[mcburg]

I recently met a woman and her son and they want to move to the US and I do not know where to begin to help them. I am not sure if this can be posted so feel free to PM me if you have any information that maybe helpful.
Thank you

[dac_cincy]

Christina-

what country are they coming from? That would be the place to start. then checking the visa aplication from that country- if it is a country that requires a visa to come to the US. You would also need to check the US embassy for the country- becuase most folks that come to the US are allowed in for 3 months as tourist, but to come to live here - that is something different.
Check the state department and the immigration websites too.

Love to you,

[mcburg]

They are coming from Guatemala. They do want to live here, they will live with my family.

[dac_cincy]

There are a number of threads on this- especially from Guatemala.

from what I understand, It is beyond difficult for someone from Guatemala to get a visa unless they already have family here, have assests in Guatemala and have family in Guatemala that gives them ties to go back.

I have heard it quoted that for every 100 visas given out, 400 hundred people applied. The cost is over $400.00 per visa and there is no guartnee that once the fee is paid that a visa will actually be granted.

I think if you search the archives you will be able to find more information.

Love to you,
Deb

[Devora]

from what I understand, It is beyond difficult for someone from Guatemala to get a visa unless they already have family here, have assests in Guatemala and have family in Guatemala that gives them ties to go back.

This is my understanding as well -- and that visa would *not* allow them to live here, but rather would be a tourist visa. Essentially, the US wants to know that they will not stay here, but rather that they have enough assets that they will return to Guatemala when their visa is up.

A work visa or a student visa is different. However, work visas usually require that there be an employer already lined up and that the person be a professional. Depending on the country they are coming from the employer may have to show evidence that the immigrant has technical skills and that efforts were made to hire a US citizen but those efforts were not successful.

The visa requirements and who can receive one depend on many factors, including:
* type of visa (tourist, work, student, medical, etc.)
* country coming from
* assets in home country
* family in the US

Living with an unrelated person generally is not acceptable. I'm sure there are exceptions, but in general they want proof that the person will be self-sufficient.

You really need to start by getting basic immigration information. Start with the US State Department website. Then you might want to check with an immigration attorney who is willing to give you an information session.

[mamaskoby]

I used to work in immigration law. Unless this family is loaded ($$) there is no way the USA is giving them any kind of visa.

[mcburg]

She wants to keep her home in Guatemala and she will still have family there. She wants to apply for a student visa for her son. She also has in-laws in California.