How UAE Residents Can Apply for a U.S. Green Card
Although living in the UAE can provide an amazing life full of opportunities and innovation, there are still many UAE residents searching for a way out, searching for a path to long-term stability for themselves and their families. And while the United States is still the most popular destination for residents of the UAE searching for new paths for themselves and their families – the United States remains the most diverse economy, most powerful nation, and greatest influence on the world today.
Many UAE residents want to secure a US green card and begin their journey to their American dream, and while getting a green card can be a very complex road to travel, it can, in fact, be achieved if you are willing to explore all of the potential routes with the right strategy.
A Green Card, or more formally, the Permanent Resident Card, gives you the legal right to live and work in the U.S. permanently and while a green card will provide you peace of mind, a sense of security, and additional access to education and job opportunities, the first (and most important) step in securing your permanent residency begins with understanding the various options available to UAE residents. In simple terms. The U.S. immigration system is like a multi-lane highway. If your situation allows, there are different lanes to choose depending on if it is through family, employment, investment / business or other paths available.
Understanding Your Avenues: The Main Paths to a Green Card
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a few categories for the eligibility criteria for a Green Card. For UAE residents looking at US immigration, the most common categories are family sponsorship, employment, and investment.
1. Family-Based Immigration
If you have a qualifying relative that is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you may be eligible for a family-based Green Card. The U.S. government treats the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens as the highest priority. Immediate relatives include spouses, any unmarried child under 21, and parents. Married children of any age and siblings can also immigrate through family sponsorship, but they normally face annual limits and a visa waiting list. The process mostly starts with the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident filing a petition for you.
Source: USCIS Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants
2. Employment-Based Immigration
This is a common pathway for skilled workers and professionals. The employment-based Green Card categories have been grouped according to preference given the skills and qualifications of the applicant:
First Preference (EB-1): For those with extraordinary skills in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational executives or managers.
Second Preference (EB-2): For professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with extraordinary skills in arts, sciences, or business. It may also include a “National Interest Waiver” that can allow the individual to bypass the job offer and labor certification requirements if the applicant’s work is deemed to be of national interest to the U.S.
Third Preference (EB-3): For skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. Skilled workers have jobs that require at least two years of training or experience; professionals are required to hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent.
A Powerful Option for Investors: The EB-5 Visa
Many business leaders and wealthy individuals in the UAE consider the EB-5 Visa process to be the most direct and efficient process to obtain a US green card for UAE residents. This method is intended to boost the U.S. economy through such means as the creation of jobs through foreign investment.
An investor must invest a specific capital sum into a new commercial enterprise in the U.S., which will create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. The standard investment amount is $1,050,000, although the investment amount is reduced to $800,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) which is a rural area or an area with high unemployment.
This immigration path does not require a job offer, specific skill set, or required employer sponsorship. It provides a unique opportunity for US permanent residency for UAE citizens and UAE residents with the means to invest the amount required. The EB-5 visa provides a Green Card not only to the investor, but also their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
The Application Process: How to get a Green Card from UAE
The formalities of obtaining a Green Card from the UAE generally involve consular processing, which is overseen by the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. Your direction for the procedure is a summary of the basic steps:
Immigrant Petition – The first step is to file an immigrant petition with USCIS. In the case of family based immigration, this would normally be by way of Form I-130 (which would be submitted by the U.S. relative), or employment based immigration (with the exceptions of EB-5) a Form I-140 filed by the employer. For EB-5 investors overseas, the Form I-526E would be filed.
USCIS Approval – Once USCIS has approved the petition – USCIS will issue a notice of action to the NVC.
Consular Processing – After the notice of action, the NVC will provide you with instructions to begin the consular process. During this time, you will be gathering documents, fees, and completing visa application (DS-260).
Medical Examination and Interview – You will need to attend a medical examination with a U.S.-approved doctor in the UAE and a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Visa Issuence – Once your application has had approval, an immigrant visa (to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident) will be inserted in your passport. Your Green Card will be mailed to you only once you have entered the country.
It is vital to acknowledge that the process to apply for US Green Card from UAE and the procedures can take a lengthy time and are very detailed. Everything is to be exact. If not complete or correct the application can be denied or delayed. For more details on US visa application processes and requirements, please visit the websites for the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the UAE, and the USCIS.
How FRR Immigration Can Help
Going through the complicated process of the US green card for UAE residents is a serious business that needs professional guidance. FRR Immigration is able to offer a personal, detailed, and focused service when it comes to US green cards. Our professional team is experienced at simplifying this difficult process for you, and you can be sure that we will keep you informed and feeling secure every step of the way.
Here is a description of how FRR Immigration assists our clients who wish to apply for a US Green Card from UAE:
Initial Assessment and Strategy: Our service begins with an in-depth conversation so that we can obtain an understanding of your personal and financial situation. We demystify your green card options with a few examples, and we discuss the green card category that is best suited for you, be it through family, employment, or EB-5 Visa UAE investors program. We help determine which route is best for you to secure that ever-important US permanent residency UAE citizens and residents can obtain.
Documentation and Application Support: We provide detailed ongoing assistance with compiling all necessary documents. We guide you on how best to carefully complete every obtainable form of petition including, but not limited to: the immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, or I-526E) as well as ensuring that you include all necessary supporting evidence with your application. The more evidence you are able to submit to USCIS, the less likely you will receive a RFE (Request for Evidence), which could set your status back in USCIS processing time; anything you can do to prevent an RFE from USCIS is valuable.
Source of Funds Verification (for EB-5): If you are applying for an EB-5 visa, showing the legal source of the funds you are going to invest in the U.S. complex is often the most important and challenging part of the application. Our professionals have considerable experience preparing detailed and compelling “source of funds” reports, one of the requirements to meet the USCIS regulations for a successful application for EB-5 green card. We will work with you to trace the funds and supply the necessary documentation that USCIS will need.
Consular Processing Preparation: Whether it’s working with the National Visa Center to manage your case or preparing you for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, we make sure you receive appropriate preparation for every stage of your consular processing. Our goal is to ensure that you fully understand the steps you need to take in order to successfully receive your Visa!
For UAE residents, obtaining a US green card is a major step towards moving your life forward. The journey can be easy if you do it with the right experts who know the process of acquiring a card as a permanent resident!
Ready to start your journey to the United States? Contact FRR Immigration today for a personalized consultation and let us help you achieve your goal of U.S. permanent residency.
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