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US routes split into immigrant (permanent/green card) categories — family, employment EB-1 to EB-5, the Diversity Visa lottery and humanitarian routes — and nonimmigrant (temporary) ones like H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, F-1 and B-1/B-2.
US immigration is organised into two broad groups. Immigrant categories lead to lawful permanent residence (the green card) and come mainly through family sponsorship, employment (the EB-1 to EB-5 preference categories), the Diversity Visa lottery, and humanitarian routes. Nonimmigrant categories authorise a temporary stay for a specific purpose — for example H-1B for specialty occupations, L-1 for intracompany transfers, O-1 for extraordinary ability, E-2 for treaty investors, F-1 for students, and B-1/B-2 for visitors.
Many employment green cards follow a multi-step process: labor certification, then a Form I-140 petition, then either adjustment of status inside the US or consular processing abroad. USCIS adjudicates petitions filed within the US, while the Department of State issues visas at consulates and publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin that governs green-card availability.
Fees and timelines vary widely by category and country of birth because of per-country limits, so the right pathway really depends on your goals, qualifications and relationships. ACME can assess your eligibility and help you compare routes, and current figures should always be confirmed with USCIS and the Visa Bulletin.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.