What options are available to South Africans who wish to live and work in the United States of America

Below is a very brief list of some of the functional options for South Africans who wish to move to United States of America. Note that this information is very basic and is not legal advice. In order to be able to provide you with advice I would have to know more facts about your specific situation. Feel free to post questions that you may have.

I will be providing much more detailed information in the weeks to come regarding each option listed below, including which options provide temporary visitor/work status and which enable one to gain permanent residence:

• L-1: Intra-Company Transfer visas
• Investor Visas - Unfortunately South Africa does not have an investor treaty with the U.S.A. so the only options available in terms of investment require a $1 million investment unless the business a South African wishes to open is considered a "targeted employment area" in which case the level of investment required drops to $500,000.
• F-1: Student visas
• J-1: Exchange Visitor Programs
• Visa Lottery