Florida is a popular state for immigrants. Around 21% of the state’s population are foreign-born individuals. There are many possible routes to move to the U.S., so you may want to thoroughly consider your options before thinking that you don’t qualify.
Background check
The U.S. government collects your fingerprints and requests your criminal records from all of the places that you have lived. Certain crimes could make you ineligible for immigrating. If you have a medical condition that renders you unable to provide fingerprints, then you are able to waive this requirement. An exception to this is temporary health conditions that prevent you from a fingerprint check.
Medical exam
During the medical exam, the doctor will give you a standard checkup, run a blood test and conduct a chest X-ray. Children who are under the age of 15 are usually exempt from the blood test and chest X-ray. Pregnant women may request to delay the chest X-ray, but immigration officials have the right to decline. If you are missing any required vaccinations, the doctor will offer to give them to you.
Types of green cards
Additional requirements for immigration depend on what type of green card that you are applying for. Family-based green cards require that you are closely related to a green card holder or a permanent resident. You also need a sponsor who has an income within 125% of the federal poverty level. They put their name on the line to vouch for your financial ability to live in the US. Your relative could serve as your sponsor.
If you have skills in one of the jobs that the U.S. accepts immigration applications from, then you may be able to get an employment-based green card. Other types of green cards to look into are diversity lottery, humanitarian and longtime resident.