Different Types of Immigration Visas - Middle School

An immigration visa is an official permission slip for a person to live in a new country. Permanent immigration visas allow someone to stay in a country for as long as they want. There are a few different ways that someone can get an immigration visa.

Family Based Visa

The first way is known as a family-preference visa. This is for people who have a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, or sibling, who is already a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. This visa is designed to help families stay together.

Employment Based Visa

Another type of visa is the employment-based visa. If a company needs an employee with special skills or talents, they can get that individual an employment visa.

Refugee or Asylum Seekers

People who are fleeing danger in their home countries have the ability to obtain a refugee or asylum visa. The U.S. provides this visa to protect people who do not feel safe where they were living.

The reason there are so many different types of visas is so that the government can balance the need for workers, keep families together, and help people in danger.