Introduction
Are you an Italian citizen who is planning to immigrate to the USA? Then this blog is for you!
The United States and Italy share a rich history of cultural exchange, shared ideals, and strong bonds. The decision of numerous Italians to migrate to the United States, be it driven by employment opportunities, educational pursuits, or a desire for a new beginning, is a phenomenon that can be anticipated. However, navigating the complex immigration procedure without competent counsel may be difficult.
In this article, Legamart will shed light on the most feasible choices accessible, from employment-based visas to family-sponsored programs, giving ambitious Italian immigrants the necessary information to begin their American adventure.
While each immigration journey is unique and has its own problems, these four options have proved to be among the most successful and accessible for Italians looking to start a new life in the United States.
So, if you’re an Italian who wants to start a new life in America, join us as we look at the four greatest options for Italians to come to the United States. Let’s examine the potential, requirements, and complexities of these routes together, so you may pave the road to a bright future in the country of opportunity.
What is the process for Italian citizens to immigrate to the USA?
Well, there are multiple ways to immigrate to the USA, But here are 4 traditional yet simplest ways to move from Italy to the USA:
Through the employment visa
When Italian citizens immigrate to the USA for an employment visa, they need a standing job offer from the US and an employment contract to facilitate moving to the United States from Italy. This can be achieved through the US work visa for Italian citizens. The benefit of opting for employment as a course of immigration is that it increases the possibility of acquiring a green card equivalent to the Italian permanent residence card.
It could take 7 to 33 months, depending on the office where you would be applying to acquire a permanent residency. Remember that a permanent residency does not equate to active Italian citizenship; in legal terms, citizenship is acquired through naturalization.
H-1B Visa for Italian Citizens to the USA
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category created to enable individuals from various countries to work in the United States, including Italy, under the sponsorship of an employer. This visa is intended for individuals in specialized occupations that demand advanced education or technical expertise, such as science, medicine, engineering, and mathematics.
Unlike certain visa categories that allow individuals to apply independently, the H-1B visa necessitates that your employer serves as the petitioner on your behalf. Typically, the H-1B visa is initially issued for three years, with the possibility of a three-year extension under specific circumstances.
H1B Requirements for Visa Applicants
To be eligible for the H-1B visa, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their educational background and job qualifications. The requirements include:
- Valid Job Offer: The foremost requirement is a legitimate job offer from a US employer. The position must demand specialized knowledge and skills, making it suitable for an H-1B visa application.
- Educational Credentials: Applicants need to provide evidence of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the relevant field of specialization. A bachelor’s degree or higher education is key to determining eligibility.
- Demonstration of Need: Employers sponsoring H-1B applicants must demonstrate a lack of qualified US applicants for the specific role. This involves showcasing that the position requires specialized skills that are not readily available among the domestic workforce.
By meeting these three fundamental requirements, applicants enhance their chances of securing the H-1B visa, allowing them to work in the US in roles that demand specialized knowledge and expertise.
How to Apply for an H1B Visa?
There are various steps involved in an H1B visa application.
LCA Certification
The purpose of the LCA is to ensure that both employers and employees meet the requirements for the H-1B visa. First, the employers must fulfil the prerequisite of completing the Labor Condition Application (LCA) by submitting Form ETA-9035 to the US Department of Labor (DOL) before submitting an H-1B visa petition.
The DOL will then review the LCA, and once the LCA is certified, employers are authorized to proceed with filing H-1B petitions for their intended employees.
H-1B Petition Filing Process
Employers are required to submit Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition should be accompanied by the DOL-certified LCA and should include all relevant information and supporting documents to demonstrate the eligibility of both the employer and the employee.
Visa Application
The next step for prospective workers outside the United States is to apply for a visa through consular processing at a US embassy or consulate. This involves completing the online application, Form DS-160, and paying the required fee. Upon arrival at a US port of entry, individuals can seek admission under H-1B status by applying through the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
On the other hand, if the H-1B petition is approved while already in the US, presenting the approved Form I-129 to CBP at a port of entry is necessary.
Through the fiance or spouse visa
If your fiance is already in the USA, you can file a petition for your fiance through the K-1 visa to help her to enter the USA and post-wedding, the spouse can also apply for a green card (equivalent to a green card), as now the Italian citizens to immigrate to the USA will be considered a preference relative under visa preference system.
If you have a family member who lives in the US, then it can be easy for Italian citizens to immigrate to the USA. This method has a particular advantage, and that is the family members can be issued residence cards which can be up to the number of family members there. Nonetheless, some requirements must be fulfilled for sponsoring a member to immigrate to the US.
Through a business and investment visa
The business community can also relocate to the USA under the EB-5 investor visa if foreign investors can invest at least 50,000 USD on a business project in the USA. In addition, Italian citizens also have the choice to apply for the E1, E2, and Treaty Investor visas through which they could immigrate to the United States.
Italian citizens immigrating to the USA having a business can also take the help of the nearest Italian embassy in the USA to gain more knowledge on these aspects and understand investor options to increase their investment options further.
E-1 Visa
This visa is also called the Treaty Trader Visa. It is used by US non-immigrants who reside there to carry out their business. These individuals are generally from those nations with whom the US have trade and investment ties.
The E1 visa permits a lone trader or a firm with trade representatives to go to the United States and continue commercial activities. Transportation, communication, finance, advertising, management, and other industries are examples of trades.
Furthermore, the exchange for an E1 visa must be considerable. Substantial commerce refers to trading goods or services in large quantities and continuously.
E-2 Visa
E2 visas are also known as Tearty Investor visas. There are two types of Italian nationals who may take advantage of the E-2 “treaty investor” program:
- Employees of Qualified Italian E-2 Employers;
- company Owners & Investors making a “substantial” investment by launching a company in the United States.
Italian nationals who create or acquire a company in the United States may be eligible for an E-2 visa, allowing them to run their business legally inside the United States. A US company controlled by Italian nationals may engage certain expert Italian personnel in E-2 status to operate in the United States. Special treaties between the US and Italy enable Italian nationals to apply for E-2 or treaty investor visas in the US.
E-2 visa applicants must demonstrate that the monies used to buy or establish a company in the United States were acquired legally in the nation where they were obtained. While the monies may be generated in ANY nation, including the United States, for Italian applicants, this generally means proving that the funds were gained legally in Italy.
Italian nationals have two main avenues to benefit from the E-2 Investor Visa Program:
- Business Owners & Investors: Italian citizens can qualify for the program by making a significant investment in the United States, typically by establishing a business.
- Employees of Qualified Italian E-2 Employers: Italian nationals working for eligible Italian employers with E-2 status can also take advantage of this program.
When it comes to an Italian national holding an E2 visa and seeking to apply for a US passport, various options are available. These options encompass, but are not restricted to, applying under the following categories:
- International Executive (EB1(c)): This category applies to individuals holding executive positions in multinational companies.
- Outstanding Individual (EB1(a)): This category suits individuals with exceptional abilities and achievements in their respective fields.
- Work-Based (EB2/EB3): These categories pertain to employment-based visas, where individuals can apply based on their qualifications and job offers.
- Investor Visa Program (EB5): This category is specifically for individuals who have made substantial investments in the United States and have met the requirements of the EB5 program.
Italian citizens can also choose to go to the USA through a working holiday visa which gives an option for a limited stay. Along with the USA, various other countries also provide working holiday visas to Italian citizens. So, Italians! What are you waiting for? Plan a hassle-free USA work trip and leave all your paperwork to LegaMart immigration professionals!
E-2 Application Process
One needs to complete the DS-160 form, which is the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application. It is important to note that E visa applications in Italy are processed exclusively in Rome. Select Rome as the designated location for your application. Each accompanying family member must also complete their own DS-160 form.
Register online and pay the required visa fees for yourself and your family members and a non-refundable application fee.
Submit your application and supporting documents to the Embassy in Rome via email. Electronic submission is the only acceptable method for E-visa applications.
All documents must be submitted in English or Italian and should be relevant to the case.
EB -5 Visa
The EB-5 visa, often referred to as the green card program, presents an attractive opportunity for Italian citizens seeking permanent residency in the United States. This visa not only opens the doors to the U.S. but extends to the applicants’ families, allowing them to relocate and establish residence in the country.
What is the requirement for an EB-5 Visa?
The USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) allows 10,000 EB-5 visas per year, but a strict TEA (Targeted Employment Areas) regulation exists for Italian citizens who apply for this visa.
Though there is no age limit per the TEA requirement, the investment should generate employment opportunities in rural areas and areas with an unemployment spectrum above 1.5 of the national average.
To qualify for EB-5, the individual or couple must have a net worth of USD 1.05 million and generate more than USD 200,000 as an individual or generate more than USD 300,000 as a joint income. Furthermore, assets and liabilities for a comparable future income and property level are also considered.
What are the benefits of EB-5?
The benefits of opting for an EB-5 are listed as follows:
- It assures a permanent residency if the minimum investment requirement of TEA is satisfied, and there is no political opinion or any popular opinion which can affect the immigration status of a person.
- Allows complete freedom to travel and live anywhere in the country.
- Apply for jobs of any nature, including jobs in the Federal or state government.
- The unmarried children of permanent residents would avail of education discounts of up to 300% on tuition compared with the rest of the international students.
- As a permanent citizen, there are no restrictions such as the law permits.
- The spouses and other family members shall be granted green cards and privileges for mobility owing to the permanent resident status under the EB-5 visa status.
What is the process for an EB-5 visa?
Following is a breakdown of the step-by-step process for the EB-5 visa application
- Select an EB-5 project compliant with the EB-5 requirements.
- Get the form 1 – 526 petition and get it approved by the USCIS.
- Apply for adjustment of status and fill out the DS 260 form for the same.
- After this, you are granted a conditional green card for 2 years.
- A petition under 1-829 would be submitted after the completion of the 2 years.
Diversity visa program
The Diversity Visa (DV) program was established to introduce an annual lottery through which 55,000 immigrant visas would be made available. The primary objective of the lottery is to promote diversity within the immigrant population of the United States. It achieves this by selecting applicants primarily from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States in the preceding five years.
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program has a specific timeframe for registration each fiscal year. The Department of State releases comprehensive instructions for participating in the DV Program, including the designated registration dates. Following these instructions and registering within the specified timeframe is essential to enter the program.
Documents required for application of Diversity Visa Lottery
To apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery) from Italy, you will need the following documents:
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Two Passport Size Photographs: Provide recent passport-sized photographs for your application.
Debit Card/Credit Card or PayPal Account: Have a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account to pay the necessary fees.
Email Address: Make sure you have a functional email address, as it will be used for communication regarding your application.
Application process
The step-by-step application process for Diversity Visa entails the following;
Submit an Entry
To participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, all entries must be submitted electronically through the designated Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website within the specified registration period.
A confirmation screen will be displayed once you have successfully submitted your complete entry, showing your name and a unique confirmation number. The confirmation number is of utmost importance as it serves as the sole means to check the status of your entry. Additionally, you will need this number to receive further instructions or schedule a visa interview if you are selected.
Registering for the DV Program is completely free of charge.
Selection of Applicants
To check the status of your entry, you will be required to enter the confirmation number you received upon completing your entry form.
If your entry is chosen, you will be directed to a confirmation page offering additional instructions, including details about fees associated with immigration to the United States. It is important to note that the Entrant Status Check is the sole method by which selected individuals are informed of their selection.
Eligibility Requirements for Diversity Visa 2
High School education: to meet the high school education requirement, applicants must have completed a formal 12-year elementary and secondary education course.
Work experience: if you wish to rely on work experience, a minimum of two years of relevant experience within the last five years is required in an occupation classified as Job Zone 4 or 5, with a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher.
Valid passport: the passport should be valid for international travel.
Visa Waiver Schemes for Italian citizens
For Italian citizens, there are visa waiver schemes in place, and Italian citizens can avail the advantage provided under the said schemes, which grant them ease concerning the immigration process and ease up the restrictions applicable to other countries.
Italian citizenship with USA immigration management
Since 1992, Italy has allowed for dual citizenship with the USA. Therefore, it is possible to gain citizenship in both countries. Having dual citizenship is a great advantage for foreign nationals intending to capture the world market and use their foreign financial assets, considering they gain access to two of the world’s most powerful economies.
Therefore, investors may look towards the Italian investor visa program while deciding to immigrate from Italy to the USA and accordingly analyze the correct time to make a move.
Ideally, the right time would be when they have achieved Italian citizenship. The best way of going about it is through the Italy golden visa program, also known as the Investor Visa Italy, by the Italian government.
Immigration tips for successful immigration to the US
1. Investigate and Understand the Immigration procedure: Thoroughly investigate and familiarise yourself with the immigration procedure before commencing your journey. When Italian citizens immigrate to the USA, they are generally required to learn about the different visa options, their requirements, and their procedures. The website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a helpful and guiding platform from which you can easily acquire correct and updated information.
2. Seek Professional Help: when Italian citizens immigrate to the USA, they must Consult an immigration attorney or an experienced immigration consultant specializing in Italian immigration to the United States. We at Legamart provide experienced immigration lawyers across the globe who can offer personalized advice, assist you in dealing with the complex procedure of immigration, and ensure that all relevant documents are in order.
3. Language Proficiency: Having a strong proficiency in the English language is considered a plus point. It will assist you in different aspects of your new life when you immigrate to the United States, including finding work, integrating with the local community, and, most importantly, developing relationships.
4. Education and Skills: Improving your educational credentials or acquiring relevant skills will considerably increase your chances of successful immigration. Consider furthering your education or getting experience in in-demand sectors in the United States. This will boost your attractiveness to companies and your possibilities for professional progress.
5. Establish a Strong Professional Network: Networking is essential when moving to a new nation. To engage with professionals in your field of interest, attend industry events, join professional associations, and use internet platforms. Building a solid network can lead to career leads, mentorship possibilities, and useful insights into the American labour market.
Conclusion
Therefore, there are various options for Italians seeking to move to the US. As stated in this article, the four options for Italians to come to the US are employment-based visa, family-based visa, business immigration visa and diversity visa program.
Also, the article discusses the different visas, such as the EB-5 and the H1b, which have different approaches to gaining residency. However, using the EB-5 visa to gain residency is restricted because a fixed number of people can only apply for the EB-5 visa per year.
EB-5 and H1B grant permanent residency and can be used based on the convenience and ease of the person applying for it.
If one does not have financial constraints, then EB-5 is a more viable option for seeking permanent residency in the USA. There are other available mechanisms as well, such as seeking exemptions that are specific to European countries and other skill-based opportunities as well.
It can be said that each immigration process has its requirements and limits to be followed. One shall be recommended to frequently check the updates and study and consult with the immigration consultants for a smooth process.
Hence, coming to the United States needs careful preparation, effort and a thorough knowledge of the immigration system. Italians may boost their chances of converting their US dream into reality and begin their new chapter in the land of opportunities.
Italian citizens have the luxury of immigrating to various countries visa-free, to countries like norway and given that Italy is good with most countries. Italians can immigrate to Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and so on!
For any immigration queries, feel free to book a quick consultation with our immigration experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Italian citizens immigrate to the USA?
Yes, Italian citizens can immigrate to the USA through various immigration pathways, each with its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements.
What are the common ways for Italian citizens to immigrate to the USA?
Common immigration pathways include family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, diversity visa lottery, and investment-based visas. Each category has specific criteria and processes.
How can Italian citizens reunite with family members in the USA?
Italian citizens can apply for family-sponsored visas, such as family preference categories or immediate relative visas, to reunite with close family members who are US citizens or permanent residents.
Are there employment-based options for Italian citizens to immigrate to the USA?
Yes, Italian citizens may explore employment-based visas, including H-1B for speciality occupations, L-1 for intracompany transfers, and employment-based green cards, depending on their qualifications and job offers.
What is the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, and how can Italian citizens participate?
The DV Lottery is a program that randomly selects individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the USA. Italian citizens can participate in the annual DV Lottery if they meet eligibility criteria.
Can Italian entrepreneurs or investors immigrate to the USA?
Yes, Italian citizens can explore investment-based visas, such as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires making a qualifying investment in a US commercial enterprise.
What is the process for Italian citizens to obtain a work visa for the USA?
Italian citizens can apply for work visas, such as H-1B, by securing a job offer from a US employer. The employer may need to sponsor the visa, and certain criteria must be met.
Are there language requirements for Italian citizens immigrating to the USA?
Language requirements may vary depending on the immigration category. While some visas may not have specific language criteria, others, like employment-based green cards, may require English proficiency.
Can Italian citizens apply for US citizenship after living there?
Yes, Italian citizens who meet residency requirements and other criteria can apply for US citizenship through naturalization.
How can Italian citizens stay informed about US immigration policies and updates?
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides official and updated information on immigration policies, procedures, and eligibility criteria. Additionally, consulting with immigration professionals can offer personalized guidance.
