To become a US citizen, a foreigner must first become a permanent resident of the United States. Permanent residency mus be established for a period of 5 years.
There are several ways to obtain a Green Card such as through family, employment, asylum, among others.
The E-B5 visa program is available to foreign investors who wish to live and work in the United States. This program requires a $900,000 dollar investment into a new or existing business.
The E-2 visa program is available to foreigners only from treaty countries. The program requires a reduced amount as opposed to the E-B5 program, however, the amount is subjective based on the investment.
The L-1 visa program is available to foreigners who work for a US company abroad for a period of one year. The program offers a fast tyrack to obtain permanent residency (green card).
The H-1B program is available to foreigners who wish to work in the United States. The number of applications is limited. A candidate must evidence a degree of higher education and qualify as a specialty occupations with technical expertise in a specialized fields.
Student visas are available for academic and vocational students. Upon completion of studies, a student may be eligible to work in the United States for a period of one year or longer if sponsored by a US company.
Asylum is available to victims of persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or as a member of a particular social group.