Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been making headlines since their decision to step back as senior members of the British royal family. But their recent move to the United States has brought about a new set of challenges, including obtaining a U.S. visa for Prince Harry.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Prince Harry’s U.S. visa drama and explain the process and potential roadblocks he may face.
Why Does Prince Harry Need a U.S. Visa?
Legal Residency in the United States
As a British citizen, Prince Harry is not automatically granted legal residency in the United States. In order to live and work in the U.S., he must obtain a visa that allows him to do so.
Meghan Markle’s Citizenship
Meghan Markle, on the other hand, is a U.S. citizen, having been born and raised in Los Angeles. This means that she is able to live and work in the U.S. without a visa.
However, as Prince Harry’s spouse, she may choose to sponsor him for a green card, which would grant him permanent residency in the U.S. and allow him to work without a visa.
What Type of Visa Does Prince Harry Need?
Prince Harry’s best option for obtaining a U.S. visa is through a nonimmigrant visa, specifically the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.
O-1 Visa Requirements
In order to qualify for an O-1 visa, Prince Harry must meet certain criteria, including:
- Having a high level of achievement in his field (in this case, being a member of the British royal family)
- Being internationally recognized for his achievements
- Having a job offer in the U.S. related to his field of expertise
Potential Roadblocks
While Prince Harry may meet the requirements for an O-1 visa, there are a few potential roadblocks he may face in the application process.
Time Constraints
The O-1 visa application process can take several months, and with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent move to the U.S., time may be a factor. If they need to start working in the U.S. immediately, they may need to explore other visa options.
Proving Extraordinary Ability
While Prince Harry’s status as a member of the British royal family may seem like a clear indication of his extraordinary ability, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may require more evidence to prove this. This could include letters of recommendation, awards and honors, and media coverage of his achievements.
Job Offer
In order to obtain an O-1 visa, Prince Harry must have a job offer in the U.S. related to his field of expertise. While he may have opportunities to work with charities and organizations in the U.S., it may be more difficult to find a job in his specific field of being a member of the royal family.
What About Meghan Markle’s Sponsorship?
As mentioned earlier, Meghan Markle may choose to sponsor Prince Harry for a green card, which would grant him permanent residency in the U.S. and allow him to work without a visa.
Marriage-Based Green Card
The most common way for a U.S. citizen to sponsor their spouse for a green card is through a marriage-based green card. This process involves filing a petition with the USCIS and providing evidence of the marriage and the U.S. citizen’s ability to financially support their spouse.
Potential Roadblocks
While this may seem like a straightforward option, there are a few potential roadblocks that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may face.
Lengthy Process
The marriage-based green card process can take up to a year or more to complete, and with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent move to the U.S., they may need a quicker solution.
Financial Support
As a member of the royal family, Prince Harry may not have a traditional job or source of income, which could make it difficult for Meghan Markle to prove her ability to financially support him.
Public Charge Rule
In February 2020, the Trump administration implemented a new rule that makes it more difficult for immigrants to obtain green cards if they are deemed likely to become a “public charge” or dependent on government assistance. This could potentially impact Prince Harry’s ability to obtain a green card through sponsorship.
What Other Options Does Prince Harry Have?
If the O-1 visa or marriage-based green card options do not work out for Prince Harry, there are a few other potential visa options he could explore.
B-1/B-2 Visa
The B-1/B-2 visa is a temporary visitor visa that allows individuals to enter the U.S. for business or pleasure. While this may not be a long-term solution for Prince Harry, it could allow him to stay in the U.S. for a short period of time while exploring other options.
E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals who want to invest in and manage a business in the U.S. While this may not be a traditional route for a member of the royal family, it could be an option if Prince Harry is interested in starting a business in the U.S.
EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa that allows individuals to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. business. This could be an option for Prince Harry if he is interested in investing in a U.S. business and obtaining a green card through that investment.
Conclusion
While Prince Harry’s U.S. visa drama may seem complicated, there are several potential options for him to obtain legal residency in the U.S. Whether it’s through an O-1 visa, marriage-based green card, or other visa options, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will likely find a solution that allows them to live and work in the U.S. as they navigate their new roles outside of the royal family.
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