Today we want to talk to you about something that all of us who emigrate have to face: what types of residency in the United States and how to obtain them. Because we understand that the process is hard, confusing, full of formalities, waiting and decisions that mark the future. And because we believe that, if we share what we have learned, it can serve as a guide for you along the way.
We tell you about it ourselves, who know very well what it means to leave behind Venezuela. It is not only move to another country, It is learning to live with the constant nostalgia of the aroma of grandma's coffee, of bagpipes in December, of long hugs, of the family reunited on a Sunday. To leave is not to flee, it is to resist.
Starting over: a challenge that also means hope
Many of us came to United States With a suitcase, a few papers and a lot of questions. What can we do to stay legally? What kind of visa is the right one? How can we bring our family back?
The first major key is to understand what types of residency in the United Statesand how one differs from the other. Knowing this will allow us to make better decisions and avoid mistakes that can cost time, money and peace of mind.
Being informed, asking questions and surrounding yourself with good sources is key. Because yes, starting over is a big challenge, but it is also an opportunity. And the better prepared we are, the closer we will be to building the life we dream of when we decide to take the step of crossing a border.
Types of residency in the United States
Broadly speaking, there are two types:
- Temporary residence (non-immigrant visas).
- Permanent residency (Green Card or immigrant visa).
Temporary residence
This is the most common option for those of us who have just arrived. They are permits that allow us to remain in United States for a limited timefor specific purposes: tourism, studies, work, medical treatmentamong others. They do not allow us to stay indefinitely, but can be the first step towards a more stable situation. Examples of temporary residence:
Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2)
Although it is not considered residence as such, most people access it by this route. It can be used for tourism, business or medical treatment, but does not allow to work or become legally established.
- Duration: up to 6 months.
- Procedure: through the consulate or embassy. It must be demonstrated that one has the means to support oneself and the intention to return to the country of origin.
Student Visa (F-1/M-1)
If you have been accepted by a university o educational institution In the U.S., this visa allows you to study legally and, in some cases, to work on campus or do an internship.
- Prerequisite: Letter of acceptance, financial solvency, and in many cases, interviews.
Temporary work visas (H, L, O, etc.)
There are different options depending on the profile:
- H-1B: professionals with university degree.
- L-1transfers within the same company.
- O-1Extraordinary talent or abilities (artists, scientists, athletes).
Important: It cannot be applied for directly, it must be arranged by a sponsoring company.
Permanent Residence (Green Card)
This is the goal of many of us. The Green Card allows us to live, work and study in the U.S. without time limits. It also opens the door to citizenship, if certain requirements are met.
To reach this point, one of the key steps is to the final interview with immigrationThe application is reviewed, all documentation is reviewed, the information provided during the process is validated and, in some cases, the veracity of the family or employment relationship that supports the application is evaluated.
Below we explain the most common ways to obtain the Green Card:
By family relationship
If we have a close family member who is already a citizen or permanent resident, you can initiate a petition to be reunited with them.
- U.S. CitizenYou may apply for your spouse, children, parents or siblings.
- Permanent residentYou can ask your spouse or unmarried children.
- Procedure: the family member must file an application with USCIS (Form I-130). Depending on the type of bond, waiting times vary widely.
By employment
This route requires that a company in USA. is willing to sponsor our permanent residence. It is usually applied to professional profiles with high demand or specific experience.
Process:
- Labor certification (PERM): the company must demonstrate to the Department of Labor that has not found U.S. workers available or qualified for the position. It is a rigorous process that involves posting job advertisements and justifying the need to hire a foreign person.
- Immigration Petition (Form I-140): Once the certification is approved, the company submits a formal request to the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), confirming that it wishes to hire the applicant and that he/she meets the requirements of the position.
- Adjustment of status or consular processing: depending on whether you are already in USA. USA. or outside the country, the adjustment is made to status (I-485) or the process is continued in the consulate corresponding.
Diversity Visa Lottery (Diversity Visa Program)
Each year, the diversity program awards 55,000 Green Cards people from countries with low immigration to the United States. Venezuela has been included in some years.
Compliance is required: Minimum level of education, good track record and the conditions established by the Department of State.
Political asylum
Many compatriots have taken this route. It is an option for those who can demonstrate that they have suffered persecution in Venezuela for political, social, religious or sexual orientation reasons.
- Procedure: can be applied for upon entry to the country or within the first year of stay.
- Advantages: work permit after a few months and the possibility of applying for residency after one year of approval.
- Requires: solid evidence, coherence in the story, and if possible, legal advice.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
The TPS has been a lifesaver for thousands of Venezuelans. Although it is not a residence as such, it allows you to live and work legally while it is in force.
- Procedure: with USCIS, with specific dates for registration or renewal.
- Important note: does not lead directly to the Green Cardbut it does allow change status if another opportunity arises (such as marriage, job offer or approved asylum).
- Current warning: the situation of the TPS for Venezuelans in the United States faces significant uncertainty. On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court authorized Donald Trump's administration to revoke the TPS. granted to approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, a measure that had been extended until October 2026 by the previous administration. Although the designation of 2021 TPS for Venezuela remains in effect until September 10, 2025The current administration has expressed its intention to cancel it as soon as it obtains judicial authorization. Immigrant rights organizations and community leaders have urged those affected to seek legal advice and to keep informed about possible changes in your immigration status.
What can we do to move forward safely?
When faced with the migration processIt is normal to feel overwhelmed. The forms, the deadlines, the requirements and the uncertainty can generate doubts and fear. But there are concrete actions we can take to move forward with more clarity and security on this path.
From our collective experience, here are some steps that really make a difference:
- Inform ourselves wellalways from official and updated sources. Misinformation can cause us to waste time or even make costly mistakes. It is essential to consult directly the USCIS, embassies or reliable legal sources
- Consult with professionals, every case is different. What worked for one person may not apply to another. In sensitive processes such as asylumthe residence or the change of status, have a specialized lawyer can be the key between moving forward or remaining stagnant.
- Organizing our documentsKeeping an orderly record of entries, exits, applications, contracts, studies, receipts, and any document that reflects our activity and roots in the country can greatly facilitate any future immigration proceedings.
- Keeping calm and perseveranceWe know that processes can take months or even years, but keeping calm and not giving up is as important as any form. Moving forward with firm, albeit slow, steps is always better than acting out of desperation.
A reflection from what we are
Ask us what types of residency in the United States is also to ask ourselves how to move forward without ceasing to be who we are. Because even though we are building new lives here, we do it from what we bring, our roots, our stories, our desire to move forward.
Sometimes, in between paperwork, making a good resumeWe forget that all of this has a purpose, to live better, with stability and rights. That is the goal. And the more we know, the closer we will be to achieving it.
We know that adapting to a new country United States is not easy. Every step, every procedure and every decision can be a challenge when we leave our homeland in search of a more stable life.
From CuriaraWe would like to accompany you on this path and help you to understand clearly what types of residency in the United States and how to access each of them.
Curiara, uniting families.
