Now that you've decided to legally immigrate to the United States, it's important to determine which type of visa you should apply for. There are several types of visas available for those looking to make a move to America, and the following are a few that might meet your specific needs:

The Family Visa

If you have a family member who is a United States citizen or has legal permanent resident status, they may be able to sponsor you for a family visa if they can prove that they're financially able to support you if necessary. The following key steps will need to be taken in order to obtain your family visa:

• Your family member must file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative form to the USCIS for review.
• Your relative will then have to officially accept legal financial responsibility for you and prove that they're capable of doing so—this is done by completing an Affidavit of Support.
• After the affidavit is submitted, you will be able to request your family visa and begin the immigration process.

It's important to make sure that your sponsor is committed to the immigration process, as they'll be involved in it until your residency is officially established.

The Employment Visa

Each year a certain number of employment visas are made available to foreigners who would like to immigrate to the United States for work. There are several categories you can file under when requesting an employment visa based on your skill set and the industry you plan to work in. If your visa application is accepted, your spouse and children may also be able to apply for visas to join you.

The USCIS will review your petition for an employment visa, and if it's approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center for processing. The National Visa Center will communicate with you or your attorney when it's time to submit other forms (such as form DS-261) and pay fees that are associated with processing your application.

The Diversity Visa

A limited number of diversity visas are available each year to those who want to immigrate from countries that have the lowest rates of immigration to America. The idea is to ensure that people from all over the world and experience all walks of life have an opportunity to experience the American dream if they want to. A diversity visa can be requested online by applying for the D-2019 or D-2018 programs.

No matter what type of visa you decide to apply for, it's a good idea to consult with an immigration lawyer so nothing important is overlooked throughout the application process.  

If you would like professional help with the immigration process, talk with a professional attorney who is familiar with immigration law.