your role has to be an Executive or Supervisory role. However, if you have not reached the executive role in your career journey, you are expected to have qualifications that make your services essential to the
E1 Visa Processing
Ensure you follow the guidelines on the website of the embassy where you will apply or consult an immigration expert for guidance to avoid mistakes.
Generally, all applicants for an E-1 visa must fill out the form DS-160 online. After completing the form, ensure you print it because it will be useful for your interview later.
Also, you need to pay for your application. Having completed the form, you need to schedule an interview. It is vital to schedule the interview in your country of permanent residence so you can have a higher chance of qualifying for the visa.
Usually, individuals that are 13 years old or below and individuals that are 80 and above are not required to be interviewed. However, the Consular Officer in-charge can request an interview with any applicant regardless of their age.
Gather the necessary documents.
To prepare for your interview, you need to gather the required documents. Documents are dependent on the applicant’s case, although there are some general documents.
Here Are Some Of The General Documents:
- A copy of your valid passport should be valid for 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
- Form DS-160, Confirmation page for applicants and dependent.
- Non-immigrant treaty trade, The DS-156E, signed by an officer that is assigned to act on behalf of the company.
- Payment confirmation for the visa
- Current passport photograph with your face visible in 5×5cm.
- A cover letter that has the summary of E1 visa requirements and how your company has fulfilled the requirements.
- Supporting documents
For married people, a legal document showing a qualified relationship between you and your spouse or your under-21 child. Legal documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and adoption.
However, it is vital to note that you may be required to provide other documents. Other documents could be proof of ownership, nationality, or business registration.
Visa Interview
The visa interview appointment will have all the lists of the documents you are to come with. During the interview, the Consular Officer in-charge will determine if you are qualified for the E1 visa.
After a successful interview process, the Consular Officer will inform you about the next steps.
An F1 Visa Application
An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued for those who want to study in the United States.
An F1 visa is needed for international students at either a university, high school, seminary, elementary school, language training program, or any other institution.
Qualification
To qualify for an F1 visa, applicants need to meet certain criteria. The criteria are: admission into a student exchange visitor program, being a full-time student, foreign residence, financial support, proficiency in the English language, and ties to their country.
The Student Exchange visitor program has a list of institutions that accept international students. Before you apply to the school of your choice, ensure you confirm with the Student Exchange Visitor Programme to see if your choice of institution is on the list.
If your preferred institution is not on the list, you will not get the F1 visa.
Individuals with a foreign residence must be willing and ready to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Applicants must indicate adequate financial sufficiency for their studies and living expenses.
However, this isn’t an indication that F1 students cannot apply for scholarships. You can apply for scholarships to reduce your financial burden.
Applicants must be able to communicate in English. Their proficiency can be proven through standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
You need to demonstrate that you have a strong bond with your country. Strong ties could be assets in your home country, family, bank accounts, or anything that can be used as proof that you would like to go home after your studies.
Application Process
The F1 visa application process is simple; however, it takes time. It is advisable to start the visa application early enough to avoid any delay that could affect your studies.
Your F1 visa can be issued 120 days before your course starts, although you can only move to the United States 30 days before.
Before you can commence processing, you need to have been accepted by a school that is on the student exchange program list.
After you have been accepted to the institution of your choice, you are expected to pay the SEVIS 1-901 fee to enrol in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System. You will be provided with Form 1-20. The form will be given to the consular officer when you attend your F1 visa interview.
If you will be going with your wife or children, they will be given the forms 1–20 as well. However, they do not need to enrol in SEVIS.
In addition, you are expected to pay a nonrefundable visa application fee. An online visa application is available and it allows applicants to complete and print the form DS-160 that will lead you to the next step, which is the F1 visa interview.
For your visa interview, you need a valid passport, non-immigrant application form DS-160, an application fee receipt, a passport photograph, and a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status (form 1-20).
Other documents like academic transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS certificates, degree or diploma certificates, proof of your intent to leave the United States once you are done with your studies, and proof of financial stability are also required.
Furthermore, your visa interview will determine if you can receive your F1 visa.
However, it is safe to not make full travel plans until the visa is approved. If your visa was denied, you would be given a reason based on the section of law that applies to the ineligibility.
