Immigrating to the US from Sweden

Overview of the Visa Application Process from Sweden to the US

Know Your Visa Type

You must first identify the visa type that best suits your travel plans. For instance, you may choose a Family-Based visa to join a relative who is already residing in the US, while obtaining an Employment-Based visa will suit your job pursuit in the US.

You are required to obtain the specific application form (typically accessible on the US Department of State website) of the visa you choose and fill it out with the required details to obtain your visa. Your visa processing fee must be paid after you have applied; these processing fees are usually different according to the purpose of travel they serve.

You must attend a visa interview at the US embassy in Stockholm. After the interview, a decision will be made regarding the application you have submitted. Also, the processing time it will take to arrive at a decision will depend on the type of visa you applied for.

However, note that for short stays in the US, Swedish citizens are not required to obtain a US visa before they enter the country. You are required to stay in the US for a minimum of 90 days visa-free.

This is because of the agreement (Visa Waiver Programme) the US and Sweden have. This waiver allows Swedish citizens to visit the US visa-free for short study, tourism, medical treatment, business, etc.

You are required to meet other requirements, though you do not need a visa. They include:

Valid US ESTA

You must provide a current Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which is issued by the Department of Homeland Security. This document is a simplified waiver designed for Swedish citizens and citizens of some other countries.

The ESTA allows for multiple entries into the US and is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued to you or until the expiration of your passport.  It also allows its holder to stay in the US for up to 90 days.

The ESTA will not allow you to engage in full-time employment or long-term studies in the US. But regardless of your age as a Swedish national, you can use the US ESTA for business, tourism, transit purposes, etc.

Swedish Passport

You are required to come along with your passport to ease the process of your identification as a Swedish national. Note that Swedish passports are exempt from the 6-month limit under a country-specific agreement as they can be used for the duration of stay in the US as long as it is still valid.

Different Types of Visas Available for Individuals from Sweden

Swedish citizens can obtain any of the below visas to immigrate to the US:

• EB2 Visa
• F-1 Visa
• H-1B Visa

EB2 Visa

If as a Swedish national, you can show your outstanding ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or sports, you may also be eligible to apply for a visa as a person with extraordinary abilities to relocate to the United States.

This form of residence visa has the primary benefit of allowing foreign applicants to relocate to the US based on their exceptional ability in a variety of disciplines. This visa does not require them to make specific financial investments, particularly in the case of company migration.

It is important to remember that this kind of visa falls under the category of non-immigrant residence permits; yet, if you choose to remain in the US, it can be extended. As a holder of this visa, you may potentially be eligible for US citizenship provided you meet certain requirements.

Eligibility for the EB2 Visa

To qualify for this visa you are required to meet this eligibility criteria. Some of them include the following. You are required to:

• Be a member of organisations or associations in the field that require classification.
• Have written several works for magazines, newspapers, and other publications of that kind.
• Have received both nationally and internationally recognised awards or prizes.
• Have contributed to a crucial role for establishments and organisations.

F-1 Visa

Swedish students who want to study in the US are eligible for the F-1 visa. Undergraduate, graduate, and programmes for language or vocational training fall under this category. You must be admitted to a U.S. educational institution that has been certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) to be eligible for an F-1 visa.

Note that the schools certified by the SEVP are not only universities. Other schools certified by the SEVP encompass even seminaries, universities, private elementary schools, language programmes, or conservatories.

Additionally, you need to prove that you have the resources to pay for your education. Usually, the F-1 visa is issued for the length of your academic programme, plus any Optional Practical Training (OPT) that you choose to participate in once your studies are over.

Eligibility for the F-1 Visa

All Swedish students who want to pursue their educational careers in the US must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify. You must:

• Have applied and been accepted into an educational institution certified by the SEVP.
• Have registered as the institution’s full-time student.
• Be enrolled in English courses that lead to proficiency in the language or be proficient in English.
• Reside outside of the US at the time of your application.
• Have connections to Sweden. This must show you intend to go back to Sweden once your studies are complete.
• Show that you have enough funds to cater for your financial needs while in the US.

H-1B Visa

Swedish professionals in industries like IT, engineering, and healthcare frequently choose this visa, which is intended for skilled workers in specialised sectors. Usually, you need a bachelor’s degree or comparable job experience in a particular subject to be eligible.

Your US employer has to sponsor you and provide proof that your particular skill set is needed for the role. Typically, H-1B visas are issued for a maximum of 3 years at first, with the option to extend it for an additional 3 years and make your total stay up to 6 years in the US.

Eligibility for H-1B Visa

Swedish citizens who want to obtain the H-1B visa specifically designed for skilled workers must meet the following eligibility criteria. They include:

• Evidence of your bachelor’s degree or a comparable experience in the relevant discipline.
• Proof of having a legitimate offer of employment from a US company for a position requiring specialised knowledge.
• A lack of qualified US applicants for the role must be proved by your employer.

Specific Requirements and Documentation 

There are certain requirements you must meet to apply for the above-mentioned US visas. The following include some of the specific requirements:

• Visa application forms and passport. Fill out your visa application form with the required details. You must also submit your valid Swedish international passport.
• Educational certificates or qualifications. The type of visa you are applying for will largely determine whether you must prove your educational background or not. Transcripts, diplomas, and certificates can all be examples of your educational certificates or qualifications. A professional qualification or academic transcript may be needed for some visas, such as the H-1B skilled worker visa.
• Evidence of employment or job offer. You must obtain a formal work offer letter from a US employer to be eligible for Employment-Based visas like the H-1B. Your role, pay, and the specifics of your employment should all be covered in this letter. You might also be required to submit supporting documents for the job offer, such as transcripts of your schooling, work experience, and pertinent certifications.
• Evidence of financial support. Several visa categories typically require applicants to show they can cater for themselves when they enter the US. To prove you have enough funds as an applicant, you must show your bank statements. Besides that, if you have a sponsor for your US visa (especially for the US Family-Based visa), your sponsor can present an affidavit of support, boldly stating that your financial expenses while you are in the US will be fully taken care of.
• Health Certificate. Some kinds of visas will require you to carry out a medical examination by a doctor authorised by the US authorities. This requirement is highly needed from all applicants because the US authorities want to be sure you do not have communicable diseases that could cause a threat to public health.
• Police Clearance Certificate. Some visas require you to prove that you do not have criminal charges against you, which could have caused you to find a means to depart Sweden. Besides that, the US government only wants to allow people of good character to enter the country. Individuals of questionable character or who are believed to pose a threat to law and order in the US are not allowed into the country.

Note that the visa type you choose will determine the needed requirements to include in your application. However, if you do not know the visa type to choose or the requirements you must provide in your US visa application, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at IAS.

For more information on how to immigrate to USA from Sweden, the requirements needed, or other services we offer call us today on +1 844 290 6312 or message us online.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

It is ideal to begin your application as early as possible because the immigration process involves several rigorous stages and can take much time. Therefore, applying very early will help you have spare time to gather your documents and bring additional documents if required.

You must assemble all required documents for your visa application and also ensure that your documents in Swedish are translated into English by a legalised translator and duly notarised. If you are invited for an interview ensure you are there on time.

Before the interview, it is ideal that you come along with the required documents for proper assessment by the immigration officials. Also, prepare for possible visa interview questions that require accurate answers regarding the documents you have presented. Our immigration lawyers at IAS can help you to prepare for US visa interviews, you can reach out to us on +1 844 290 6312 or message us online.

Be open-minded to accept the new ways of life in the US. When you understand the customs in the US it will help make your adaptation in your new environment easier.