The USA is a huge place, and every state has its own unique charm; South Africans looking to immigrate to the US have a lot to choose from when it comes to settling down. As a country that’s structured on acquisition of wealth, it’s a great place to go if you’re looking to really expand your finances – the US is a financial powerhouse, and learning the system will put you in a good place to beef up your bank accounts.
Before you even start the process of applying for a USA visa, knowing which one is right for you is crucial; the American government has beefed up security measures around immigration. Knowing the facts of your unique situation is important to be found eligible for the visa you apply for!
The Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
We’ve all heard of it, although usually not by its official name: the Diversity Visa program. There are 5 visa categories which fall under this program, EB-1 through EB-5. Each has varied criteria that you would need to meet in order to qualify, but they all offer the family benefit – that is, you (as the main applicant) would be allowed to bring your immediate family to the USA with you.
It looks like the EB-5 visa is one that more and more South Africans are going for, even though it comes with a price tag. You’ll need to invest $500 000 into a US-based project that will provide full-time jobs for 10 US citizens. You, your spouse and your children (under 21 years of age) will immediately be granted full citizenship. Getting this visa means transferring your finances over to the USA entirely, in a process called financial emigration.
USA Skills shortage visas
Just like any country, they USA provides visas for those individuals who have expertise and experience in jobs that the US populace isn’t fulfilling. These visas will require sponsorship from a US employer who has been authorised to offer sponsorship; provided you meet all the requirements, you and your family will get that coveted green card!
That’s all good, but what about the actual USA visa process?
Applying for a visa isn’t difficult. All applications are done online, and are processed at the US Consulate near you; there’s one in each major city (Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg). The Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) is the online portal through which all applications are made; you’ll answer a multitude of questions, and be given an interview date and time, along with a barcoded printout that you’ll need to have with you. Don’t be late!
You’ll also need your South African passport, and colour photos of you and all dependents applying with you. Any supporting documents you can find will be helpful; bank statements, proof of your bank account in the USA, and letters from future employers, should you go that route.
South Africans in the United States – are they happy?
On the whole, the USA is a great place for South African immigrants. The people are known for being open, friendly and hospitable. With so much space and diversity across the continent, you’ll never be starved for adventure. And since the USA is really the Capitalist capital of the world, it’s a great place to go financially.
While FinGlobal can’t offer help with the visa process, we can give well-backed assistance into financial emigration, cross-border transfers, tax affairs, financial planning and more. A FinGlobal financial expert is waiting to take you through the finer details and begin the process of moving your money overseas to furnish your new life. Get in touch today!