What visas and green cards are available in the USA now and how to get them

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Nonimmigrant visas

Non-immigrant visas are intended for temporary stay in the USA (tourism, work, study, etc.) and do not give the right to a green card directly, but in some cases can become the basis for a change of status.

Tourist/guest visa (B1/B2)
1. appointment: Tourism, visiting friends/relatives, business trips, treatment.
2. How to get: Submitting an application through the DS-160 form, paying the consular fee (about $185), passing an interview at the US embassy (for Russians — in third countries, as the issuance of visas is limited in Russia). It is necessary to prove the absence of immigration intentions and the presence of ties with the native country.
3. Validity: Usually up to 10 years with multiple entry, stay up to 6 months at a time.
Student visa (F-1, M-1)
1. appointment: Education in accredited educational institutions of the USA (F-1 — academic education, M-1 — professional).
2. How to get: Enrollment in an educational institution, obtaining an I-20 form, paying the SEVIS fee ($350), filing a DS-160, interviewing. It is necessary to show financial stability and intention to return after training.
3. Features: Possible on-campus work and practice (OPT) after studies, which sometimes opens the way to a work visa.
Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
1. H-1B: For qualified specialists with a job offer from an American employer.
  - How to get: The employer files the I-129 petition with USCIS, then the applicant goes through the consular process. Lottery due to limited quota (65,000 per hour + 20,000 for masters).
  - Period: Up to 3 years with an extension to 6.
2. L-1: To transfer employees of international companies to a branch in the USA.
  1. How to get: Petition from the employer, evidence of work in a company abroad for at least 1 hour.
3. O 1: For persons with outstanding abilities (science, art, sports).
  1. How to get: Evidence achieved (awards, publications), sponsor in the USA.
1. appointment: Getting married to a US citizen.
2. How to get: Petition I-129F from a US citizen, interview, evidence of real relationships. After entry, absence within 90 days and application for a green card (I-485).
3. Price: About $1,500–$2,000 (including fees).
4. Fiancé/Fiancé Visa (K-1)

Immigration visas and green cards

Immigrant visas lead to the receipt of a green card (Permanent Resident Card), which gives the right to permanent residence and work in the USA. After 5 years (or 3 years married to a US citizen), you can apply for citizenship.

Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2027)
1. What is it: Annual drawing of 55,000 green cards for countries with a low immigration level in the USA (Russia participates).
3. How to participate: Apply online at dvprogram.state.gov in the period from October to November 2025 (for DV-2027). Requirements: secondary education or 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years, photos according to standards.
5. Process: Winners (determined in May 2026) submit the DS-260 form, undergo a medical examination, interview and receive a visa by September 2027. Fees: about $330 for a visa + $235 for a green card.
7. Chances: Low (less than 1% of all applications), but participation is free.
Family Immigration
1. Who can: Close relatives of US citizens (spouses, children under 21, parents) or residents (spouses, children, brothers/sisters).
2. How to get: A citizen/resident files an I-130 petition with USCIS ($535 fee). After approval — consular process or change of status in the USA (I-485, fee $1,225). The terms depend on the category: from months (for spouses of citizens) to 10+ years (brothers/sisters).
3. Note: Marriage with a US citizen requires proof of his authenticity.
Work immigration (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
1. EB-1: For people with outstanding abilities, professors, managers of transnational companies.
  - How to get: Petition I-140 (independently or through an employer), evidence achieved. The fee is $700.
2. EB-2/EB-3: For specialists with higher education or work experience.
  - How to get: The employer submits a petition + labor certification (PERM). Terms: 1–3 years.
3. Experience the Power of Effective Results: Green card immediately after entry.
Investment Visa (EB-5)
1. What is it: Green card for investments in the US economy.
2. Terms: Investment from $800,000 (in target regions) or $1,050,000 (in other projects), creation of 10 jobs.
3. How to get: Petition I-526, evidence of legality of funds. After approval — conditional green card for 2 years, then permanent (I-829). Terms: 3–5 years.
4. Note: A post on X mentioned a $5M EB-5 "premium" with fast delivery, but this has not been officially confirmed and may be speculation.
Political asylum or refugee status
1. Who can: Persons persecuted for racial, religious, political and other reasons.
2. How to get: Submission of Form I-589 in the USA within 1 year after entry (free of charge), evidence is sought. An hour after approval — apply for a green card (I-485).
3. Deadlines: Consideration can take years.