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What is US Citizen by Birth

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You are an American citizen by birth if you were born in the US
.You are an American citizen by birth (in most cases), even if you were born outside the US but if both your parents are US citizens, and at least one of them lived in the US at some point in his/her life.
You are an American citizen by birth (in most cases), if, according to the USCIS guide ALL of the following is true
One of your parents were a U.S. citizen when you were born
Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born
At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.

Benefits of US Citizenship

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There are several benefits of becoming a US citizen. You are entitled to certain tax exemptions, job benefits, scholarships and grants at educational institutions, flexibility in traveling to other countries, and the right to vote, thereby voicing your choice in the government's policies. Once you become a citizen, your children, 18 or younger automatically become US citizens. These are some of the basic advantages.
If you decide to become a US citizen, but choose to retire in a different country, you are still entitled to receive full Social Security benefits. There is no fear of deportation or any anxiety of re-entering the country. Citizens have the ease of leaving or re-entering the US without any hassles.
You would not have to worry about renewing green cards every 10 years, after you become a US citizen. You can also petition for your other family members to come to the US with shorter waiting lists.

US Citizenship

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Citizenship Overview
After you have lived in the US as a permanent resident (a green card holder) for a certain number of years, the next step is to apply for US citizenship. US citizenship can be acquired by birth or by the process of naturalization. The process of an immigrant becoming a US citizen is termed as ‘naturalization'. If you are not born in the US, you have to naturalize to become a US citizen.

Green Card | What is Green Card

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A Green Card is a Permanent Visa to USA. Green Card gives you the status of permanent resident and legal rights to work in United States. Once you have a green card you may apply for USA Citizenship. The Green Card does not affects your present citizenship.
Green card gives you permanent U.S. resident status, which allows you the freedom to leave and return to the U.S., to seek employment, to study according to your wish. It gives you the same rights as an American citizen, and you can also retain your citizenship in your native country. With permanent resident status (green card), you can expand your business in America without any problems.
There are 5 main ways an individual can obtain permanent residency or green card for United States

Sponsorship by an Employer
Investment
Sponsorship by a close Family Member in the United States
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Asylum & Refugee Status

R-1 Visa

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For Temporary Workers in Religious Occupations

Q-1 Visa

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For International Cultural Exchange Aliens.

P-1, P-2 and P-3 Visa

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For Athletes and Entertainers

O1 & O2 Visa

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For Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

H3 Visa

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H3 Visa is a Trainee Visa to USA

H2A Visa

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H2A Visa is a Agriculture worker visa to USA.

Dependants of E Visa Holders

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Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of nationality, may receive derivative E visas in order to accompany the principal alien. Dependents are not authorized to work in the United States with the E Visa Status. You may also bring a domestic or personal servant on nonimmigrant status, provided you can show that:

He or she is not abandoning his or her residence abroadHe or she has served you for at least one year, or has had an ongoing employment relationship with you and has at least one year of experience as a servant

Required Documentation for Treaty Investor Visa

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An application Form DS-156E, completed and signed. Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices.
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person must complete an application.
One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete and submit a form DS-157 in addition to the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156E).
As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.

E2 Visa, Treaty Investor Visa

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Investors from qualifying countries may apply for an E2 visa in order to 'Direct and Develop' their investment. They may also apply for E2 visas for key managerial and specialist employees. In contrast to the L1 visa, there is no requirement that such employees have worked for the Investor for at least one year in the last three, nor is it necessary for the Investor to continue operations outside the USA while the Investor or his/her employees are in the USA.
E2 visas may only be applied for by people or companies from the following countries:

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, China (ROC),Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, The Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia,Germany , Grenada, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan,Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Moldovia, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,Panama, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, The Slovak Republic, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland,Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, The Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia.

Visa Eligibility

The investor, either a real or corporate person, must be a citizen of a treaty country (listed above)
The investment must be substantial. It must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The percentage of investment for a low-cost business enterprise must be higher than the percentage of investment in a high-cost enterprise
The investment must be a real operating enterprise. Speculative or idle investment does not qualify. Uncommitted funds in a bank account or similar security are not considered an investment
The investment may not be marginal. It must generate significantly more income than just to provide a living to the investor and family, or it must have a significant economic impact in the United States
The investor must have control of the funds, and the investment must be at risk in the commercial sense. Loans secured with the assets of the investment enterprise are not allowed
The investor must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise. If the applicant is not the principal investor, he or she must be employed in a supervisory, executive, or highly specialized skill capacity. Ordinary skilled and unskilled workers do not qualify.

E1 Visa - Treaty Trader Visa

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Nationals of qualifying countries may apply for an E1 visa in order to 'Develop and Direct' import/export trade (of goods or services) between their own country and the US. They may also apply for E1 visas for key managerial and specialist employees. Unlike the L1 visa, there is no requirement for such employees to have worked for the Trader for at least one year in the last three.
The following countries have treaties with the United States that allow qualifying nationals to apply for Treaty Trader status:
Argentina, China (ROC), France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Costa Rica, Greece, Korea, Oman, Thailand, Belgium, Denmark, Honduras, Latvia, Pakistan, Togo, Bolivia, Estonia, Iran, Liberia, Philippines, Turkey, Brunei, Ethiopia, Ireland, Lux'bourg, Spain, U.K., Canada, Finland, Israel, Mexico, Suriname, Yugoslavia.

Visa Eligibility

The applicant must be a citizen of a treaty country (listed above)
The trading firm for which the applicant is coming to the U. S. must have the nationality of the treaty country
The international trade must be "substantial" in the sense that there is a sizable and continuing volume of trade
The trade must be principally between the U.S. and the treaty country, which is defined to mean that more than 50 percent of the international trade involved must be between the U.S. and the country of the applicant's nationality
Trade means the international exchange of goods, services, and technology. Title of the trade items must pass from one party to the other
The applicant must be employed in a supervisory or executive capacity, or possess highly specialized skills essential to the efficient operation of the firm. Ordinary skilled or unskilled workers do not qualify.

Types of E Visa

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E1 Treaty Trader Visa

and E2 Treaty Investor Visa

E Visa, Visa for Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors

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An E Visa is a non-immigrant visa status for a citizen of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation. It's for visitors who are coming to the United States to carry on substantial trade, including trade in services or technology, principally between the United States and the treaty country, or to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the national has invested, or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital.

Trade must already be established at the time the E visa application is filed. Investments, however, may be prospective, provided that the funds are irrevocably committed to the investment, contingent only upon the issuance of the visa. Investment funds may come from any country, including the U.S., as long as they are controlled by the investor applicant.

Required Tests for International Students

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Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT)
An examination administered by the Educational Testing Service and used to predict the facility with which an individual will progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Graduate Record Examination(GRE)
The GRE General Test is a required examination for applicants seeking admission to graduate schools in fields other than business, law, and medicine. This is a computerized test which is offered the last 3 weeks of every calendar month year around. The test measures students on verbal skills, quantitative skills (mathematics), critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that they have acquired and honed over a long period of time during their formative years of academic studies but not related to any specific field of study.

GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area. Prospective graduate applicants take the Subject Tests. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study. Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require or recommend that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject Test, or both.

The Eight Disciplines are: 1. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, 2. Biology, 3. Chemistry,
4. Computer Science, 5. Literature in English, 6. Mathematics, 7. Physics, 8. Psychology

General Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is required for admission to business school. This is a computerized test which is offered the last 3 weeks of every calendar month year around. It tests students on verbal skills, quantitative skills (math) and analytical writing skills. This examination created and administered by the Educational Testing Service on behalf of the Graduate Management Admission Council. Virtually all good-quality business schools in the world require it for their full-time MBA programs.

Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL)
The TOEFL is required to assess the English proficiency of people who speak English as a non-native language. It is a required exam for those students wishing to begin undergraduate or graduate study in the US. The TOEFL is a computer exam which is given year round. There are 4 sections: listening comprehension, structure, reading comprehension and writing.

Process to Acquire a Student Visa

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Figure out what test you need to takeRegister for the testTake and pass the test in home country
Find a University you would like to Attend in the United States .Apply to the College/University. Fulfil all formalities of registrationObtain an I-20 (After all your registration formalities has been completed the College/University will send you an I-20 which you will need while applying for the visa.)
You will apply for the student visa and go through a visa interview at a US consulate in your home country. If your immediate family is coming to USA with you on a Student Dependant Visa, then apply for their visa at the same time as yours. Visa will be issued for the duration mentioned on your form I-20. (In practice most students get five-year visas irrespective of the duration mentioned on the I-20).
Get the Visa Stamped
Communicate with your College/University for important information and key dates.

Types of non-Immigrant Student Visas

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1. F1 Visa: Academic Studies For people who want to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. College or University. In order to be qualified for getting an F1, you must be accepted by an recognized university as a full time student. You must also prove the sufficient proof of financial support during this stay in United States. Except for the training required by the course a F-1 holder cannot work in the United States.

2. J Visa: Academic Studies as an Exchange Visitor For people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" Visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs. Check out the details about working in the U.S. with your program sponsor.

3. M Visa: Non-Academic or Vocational Studies For people who want to study or train at non-academic institutions in the U.S. such as vocational schools.

Student Visa Overview

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Documents required for L2 visa

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Completed Non-immigration Visa application form DS-156. Separate form for each applicant.
Completed form DS-157
Application visa fee original receipt issued by HDFC bank.
Copy of interview appointment letter which you get at the time of setting appointment with VFS.
Valid passport of each applicant.
One photograph : 2 and 2 inches square (50 mm square) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. To be used in the application Form.
If the applicant is below 14 yrs of age, Original Birth Certificate of this applicant (child) is required.
Your original marriage certificate.
Entire wedding photo album.
A copy of of each sides marriage invitation card.
All 36 pages of the principal applicant's(L1 holder's) passport (if not applying with principal applicant).
Copy of spouse's L1 approved petition. Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129) of the Principal Applicant, and letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel.
Spouse's(L1 holder's), employment verification letter.
Pay stubs from principal applicant's L1's current place of work.
Copy of L1 holders income tax return.
Demand draft for visa issuance Fee.

L2 Visa

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Dependent family members of L1 visa holders can obtain L2 visa. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 yrs can qualify for this visa.
A L-2 visa holder can:

Reside in the U.S. for the duration of the L-1 visa holder's authorized duration of stay.
Work in the U.S. with EAD (work authorization) approved from the USCIS.Study full-time study in the U.S.
Travel in and out of the U.S. as many times as they want.

Difference between L-1A Visa and the L-1B Visa

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The L-1A Visa is for Managers and Executives. A benefit of being on an L-1A visa is the ability to apply for a Green Card (Permanent Residence), without going through the process of Labor Certification, after only one year in L-1A status. The L-1B Visa is for key employees (accountants, computer programmers, etc.).

L1 Visa, Intra Company Transferees

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L1 visa is an intra company transfer visa. It is a permit to work for a company in USA, to which you are transferred from the parent or the sister concern company of your country.

Requirements

L1 visa is filed by your company, and needs to be approved by the USCIS. The requirements for L1 visa are:

It can be issued only to an L1-A(Executive, Manager) or to a person with L1-B(specialized knowledge worker).
Individuals cannot apply for an L1 visa. Your employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf for L1 sponsorship.

The person must have worked for at least one year within the past three years and you will be performing duties in the U.S. for the same employer or an affiliate.
Maximum limit for L1(A) visa is 7 years for executives, and managers. And 5 years for people with specialized skills L1(B).
The L-1 petition must specify, that both the U.S. and the parent company involved are qualified organizations.
A letter from US based company, justifying the need of the person.

Facts about B-1 visa

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Business visa (B-1) is meant for business purpose only. Legally, you are not allowed to work in the USA as a B-1 visa holder.
You are allowed to rent an apartment on B-1 visa. You might be required to show a recommendation letter from your company, and proof of your identity (i.e. your passport).
You may open a bank account by showing proof of your identity (passport).
You can get the ATM or debit card, from the bank in which you have opened your account, but not a credit card. Though most places ATM card can be used.You can rent a car, only if you have a valid driving license from your country (IDP or State Driving License). However, some US states insist on having a IDP (International Driving Permit).
Initially you can drive in any US state on your IDP or State driving license, for a limited period of time. Rules vary from state to state. Confirm this from your local DMV office.
You can't join any educational institute on B-1 visa.
You can get a telephone/ cable connection installed in your apartment.
You cannot convert B-1 to H-1 status, while you are in USA.
B-1 visa can be extended for the maximum of total 1 year stay in USA.
You are not liable to pay any taxes on your allowances, since it is not a salary