The US has become quite a popular destination for people from various South American countries like Brazil and Venezuela, and especially Chile. That said, the Hans Burgos Immigration Offices have helped many Chileans obtain permanent US residency. For anyone from Chile looking to move to the USA, here is some basic info to consider before applying for your Green Card.
Can Chile Nationals Get A US Green Card?
Chile is an active member of the US Visa Waiver Program, meaning that Chileans can travel freely in the USA without a visa and remain in the country for up to 90 days. That, however, does not mean that they can stay as long as they want or skip the tedious process for obtaining a long-term visa or a Green Card. There are some very important things Chile nationals need to know before applying for a US Green Card.
For the whole process to go along smoothly, the best route to take is obtaining legal help or representation. Which is exactly why we are here. Our team can help people from Chile looking to successfully resolve their legal issues and solidify status here in the USA. Below you’ll find a basic outline of options currently available for Chileans trying to obtain a permanent US visa.
US Visa Options For Chileans
Some of the visas that are available for Chilean residents that are looking to stay long term in the USA include the E-1 and E-2 visas, as Chile has signed the E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader Visa Programs. Even though these visas are non-immigrant they are far easier to obtain and have quite a number of benefits for the visa holders.
However, these are not as straightforward as it may seem and they have specific application process requirements. That’s why it’s recommended to consult with a specialized immigration attorney before applying.
Chilean Nationals Can Obtain An L-1 or EB-5 US Visa
Apart from the E-1 and E-2 visas available for Chileans, they are also eligible for applying for an L-1 nonimmigrant visa, the EB-5 visa, and the special H-1B1 visa.
L-1 Visa
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa to the US, with the possibility to apply for a legal permanent residency in the USA. This visa is possible for people that are looking into expanding an office from an existing business from Chile into the USA. It is also possible for people that are looking to open a new business in the US.
No matter what options work better for you, there are many legal issues with the application process and why we would advise any interested party to first consult with a knowledgeable legal counsel before applying for any type of visa.
EB-5 Visa
This is also called the Investor Visa, as it is granted to people that are investing $500,000 to $1,000,000 in business in the USA. As there is a lot of money involved, any possible mistake could cost you not only the cash but also the visa, so always look for legal advice from immigration lawyers and foreign investment lawyers. Luckily for you, at Hans Burgos P.A., we are quite prepared to help you with both the visa and the investment.
H-1B1 visa
This is a special case of the H-1B visa. The H-1B is granted to professionals in various fields and requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree and is granted as a long-term visa, allowing them to work in the USA.
The H-1B1 is a special visa that is available to the Chilean people, as Chile and the USA have a Free Trade Agreement. This is excellent news for all Chilean nationals looking to come to the USA and has less rigorous requirements, as people with trades that are in demand can freely apply for this visa even without a bachelor’s degree.
Seeing as many applicants are interested in coming to the USA with their families, or have them follow a little later, it is important to know which visa could grant access to additional family members. The different visas have different stipulations regarding family.
Thus, it is important to know which visa is the best for you. To clear this and any other immigration-related issue you may have, feel free to contact us via phone or email or visit our office in Coral Gables, a city located in the greater Miami, FL area.