Mattx

Thanks for your opinions! I want to make clear some things.

1. Regarding me studying in the USA, I didn't mean I wanted to ask for a green card with this visa, I intended to ask if it would help me in any way to get one after I graduate. Apart from that, I believe I'm not required to return immediately after I graduate, I can stay and work for some months ("Optional Practical Training" authorization), though it is a requirement if I go through a program such as Fullbright.

2. As for a family-sponsored Visa, I can't wait that long. I think it's not an option if it takes more than 5 years, so I'm discarding it.

3. Based on what you said, I understand the best option right now would be to apply for the DV-2017 lottery, and in worst case scenario I can apply many times the following years until I get one.

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I read that in some cities like San Francisco there are more than 35% immigrants. How do they do? It's not possible that all of them waited 20 years for a green card or got a job while staying in their countries. Isn't there any kind of visa or procedure for people who is in the high tech industry or have a company and want to open an office in the USA? Many of these people have a small company so they're not working for anyone else.

I would love to read more opinions about this!

Matt

Hello,

I live in Uruguay and I graduated from college in Dec 2013 (Computer Science degree). I've had the idea of living in the USA for quite some time, and now I'm facing the problem of finding out what is the best way to obtain a resident card. I think there are at least 3 ways in which I could try to get one. Next I'll describe what I thought, I hope you can provide more information based on your experience!

1. Student Visa

I'm applying to study a master at the end of this year (2015). If I get accepted and I get my student visa I think it will be possible for me to apply for a resident card later on while living there.

Is it possible to apply for a resident card being a student or should I work for some years before?

How difficult is it to be approved and how much time should pass before I can apply for one?

2. Family-Sponsored Visa (FB4 + FB1)

I have relatives (1 uncle from Uruguay, 1 aunt from Uruguay, and 3 American cousins) that have been living there for 20 years. I suppose that my father can apply for a visa (FB4) and then I can apply for one too (FB1). That would allow me to travel to the US and get a resident card immediately, but I think the process is slow and it could easily take 10 years (based on the last prediction bulletin).

Would wait this long give me any advantages?

Should I start that process as soon as possible?

3. Diversity Lottery

I just learnt that the US gives away 50,000 green cards a year! Sadly, the deadline to apply for DV-2016 has already passed (Nov 2014) and I read that it could have been the last lottery of its kind.

To be honest I think I have more chances to get a diversity visa if the new merit-based system is accepted, but it seems it'll not be available until 2017 if this ever happens.

Do you know if there will be a DV-2017 lottery (ie, a lottery this year, 2015)?

Is there any problem if I apply to DV-2017 and I travel to the USA using a student visa?

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I'm not familiar with all the possible ways to get a green card, if you know any other not listed above please feel free to tell me about it!

Thank you!

Matt