Every year, hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals enter the
U.S. to work or join family members. Individuals who enter the U.S.
for employment include managers, executives, professionals, skilled
workers, professors, researchers, seasonal workers, agricultural
workers, and a host of others. Family members may enter the U.S. as
the spouse or child of a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Siblings of U.S. Citizens may also obtain permission to live in the
U.S. as permanent residents. Each foreign national who enters the
U.S., whether based on employment or a family relationship, first
must obtain authorization, usually in the form of a visa stamp in
his or her passport. This booklet provides an overview of the
various types of temporary employment visa categories currently
available and also describes the various types of employment and
family-based permanent resident options and processes.
