How to legally enter The United States

If you are looking for information on how to go to llegally enter and live in the United States, it is important to know the different options available to you.

Many national foreigners wish to come and live here in the US but the immigration process can be complex and confusing. That’s why at Lluis Law, our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to help you understand and comply with all the legal requirements. 

How can I Legally enter the United States in 2025?

There are several ways to live in the US. Therefore, if you are interested in knowing the options available to obtain the Green Card, here are some ways to legally enter and remain in the United States:

Through a family-based petition

The most common way to go live in the United States legally is by contacting a family-based immigration lawyer and therefore, by means of family-based immigration.

To begin this process, the US citizen or lawful permanent resident relative must file Form I-130 with USCIS. This form initiates the Green Card application process for foreign beneficiaries, who may be:

• Spouses; 
• Unmarried children under 21 years of age; or 
• Parents and siblings (in some cases).

For more information, please feel free to consult our family based section on the following topics:

• Can I bring my parents to the US permanently?
• How long does it take to bring spouse to the USA
• Bringing siblings to live to the US as lawful permanent residents
• Can a US citizen sponsor a child over 21?

Through employment

US companies may sponsor foreign employees with extraordinary abilities in certain areas. 

To do so, the US employer must submit a PERM labor certification to the Department of Labor (DOL) and subsequently, a petition to USCIS.

Being the winner of the visa lottery

Each year, the Diversity Visa Program offers a Green Card lottery for immigrants with low immigration rates to the US. If you are the winner, you will be eligible to obtain a Green Card.

With a business visa

Another option to enter and live legally in the United States is through a business visa. In fact, there are different types of visas depending on the area in which you work. For example:

• H-2B visas are for temporary jobs in areas such as gardening, construction or cleaning, while H-2A visas allow work in the agricultural sector. 
• On the other hand, if you have a professional degree in fields such as science or engineering, you can opt for the H-1B visa for specialized jobs. 
• Additionally, citizens of Mexico and Canada can access the TN visa, which allows them to work in specific professions thanks to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 

Note: These visas are for temporary stays, but they offer a legal way to live and work in the US for a certain period of time.

Through marriage

Another way to legally enter and live in the United States is through marriage to a US citizen. 

Therefore, if you are engaged to one, they can apply for a K-1 fiancé visa on your behalf, allowing you to enter the US to get married within 90 days. You can then apply for a Green Card. 

Investing a significant amount of capital in a US company

If you have the ability to invest a significant amount of capital in an urban or rural area, you can obtain lawful permanent residence through the EB-5 visa.

Obtaining citizenship by naturalization

If you have been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years (3 years if you are married to a US citizen), you can become an American citizen through naturalization. 

What are the legal paths to enter the US?

Generally, to legally enter the United States you must have a US visa or other legal document that allows you to enter the country. 

That said, apart from the previously mentioned methods, other legal paths to enter are through the following immigration reliefs:

• Political asylum;
• Refuge;
• DACA;
• By applying for an ESTA permit;
• Any temporary stay permit (parole).

Please note that there may be other legal options by which you may be able to legally access this country. 

However, each case is unique, so we advise you to contact our Los Angeles immigration attorneys at Lluis Law.

What are the requirements to enter the US?

Requirements for entering the US vary depending on the type of US visa or immigration process you are applying for. However, general documents include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay in the US;
• Form DS-160 for your visa application;
• Visa fee payment receipt;
• Photo in specific format, uploaded when completing Form DS-160;
• Additional documents depending on the type of visa. For example, the intention to return to the country of origin or the ability to cover the costs of the trip.

These are just some of the requirements. Therefore, it is essential to consult the website of the American embassy or consulate or with our lawyers to verify the specific requirements for your case.

What should I do when entering the US?

Upon entering the US, you must:

1. Submit your valid passport; 
2. A visa if required; 
3. Answer a few questions from a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer about the purpose of your trip and the expected length of your stay.

Make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand. Remember that during this process, you will need to have completed the I-94 permit. If you would like to know in more detail how to legalize yourself in the US, do not hesitate to contact us. 

How much does a Green Card cost in 2025?

The cost of obtaining a Green Card can vary considerably. For example, for family-based applications, the costs range from $2,000 to $3,000, while for employment-based applications, the cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or even more.

It should be noted that if you request premium processing, these fees may increase if other additional costs beyond USCIS fees are considered.

Tips on how to avoid problems when entering and living in the United States legally

Some tips to avoid problems when moving and living legally in the United States are:

• Stay informed about changes in the immigration system: Immigration laws are subject to change, so it is essential to stay up to date with updates that may affect your process.
• Beware of immigration scams: There are numerous scammers who pretend to be immigration officials or lawyers. Always make sure to verify the authenticity of those who offer to help you with these procedures. 
• Avoid the “90-day rule”: If you intend to apply for a Green Card after entering the US, you should be careful. If you arrived on a temporary visa, do not apply for adjustment of status within the first 90 days, as it could affect your application.
• Take care of your immigration history: If you stay in the US beyond the permitted time or are in an irregular situation, this could complicate your application for legal permanent residence. 

By following these tips and seeking legal advice when necessary, you can avoid problems and ensure your legal status while living in the United States.

What happens after obtaining a Green Card and being able to legally enter and live in the United States?

After you get your Green Card, you can legally live and work in the US. The physical card will arrive in up to 3 months, but you can work in the meantime. 

If your Green Card is conditional due to marriage, you must apply for a permanent one after a couple of years with Form I-751.

Please note that you must renew your Green Card every 10 years and you can lose it if you spend too much time outside the country or break the law. After 3 or 5 years as a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to apply for citizenship.

Frequently asked questions on how to legally enter the united states

Who can legally live in the United States?

In the United States, people who can legally live are divided into 2 main groups: 

• US citizens: Includes natives, those born in the United States or its territories, and naturalized citizens who have acquired citizenship through a legal process. 
• Non-citizens: Includes lawful permanent residents, temporary visa holders, and those with immigration relief. For example, Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

If you have questions or concerns about how to obtain a Green Card, please do not hesitate to call us. At Lluis Law, we are ready to offer you the expert guidance you need to understand the process and maximize your opportunities.

What rights and responsibilities will I have when living legally in the United States?

If you want to legally live in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, you will have certain rights such as: 

• Live and work anywhere in the country;
• Own property;
• Attend public schools; and 
• Apply for visas for your eligible family members. 

In addition, you must comply with your responsibilities, which include obeying the laws, paying taxes and others. 

What does a Spanish or Latin immigrant need to work in the United States?

To work in the United States, an immigrant needs to obtain an appropriate visa before arriving in the country. 

Although it is a complex process, there are different types of work visas that can be applied for. Some of the most common are:

• J-1 Visa for Exchange Visitors;
• H-2B and H-1B visas for temporary non-agricultural workers and highly skilled workers;
• L-1 Visa for Intracompany Transferee.

It is important to remember that you cannot work in the United States with a tourist visa or ESTA.

What is the wait time for immigrant visas?

The waiting period for an immigrant visa varies by category. For example, for the F-2A visa (spouses and children of Green Card holders) they must wait longer. This is due to the backlog of cases and priority dates. 

On the other hand, for family visas, the waiting time can be several months, depending on whether the spouse is a US citizen or a Green Card holder.

Can I apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States from abroad?

Yes, you can apply for lawful permanent residence from outside the United States through the consular processing process. 

This process is carried out at a US Department of State consulate and requires meeting certain eligibility requirements depending on the category in which you apply.

How can our immigration attorneys at Lluis Law help you move to the United States legally?

At Lluis Law, our immigration attorneys, with over 50 years of combined experience, are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of living in the United States legally. 

We therefore guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right visa and preparing documents to representing you before immigration authorities.

Our team ensures that your application meets all legal requirements, maximizing your chances of success and minimizing complications. 

Trust Lluis Law for professional and compassionate service that will allow you to begin your new life in the United States with peace of mind. Call us today.