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In most instances immigrating to the US is a two step process. That is because it takes so long to get the green card or permanent resident status and most immigrants don't want to wait several years to begin living and working in the USA Apart from family sponsorships, most US immigration is based on employment and this fact underlines the need for a two-step approach.

Normally then, the first step is obtaining a non-immigrant work visa. A "visa" is a document that allows a foreigner to enter the United States. By obtaining a work visa the foreigner can enter and work in the United States fairly quickly, usually within a few months if not sooner. The worker's family usually enters the US with the worker and is allowed to live in the US for the same length of time as the worker. Children are allowed to go to school although spouses are not allowed to take up jobs. Once the foreigner is established in the US he or she can initiate the paperwork to "adjust" to permanent resident status.

The second step is adjusting status from non-immigrant to immigrant status, that is, getting what is called a green card or permanent resident status. This usually takes a few years although it can be quicker in certain circumstances involving high placed executives or prominent individuals.

The most significant exception to this process is the spousal sponsorship where an American marries a foreigner and sponsors that spouse to immigrate to the US. This normally is done as a one step application.