USA Immigration | Professional Immigration Lawyer to Achieve Your American Dream

Hong Kong-born applicants enjoy unique advantages for USA immigration that mainland China applicants do not have.

No Visa Backlog: According to USCIS policy, Hong Kong-born applicants are separated from mainland China quota. Mainland China applicants face up to 16 years of visa backlog, while Hong Kong-born applicants do not need to wait.

March 2026 Visa Bulletin shows:

• EB-2 worldwide (including Hong Kong): CURRENT (no backlog)

• EB-3 worldwide (including Hong Kong): Advanced 197 days

• Mainland China EB-2/EB-3: Still have multi-year backlogs

This means Hong Kong-born applicants can obtain US green cards 10-15 years faster than mainland China applicants!

Professional Qualifications Recognition: Hong Kong professional qualifications (such as accountants, engineers, lawyers, doctors, etc.) are widely recognized in the USA and can seamlessly connect to the US professional system.

English Advantage: Hong Kong people generally have higher English proficiency, making it easier to adapt to work and life in the USA.

International Perspective: As an international financial center, Hong Kong people have international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills, making them more competitive in the US workplace.

If you are a Hong Kong-born applicant, now is the best time to immigrate to the USA!

USA immigration processing time depends on visa category, applicant's place of birth, and case complexity. Here are the average processing times for each category:

EB-1 Extraordinary Ability: 6-12 months (premium processing available, results within 15 days). EB-1 is the fastest employment-based immigration category.

EB-2 Professional (NIW): 12-24 months. Hong Kong-born applicants currently have NO backlog and can obtain green cards faster. Mainland China applicants may need to wait for years.

EB-3 Skilled Workers: 18-36 months. Hong Kong-born applicants are 10-15 years faster than mainland China applicants.

EB-5 Investor Immigration: 24-48 months. EB-5 has longer processing times but can obtain green cards through investment.

E-2 Entrepreneur Visa: 2-4 months. E-2 is one of the fastest US visa categories, suitable for entrepreneurs who want to quickly land in the USA.

CathayCity's professional services can help you shorten processing time. Our average processing time is 20-30% faster than the industry average because we:

• Carefully prepare application materials to ensure one-time approval

• Respond promptly to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFE)

• Provide premium processing services (applicable to EB-1)

• Closely track case progress

Based on our 20 years of experience, Hong Kong-born applicants can obtain green cards in an average of only 12-24 months through EB-2 NIW or EB-3 pathways!

USA immigration requirements vary by visa category. Here are the main requirements for each category:

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability:

• Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

• National or international acclaim (such as major awards, important publications, high salary, etc.)

• Meet at least 3 out of 10 criteria

• No employer sponsorship required

• No education requirement

EB-1B Outstanding Professors or Researchers:

• At least 3 years of teaching or research experience

• International recognition in a specific academic field

• Requires US employer to provide permanent position offer

EB-1C Multinational Managers or Executives:

• At least 1 year in managerial capacity at foreign affiliated company in past 3 years

• Will hold similar position at US affiliated company

EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver:

• Advanced degree (master's or above) or exceptional ability

• Work is in the national interest of the United States

• No Labor Certification required

EB-3 Skilled Workers:

• At least 2 years of work experience or training (EB-3A)

• Bachelor's degree (EB-3B)

• US employer provides permanent job offer

• Pass PERM Labor Certification

EB-5 Investor Immigration:

• Invest USD $800,000-$1,050,000

• Create 10 full-time jobs

• No education, work experience, or English requirements

E-2 Entrepreneur Visa:

• Invest USD $100,000-$200,000

• Start or invest in US business

• From treaty country (Hong Kong qualifies)

CathayCity provides free eligibility assessment. We will recommend the most suitable immigration pathway based on your background and help you prepare application materials.

USA immigration English requirements vary by visa category. Many immigration pathways have NO English requirement or LOW English requirement. You can immigrate to the USA even if your English is poor.

USA Immigration Pathways with NO English Requirement:

EB-5 Investor Immigration: No English requirement. As long as you have sufficient investment amount (USD $800,000-$1,050,000), you can apply for EB-5.

EB-1C Multinational Managers or Executives: No explicit English requirement. But you need to hold a management position at a US company, which may require some English ability in actual work.

EB-3C Other Workers: No English requirement. Suitable for workers performing unskilled labor.

E-2 Entrepreneur Visa: No explicit English requirement. But you need to operate a business in the USA, which may require some English ability in actual operations.

USA Immigration Pathways with LOW English Requirement:

EB-3A/B Skilled Workers/Professionals: Some positions require basic English ability, but requirements are not high.

EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver: No explicit English requirement, but if your work needs to be performed in the USA (such as doctors, researchers), you may need some English ability.

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability: No explicit English requirement, but if your achievements need to be demonstrated in the USA (such as artists, athletes), you may need some English ability.

English Requirement After Getting Green Card:

After getting a green card, if you want to apply for naturalization to become a US citizen, you need to pass English and civics tests. But if you only want to maintain green card status, NO English requirement.

CathayCity has successfully helped 500+ clients with poor English immigrate to the USA. We will recommend the most suitable immigration pathway based on your English level and provide full Chinese-language services to ensure your smooth immigration.

Yes. Most USA immigration pathways allow you to bring your family. Your spouse and children can obtain green cards as your derivative beneficiaries.

EB-1/EB-2/EB-3/EB-5 Immigration:

• Can bring spouse

• Can bring unmarried children under 21

• Whole family gets green card simultaneously

• Children can enjoy US education (public schools are free)

• Spouse can work in the USA

• Spouse can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

• Children can enjoy US education

Family Reunification After Getting Green Card:

After becoming a US permanent resident (green card holder), you can sponsor green cards for the following relatives:

• Spouse

• Unmarried children under 21

After becoming a US citizen, you can sponsor green cards for the following relatives:

• Unmarried children over 21

• Married children

• Parents (if you are over 21)

• Siblings (if you are over 21)

Child Age Protection:

US immigration law has the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), which can "freeze" children's ages to prevent children from aging out (turning 21) during the application process. But CSPA calculation is very complex, and it is recommended to consult a professional lawyer.

CathayCity's Family Immigration Services:

We have successfully helped 3000+ families immigrate to the USA, including principal applicants and derivative beneficiaries. We will ensure that your family members can all smoothly obtain green cards and achieve whole family reunification.

If you are a scientist, artist, professor, or business executive: Choose EB-1, fastest processing.

If you have a master's or above degree and work in healthcare, technology, education, or business: Choose EB-2 NIW, no employer sponsorship required.

If you have 2+ years of work experience and have a US employer willing to sponsor: Choose EB-3, lowest requirements.

If you have USD $800,000-$1,050,000 investment amount and want whole family to immigrate quickly: Choose EB-5.

CathayCity provides free eligibility assessment. We will recommend the most suitable immigration pathway based on your background and develop a personalized immigration plan.

There are some important changes in USA immigration policy in 2026, with both advantages and disadvantages for applicants. Here are the latest policy updates:

EB-2 Worldwide Category NO Backlog (March 2026 Visa Bulletin):

• EB-2 worldwide (including Hong Kong) is CURRENT (no backlog)

• This is a major breakthrough! It means Hong Kong-born EB-2 applicants can immediately file I-485 adjustment of status applications

• Mainland China EB-2 still has multi-year backlog

EB-3 Worldwide Category Significantly Advanced (March 2026 Visa Bulletin):

• EB-3 worldwide (including Hong Kong) advanced 197 days

• Hong Kong-born EB-3 applicants can obtain green cards faster

EB-1 Priority Dates Advanced (March 2026 Visa Bulletin):

• China and India EB-1 advanced 4 months to December 1, 2023

• All other countries (including Hong Kong) have no backlog

H-1B New Rules (2026):

• New weighting system based on wage level (prioritizes higher-paid positions)

• Lottery system continues, but with increased scrutiny

EB-5 Investor Immigration (2026 Forecast):

• 2026 is expected to be a critical year for EB-5

• May face visa retrogression and quota changes

• It is recommended to apply early to lock in priority date

Immigration Quotas (2026-2027):

• USA plans to maintain approximately 1 million green card quota annually

• Employment-based immigration quota is approximately 140,000 (plus unused family-based immigration quota)

Impact on Hong Kong Applicants:

Major Positive: EB-2 and EB-3 worldwide categories have significantly advanced or have no backlog. Hong Kong-born applicants can obtain green cards faster.

Recommendation: If you are a Hong Kong-born applicant, now is the best time to apply for EB-2 NIW or EB-3!

CathayCity closely monitors USA immigration policy changes. We will promptly notify clients of the latest policy updates and adjust immigration strategies to maximize success chances.

USA immigration medical examination is an important part of the application process. All immigration applicants (including principal applicants and derivative beneficiaries) need to undergo medical examination, completed by a designated Civil Surgeon on Form I-693.

Medical Examination Items:

Medical History Review: The doctor will ask about your medical history, including whether you have infectious diseases, mental illnesses, drug abuse, etc.

Physical Examination: Includes basic checks such as height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, etc.

Vaccination: USA immigration requires the following vaccines:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Polio

• Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td or Tdap)

• Pertussis

• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis A

• Varicella

• Pneumococcal

• Influenza

• COVID-19

Tuberculosis (TB) Test:

• Tuberculin Skin Test or blood test (IGRA)

• If test is positive, chest X-ray is required

Syphilis Test: Applicants 15 years and older need blood test.

Gonorrhea Test: Applicants 18-24 years old need urine test.

Inadmissible Medical Conditions:

The following medical conditions may lead to immigration application refusal:

• Communicable tuberculosis (untreated)

• Syphilis (untreated)

• Gonorrhea (untreated)

• Leprosy (untreated)

• Mental illness (poses danger to self or others)

• Drug abuse or addiction

If you have the above medical conditions, you can undergo treatment and then re-take the medical examination. For example, tuberculosis patients can receive treatment and then re-take chest X-ray.

Medical Examination Cost:

Medical examination cost varies by region and doctor, typically USD $200-$500 per person.

Medical Examination Validity:

Form I-693 medical examination is valid for 2 years (from the date the doctor signs). If you file I-485 application within 2 years, the medical examination form is still valid.

CathayCity's Medical Examination Services:

We will provide you with a list of designated Civil Surgeons and assist you in scheduling medical examinations. We will also review your medical examination report to ensure it meets USCIS requirements.

USA immigration interview is an important part of the application process. Although not all immigration applications require interviews, EB-5 investor immigration and some EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 applications may require interviews.

Applying from Outside USA: If you apply for immigrant visa from outside USA (through consular processing), you need to interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Applying from Inside USA: If you apply for adjustment of status (I-485) from inside USA, most cases do not require interview, but USCIS may request interview to verify information.

EB-5 Investor Immigration: All EB-5 applicants require interview.

Interview Preparation:

Review Application Materials: Carefully review all application materials you submitted to ensure you understand every piece of information.

Prepare Supporting Documents: Bring originals of all supporting documents, such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, education certificates, employment letters, etc.

Practice Answering Questions: Immigration officers may ask you about work experience, education background, family situation, immigration intent, etc. Practice answering in advance.

Dress Appropriately: Wear formal, appropriate clothing to make a good impression on immigration officers.

Arrive on Time: Arrive 15-30 minutes early at the interview location to avoid being late.

Common Interview Questions:

About Work Experience:

About Education Background:

About Family Situation:

About Immigration Intent:

About EB-5 Investment (if applicable):

Interview Precautions:

Answer Honestly: Never lie or conceal information. Immigration officers can verify your information. If false statements are discovered, your application will be refused and you may even be barred from entry.

Be Concise and Clear: Answer questions concisely and clearly, do not provide unnecessary information.

Stay Calm: If you do not understand a question, you can ask the immigration officer to repeat or explain. Do not be nervous or panicked.

Bring Translator: If your English is poor, you can bring a translator. But the translator must be a neutral third party, not your relative.

CathayCity's Interview Coaching Services:

We will provide you with one-on-one interview coaching, including:

• Mock interview practice

• Common questions and answers

• Supporting documents review

• Interview skills training

We have successfully helped 3000+ clients pass immigration interviews, with a 99%+ interview pass rate.