Moving to the USA: Entry Rules and Legal Ways to Immigrate to America
The USA is a dream country for the life of many foreigners. When moving here, immigrants usually aim to live there for many years. However, there must be legal grounds for this. Learn more about the rules for legal entry and stay in the USA in 2023
A foreigner must have legal grounds to move to the United States. It is worth noting that immigration begins with legal entry into the territory of the country. According to statistics, illegal crossing of the American border has decreased by about 90% since 2000.
We have collected the most common legal ways to enter the US and ways to obtain a permanent residence permit.
How to prepare for the move? Learn about the top 5 most important factors for a successful migration here.
Feel at home in any country in the world! Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses and situations during your trip by taking out reliable insurance.
Read the top 10 most popular work visas in the United States here.
Real estate investment in the US: the best cities for investment in 2023.
Green card in the USA: step-by-step instructions for filling out the I-485 form here.
Rules for legal entry to the USA in 2023
Ground for entry
A foreigner must have an entry permit, a visa, or submit an online application for visa-free entry in the ESTA system to legally cross the US border. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a simplified procedure for issuing electronic entry permits, which is available to citizens of 39 countries: most European countries, Chile, Brunei, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, etc.
List of documents for crossing the border
- valid foreign passport;
- entry permit, visa or ESTA;
Also, depending on the purpose of the trip, certain additional documents may be required: proof of financial availability, return ticket, medical certificates, documents confirming the purpose of entry (employment contracts, student enrollment certificate, etc.).
Requirements for foreigners
When passing customs and border control, the service employees usually check whether the foreigner does not threaten the security of the United States and whether he has the right to enter the country on legal grounds.
Traveling with children
A child must have a foreign passport and visa or an ESTA permit to enter the United States. In addition, a person traveling with a child must prove that he has the right to do so, an approximate list of documents: birth certificate, notarized power of attorney from guardians, copies of passports and contact information of all guardians, consent of the child to travel.
Additional Information
Certain control authorities, such as the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), CBP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may request a number of additional data from a foreigner: date of birth, gender, passport data, address of first stay in the US. There are also cases when it is necessary to fill out a customs declaration when crossing the border.
Traveling with pets
For a foreigner to enter the USA with a dog, cat or any other domestic animal, it is necessary to have a certain list of documents for it: medical certificates, vaccination data, blood test, microchip and special permits.
Goods whose importation to the USA is restricted
Before traveling, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the rules for importing the following groups of goods: cultural objects, firearms, food, alcoholic beverages, wild animals, medicines, cash and valuable gifts.
When can a foreigner be denied entry?
There is a certain list of reasons when a foreigner may be refused entry:
- presence of a criminal record;
- cases of illegal work in the USA;
- health problems that may pose a danger to American society;
- lack of vaccines;
- false information is provided when filling out the ESTA;
- an expired visa;
- lack of certain documents;
- suspicious or strange behavior.
Would you like to receive an answer from an experienced lawyer? Order legal advice from a local specialist in visa and migration issues. To receive the service, select the country you are interested in and your citizenship.
Features of the first entry on the basis of a green card
Grounds for legal residence in the USA
Who is prohibited from receiving a residence permit in the USA?
Recommended articles
1 min
Residence permitPeople who have a close family member living and working abroad can apply for a family visa. Learn more about the rules for issuing a document for family reunification, types of family visas and features
08 lut. 2023
More details1 min
TravelsTravel to India: new entry rules and anti-covid restrictions
The Indian government has updated the rules for foreigners entering the country amid the easing of global restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about the changes to India's entry rules that will come into effect in February 2023 and the prerequisites for the approval of the new rules for travelers
14 lut. 2023
More details1 min
PopularDigital Travel Credential: Croatia and Finland to start testing digital passports
Digital Travel Credentials (DTC) is an annual pilot project of Finland and Croatia, which involves testing digital passports. Find out more about what this system is and when it will work at the borders of air travel
17 lut. 2023
More details1 min
TravelsCapitals of gourmets: cities of the world with the most delicious street food
National cuisine is the business card of every country. The greatest charm and color is always transmitted through street food, because local residents cook according to their own unique recipes and with great love. Learn more about the top cities in the world with the tastiest street food
18 lut. 2023
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.