Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if I am eligible to apply?
Please click here for a summary of the current immigration regulations or for a FREE initial assessment of your eligibility for our services and a more detailed assessment completed by our Registered Migration Agents and Licensed Immigration Advisors, please click here to proceed.
Back to top
How long does it take to get a permanent residence visa or a 'Green Card'?
In the United States you must first apply under one of the temporary visa classes before you are eligible to apply for Legal Permanent Residency.
Every application is different and processing times largely depend on the type of visa being applied for. Permanent employment visas have shorter waiting times for higher priority workers. Currently the longest waiting time, if you apply under the employment category, is around 5 years. Family visas can take substantially longer with a waiting time of 5-11 years unless you are an immediate relative of a US citizen, the waiting time is then reduced to the time it takes to process the application.
Back to top
What are the current pass marks for the various different visa classes?
The only category that uses a points system is the H1B visa which requires 12 points to meet the pass mark.
If you would like to know if you meet these pass marks, we will work it out for you for FREE. Click here to complete a free initial eligibility assessment.
Back to top
Will the immigration authorities or Embassy help me to prepare my application and make sure that everything is correct before applying?
No. The authorities exist to enforce immigration law, make decisions on residence applications and to issue residence visas. Although basic information and application forms are available, the authorities are unable to provide independent advice and personalised guidance on your specific case. Only a professional migration consultant can provide this kind of service.
Back to top
Can the immigration authorities refuse my application?
Yes. A surprisingly large number of applicants are unaware how strictly the immigration regulations are enforced and are often unnecessarily refused or delayed due to technical errors on their application or by submitting the wrong supporting documentation. So the moral of the story is to seek the professional guidance and independent advice of a migration consultant before lodging an application for residence. Consultants exist to help you find the best way through the immigration maze and are highly effective in doing so.
Back to top
My migration consultant has assessed me as being eligible for one of the visa classes that could potentially enable me to apply for LPR in the United States. If I apply without his or her help, can I be certain of success?
No. Although you may fundamentally qualify under the immigration policy, you are by no means guaranteed of success. In order to be approved, your application must be prepared in accordance with the prevailing immigration regulations and submitted together with the appropriate supporting documentation. The ways in which to do this are not always clearly set out by the immigration authorities and can result in many applicants presenting their cases incorrectly, inevitably leading to refusal. So you are strongly advised to seek the assistance of a migration consultant for the entire residence visa process.
Back to top
What is a permanent resident?
Essentially, a residence permit is a right affixed into your passport granting you the permanent right to live and work in a country. You are generally eligible for state medical care, education and social welfare assistance. One right a LPR does not have is the right to vote - this right is only granted to US Citizens. Temporary residents are generally not entitled to medical care or social welfare assistance at any time and are generally unable to vote.
Back to top
