If you’re thinking about moving to the United States but don’t have an employer to sponsor you, don’t worry. There are multiple visa options available that don’t require a job offer from a U.S. employer. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or family member of a U.S. citizen, there are pathways to work and live in the U.S. without the need for an employer sponsorship. Let’s discuss the top 5 visa types that can help you achieve that goal.
1. EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 Investor Visa is a popular option for individuals who are willing to invest significant capital in the U.S. economy. With this visa, you can live and work in the U.S. by investing in a U.S.-based business.
Who It’s For:
This visa is ideal for people with the financial resources to invest. The required investment amount can range from $800,000 to $1.05 million, depending on the location and type of business.
Main Requirements:
- Investment Amount: $800,000 if investing in a targeted employment area (high-unemployment or rural area) or $1.05 million in other areas.
- Job Creation: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Active Involvement: While you don’t need to be in the day-to-day management of the business, you need to have some level of control or influence over its operations.
No Employer Needed:
With the EB-5 visa, you don’t need an employer to sponsor you. You are the investor and, as such, you control the process. This visa allows you to live in the U.S. permanently once your investment meets all criteria.
Bonus:
One of the most attractive features of the EB-5 visa is that it leads to a Green Card, granting you permanent residency status in the U.S.
Best For:
High-net-worth individuals and investors who are willing to make a significant investment in the U.S. economy and are looking for permanent residency.
Read: How to Find Jobs in the USA as an International Candidate
2. Family-Based Green Card (Immediate Relatives)
If you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen, you may qualify for a Family-Based Green Card. This is one of the most straightforward visa options and doesn’t require you to secure a job or employer sponsorship.
Who It’s For:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens are eligible for this visa category.
Main Requirements:
- Relationship to a U.S. Citizen: The key to qualifying for a family-based green card is a direct family relationship with a U.S. citizen.
- Proof of Relationship: You must provide documentation (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.) to prove your relationship to the sponsoring U.S. citizen.
No Employment Needed:
The best part about the Family-Based Green Card is that it’s completely separate from employment. Your U.S. citizen family member sponsors you for the visa, not a job.
Fastest Route:
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens don’t have to wait for a visa number to become available, making this a quicker pathway compared to other visa types.
Best For:
Those who have close relatives in the U.S. and want to join them without needing to find a job.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Event Technician Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, often referred to as the Green Card Lottery, is a popular option for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.
Who It’s For:
This visa is available to individuals from countries that have historically had low immigration rates to the U.S. Countries that are not on the list of eligible countries (those with high immigration numbers to the U.S.) are not eligible to apply.
Main Requirements:
- Education or Work Experience: You need either a high school diploma or two years of work experience in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience.
- Random Selection: Winners of the DV Lottery are chosen through a computer-generated random selection process.
No Employer Needed:
You don’t need an employer or a job offer to apply for the DV lottery. It’s a chance-based program, and if selected, you can move to the U.S. without any work sponsorship.
Cost-Effective:
It’s completely free to enter the lottery, and you only pay fees once selected and when completing the visa process.
Best For:
Individuals from eligible countries who want a chance to live and work in the U.S. without any employer involvement.
4. Self-Petition Green Card (EB-1A – Extraordinary Ability)
The EB-1A Green Card for Extraordinary Ability is available to individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in fields like the sciences, arts, business, education, or athletics.
Who It’s For:
The EB-1A visa is designed for individuals who are recognized as being at the top of their field. This includes world-renowned researchers, professors, athletes, and artists.
Main Requirements:
- Proof of Extraordinary Ability: You must show evidence of significant achievements and recognition in your field. This could include awards, media coverage, published work, or letters of recommendation from peers.
- No Employer Needed: The EB-1A visa is a self-petition visa, meaning you can apply without a job offer or employer sponsorship.
Self-Sponsorship Option:
You don’t need an employer to apply. You can sponsor yourself by demonstrating your qualifications and achievements.
Premium Processing Available:
If you need your application processed quickly, you can pay for premium processing, which will expedite the review of your visa application.
Best For:
Highly accomplished individuals in fields like science, business, arts, or athletics who wish to move to the U.S. based on their extraordinary abilities.
Read: How to Find and Secure Laundry Machine Technician Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
5. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows citizens from countries with which the U.S. has a trade treaty to live and work in the U.S. if they are investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
Who It’s For:
This visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S.
Main Requirements:
- Investment Requirement: You must invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. While there’s no specific minimum amount, the investment should be sufficient to ensure the success of the business.
- Ownership and Control: You must own at least 50% of the business or have a key management role.
Self-Sponsored:
You can apply for this visa without the need for a U.S. employer sponsor. The visa allows you to manage and operate your own business in the U.S.
Renewable:
The E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate successfully.
Best For:
Entrepreneurs and business owners from treaty countries who want to establish and run a business in the U.S.
You don’t need an employer to move to the U.S. There are multiple visa options available, whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, family member of a U.S. citizen, or someone with extraordinary talent. Each visa has its own eligibility requirements, but none of them require an employer to sponsor you.
If you’re eligible for one of these visa types, you can start the application process and take the first step toward living and working in the U.S. Review the specific requirements for each visa and begin preparing your documents. If you’re unsure which visa is the right fit, consider consulting an immigration lawyer to guide you through the process.
