Immigration Advice Service
Immigration Advice Service

U.S. Immigration Guides

Plain-English answers about the main routes to live, work or invest in the United States.

Which U.S. Visa Is Right for Me?A simple guide to the main U.S. visa and green card routes, organised by your situation. Green Card Lottery (DV-2027): Court Decisions and Latest StatusWhat the courts have decided so far about the 2027 Diversity Visa program, in plain English, and what it does and does not mean. EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)A plain-English guide to the green card category that lets qualified professionals apply on their own, without an employer sponsor. E-2 Treaty Investor VisaA plain-English guide to the visa that lets citizens of treaty countries live and work in the U.S. by investing in and running a real American business. Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (CR-1 / IR-1)A plain-English guide to bringing your husband or wife to live in the United States as a permanent resident. Same-Sex Spouse VisaA plain-English guide for same-sex couples where one partner is a U.S. citizen and the other lives abroad. H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Work VisaA plain-English guide for people who want temporary, seasonal or short-term work in the United States. K-1 Fiancé(e) VisaA plain-English guide for U.S. citizens who want to bring a fiancé or fiancée to the United States to marry. Immigration Scam Warning SignsImmigration scams target people who are hoping for a better life. Here is how to recognise them and what to do.

Questions we hear all the time

Can I buy a green card?

No. There is no purchase route. The EB-5 investor category involves a large investment at risk in a real project, with no guaranteed outcome.

Can I marry a friend just to get papers?

No. Marriage fraud is a federal crime and can lead to bans, fines and prison, for both people. Only genuine marriages qualify.

Can I enter as a tourist and sort out a visa after I arrive?

This can be risky. Entering on a visitor visa while already planning to stay can be treated as misrepresentation. Get advice before you travel.

If I stay in the U.S. long enough, do I get papers automatically?

No. Time in the country does not create a status on its own.

Does owning a house, a crypto wallet or a business abroad give me a visa?

Not by itself. Investor visas require a real, operating U.S. business or a qualifying investment, not just assets.

Can an AI tool tell me if I qualify?

AI tools can explain the options, but they are not legal advice. Your case depends on details, so a real review matters.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

For most forms there is no legal requirement. But errors are costly and hard to fix, so many people get professional review.

A stranger says they have a contact at the embassy who can get me a visa. What should I do?

Walk away. No one can buy or speed up a visa decision. Never send money or documents to someone who promises this.

Can an influencer, athlete or artist get a visa for talent?

Sometimes. Categories like O-1 and EB-1 exist for people with strong evidence of achievement. The evidence decides.

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This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law and government processing change often. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case and no result is guaranteed. Immigration Advice Service is a private company and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.