United States offers 16 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-1/IR-1 Spouse of US Citizen | €24,322/mo | — | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| EB-2 Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | — | €966,000 | 120-210d | 8/10 | Yes |
| H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa | €24,322/mo | — | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| L-1 Intracompany Transfer | — | — | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| O-1 Extraordinary Ability | — | — | 60-120d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| E-2 Treaty Investor | — | €92,000 | 60-120d | 7.5/10 | Yes |
| E-1 Treaty Trader | — | — | 60-120d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| TN Visa (USMCA) | — | — | 1-30d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | €21,285/mo | — | 30-90d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| F-1 Student Visa | — | €27,600 | 30-90d | 6.0/10 | No |
Get Your Full Report
Personalised visa pathways, cost breakdowns, and a step-by-step relocation plan.
Get Your Free VerdictGet your personalised USA report
Find out which visa programmes you qualify for, what they cost, and how to apply — based on your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does United States offer?
United States offers 16 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for United States?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in United States?
The path to permanent residency in United States typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to United States?
Most long-term visa categories in United States allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to United States?
Not all pathways require a job offer. United States may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: United States Guide · Cost of Living · Salaries · United States for Software Engineers · United States for Nurses · United States for Teachers · All Countries