Currently, The $55,000 U.S. visa sponsorship opportunities have become a hot topic of discussion and interest among individuals seeking new horizons and career prospects in the United States. The U.S. immigration system offered various visa categories that allowed foreign nationals to live, work, study, or invest in the country.
Visa sponsorship can seem like a daunting process, but understanding the basics can make it a lot more manageable. Whether you’re aiming to work, study, or join family abroad, having a sponsor to support your visa application is a key step in making your international dreams a reality.
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship might sound complex, but let’s break it down into simple terms. Imagine you want to move to another country to work or study, but you need permission from that country. Visa sponsorship is like getting a VIP pass that lets you enter and stay in that country for a specific purpose, such as working or studying.
Visa sponsorship happens when a person or an organization supports your application to enter and stay in a country. This sponsor is essentially vouching for you, saying, “Hey, we need this person here, and we’ll make sure they follow the rules.” Without this sponsorship, it can be much harder to get a visa.
How Does It Work?
- Finding a Sponsor: The first step is finding someone who can sponsor you. For work visas, this is usually an employer. For study visas, it’s typically a university or educational institution.
- Job Offer or Acceptance Letter: For work visas, you need a job offer from an employer in the country you want to move to. For student visas, you need an acceptance letter from a school.
- Application Process: Your sponsor will usually help you with the visa application. They might need to fill out forms, provide documents, and sometimes pay fees.
- Government Approval: The government of the country you want to move to will review your application. They check to make sure everything is in order and that you meet their requirements.
- Visa Issuance: If everything goes well, you’ll get your visa! This visa will have specific conditions, like how long you can stay and what you can do while you’re there.
Types of Visa Sponsorship
- Work Visa Sponsorship: This is common for people who have a job offer in another country. The employer sponsors the visa, showing that they need your skills and that there aren’t enough local workers to fill the position.
- Student Visa Sponsorship: If you’re going to study abroad, the educational institution will sponsor your visa. They confirm that you’ve been accepted into a program and have the means to support yourself while studying.
- Family Visa Sponsorship: Sometimes, family members who are already living in a country can sponsor your visa. This is often the case for spouses, children, or other close relatives.
Why is Visa Sponsorship Important?
Visa sponsorship is crucial because it opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be closed. It allows countries to control who enters and stays within their borders while ensuring that those who do come are supported and monitored.
It typically occurs in the context of employment or education. In the case of employment, companies may sponsor foreign workers by providing a job offer and supporting their visa application. This involves demonstrating that there is a genuine need for the skills and expertise the foreign worker brings to the table, and that no qualified local candidates are available to fill the position.
For educational purposes, universities and educational institutions often sponsor international students by issuing the necessary documentation to support their student visa application. This includes providing an acceptance letter, proving financial support, and ensuring compliance with the host country’s academic requirements.
The process can vary depending on the country and the specific visa category. It often involves meeting certain criteria, submitting required documentation, and navigating through complex immigration processes. Sponsors may need to demonstrate their financial capacity, legal obligations, and their commitment to supporting the sponsored individual during their stay.
There are several benefits for both the sponsor and the sponsored individual. For sponsors, it allows them to tap into a global talent pool, fill critical skill gaps, and contribute to their organization’s growth and innovation. It also enables them to foster diversity and cultural exchange within their workforce or student community.
For individuals, visa sponsorship opens doors to new opportunities, professional growth, and international experiences. It provides them with legal authorization to work, study, or reside in a foreign country, granting access to a broader range of career prospects, educational resources, and cultural experiences.
It is important to note that this sponsorship does not guarantee automatic approval of a visa application. The immigration authorities of the host country evaluate each application on its merits, considering factors such as the individual’s qualifications, background checks, and adherence to immigration laws.
Staying informed about the latest immigration policies, regulations, and eligibility requirements is crucial for individuals seeking visa sponsorship. Consulting official government sources and seeking professional guidance from immigration lawyers or consultants can help navigate the complex process and increase the chances of a successful visa sponsorship application.
Types of Visas available for Sponsorship
Understanding the different types of visas available can make it easier to find the right path for your international ambitions. Let’s go into the various types of visas that typically require sponsorship, what each entails, and how you can go about securing them.
1. Work Visas
Work visas are among the most common types of sponsored visas. They allow individuals to live and work in a country for a specified period. Here are some notable examples:
H-1B Visa (USA):
The H-1B visa is for highly skilled workers in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and finance. Employers in the USA sponsor this visa, which allows the holder to work for up to six years. For more details, check the USCIS website.
Tier 2 General Visa (UK):
This visa is for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license. It typically covers sectors like healthcare, engineering, and IT. More information is available on the UK Government website.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Australia):
The TSS visa is designed to fill gaps in the Australian labor market. Employers can sponsor skilled workers from overseas to work in Australia for up to four years. Details can be found on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Student Visas
Student visas are sponsored by educational institutions and allow individuals to study in a foreign country.
F-1 Visa (USA):
The F-1 visa is for international students who wish to study full-time at accredited institutions in the USA, including universities and colleges. Schools sponsor this visa, and more information is available on the U.S. Department of State website.
Tier 4 Student Visa (UK):
This visa is for students who have been accepted into a course at a licensed UK educational institution. It allows students to stay for the duration of their course and even work part-time. More details can be found on the UK Government website.
Student Visa (Australia):
Australia offers a student visa that allows international students to study full-time in recognized educational institutions. This visa also permits limited work hours. For more information, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
3. Family Visas
Family visas enable individuals to join their family members who are already living in another country.
Family Reunion Visa (Germany):
This visa allows family members of German residents or citizens to join them in Germany. Sponsors can be spouses, parents, or children. Detailed information can be found on the German Missions Abroad website.
K-1 Visa (USA):
The K-1 visa is for fiancés of U.S. citizens. It allows the foreign fiancé to enter the USA and marry their sponsor within 90 days. More details are on the USCIS website.
Dependent Visa (Various Countries):
Many countries, such as Canada and Australia, offer dependent visas that allow spouses and children of work or student visa holders to join them.
4. Investor Visas
Investor visas are for individuals who plan to invest a significant amount of money in a country’s economy.
EB-5 Visa (USA):
The EB-5 visa allows investors to obtain permanent residency in the USA by investing at least $900,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs. More information is available on the USCIS website.
Tier 1 Investor Visa (UK):
This visa is for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest at least £2 million in the UK. It offers a path to settlement and citizenship. Details can be found on the UK Government website.
Investor Visa (Canada):
Canada offers several provincial nominee programs (PNPs) that allow investors to obtain permanent residency by investing in Canadian businesses. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website.
5. Specialized Visas
Certain visas cater to unique circumstances or professions.
O-1 Visa (USA):
The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in fields such as science, art, education, business, or athletics. More details are available on the USCIS website.
Global Talent Visa (UK):
This visa is for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, and technology. It allows for flexible work opportunities in the UK. More information can be found on the UK Government website.
Cultural Exchange Visa (J-1, USA):
The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in approved cultural exchange programs in the USA. Sponsors include educational and nonprofit organizations. More details are on the U.S. Department of State website.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship opens doors to working, studying, or living in another country. However, the eligibility criteria can be intricate and vary widely depending on the type of visa and the country you’re aiming for. Let’s dive into the common criteria you need to meet for different visa sponsorships, breaking it down in simple terms to make the process easier to understand.
1. Work Visa Sponsorship
Common Criteria for Work Visas:
Job Offer:
- You need a formal job offer from an employer in the country you wish to move to. This employer must be willing and able to sponsor your visa.
Relevant Qualifications and Skills:
- Your qualifications and work experience should match the job requirements. Some countries have specific lists of in-demand occupations.
Labour Market Test:
- In many countries, the employer must prove that they could not find a suitable local candidate for the job. This often involves advertising the position locally for a certain period.
Clean Criminal Record:
- You must provide a police clearance certificate showing you have no criminal record.
Health and Medical Checks:
- You may need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements of the country.
Example: H-1B Visa (USA):
For the H-1B visa, you need a job offer in a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. Your employer must obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor and file a petition on your behalf.
2. Student Visa Sponsorship
Common Criteria for Student Visas:
Acceptance from an Educational Institution:
- You must have an offer or acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in the country.
Proof of Funds:
- You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
Academic Qualifications:
- Your previous academic records should meet the entry requirements of the institution and the course you intend to study.
Language Proficiency:
- Many countries require proof of proficiency in the language of instruction, usually through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or others.
Clean Criminal Record:
- A police clearance certificate might be necessary to prove you have no criminal history.
Health Insurance:
- You may need to show that you have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your studies.
Example: F-1 Visa (USA):
For the F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic program or English language program, have sufficient financial support, and maintain a full course of study.
3. Family Visa Sponsorship
Common Criteria for Family Visas:
Relationship Proof:
- You must provide documentation proving your relationship to the sponsor (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
Financial Support:
- The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support you, ensuring you won’t need public assistance.
Legal Residency Status of Sponsor:
- The sponsor must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country.
Background Checks:
- Both the sponsor and the applicant must pass background checks, including criminal records and sometimes medical examinations.
Accommodation Proof:
- You may need to show that there is adequate accommodation available for you with your sponsor.
Example: K-1 Visa (USA):
For the K-1 fiancé visa, you must have met your U.S. citizen fiancé in person within the last two years and intend to marry within 90 days of your arrival in the USA.
4. Investor Visa Sponsorship
Common Criteria for Investor Visas:
Investment Amount:
- You need to invest a specified minimum amount in a business or real estate. This amount varies by country and visa type.
Source of Funds:
- You must prove that the investment funds were obtained legally.
Business Plan:
- A detailed business plan showing how your investment will create jobs and contribute to the economy might be required.
Management Role:
- In some cases, you need to show active involvement in managing the business.
Net Worth:
- Some visas require you to have a minimum personal net worth.
Example: EB-5 Visa (USA):
For the EB-5 visa, you need to invest at least $900,000 in a new commercial enterprise in a targeted employment area that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
5. Specialized Visas
Common Criteria for Specialized Visas:
Exceptional Talent or Skills:
- You need to demonstrate extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics, usually with extensive documentation and awards.
Sponsorship by a Recognized Organization:
- You may need sponsorship or endorsement from a recognized organization in your field.
Proof of Achievements:
- Evidence of significant achievements and recognition in your field is crucial.
Example: O-1 Visa (USA):
For the O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim and provide substantial documentation, including awards and media coverage.
Benefits of Visa Sponsorship for both Employers and Employees
Visa sponsorship is a mutually beneficial arrangement that opens up a world of opportunities for both employers and employees. Let’s explore how each party can gain from this process, making it a win-win situation.
Benefits for Employers
1. Access to a Global Talent Pool
- Diverse Skill Sets: Employers can tap into a vast pool of skilled professionals from around the world, bringing in unique talents and expertise that might be scarce locally.
- Innovation and Creativity: A diverse workforce often brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, driving creativity and problem-solving within the company.
2. Competitive Advantage
- Specialized Knowledge: By hiring international experts, companies can gain a competitive edge in their industry, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare where specialized skills are crucial.
- Market Expansion: Employees from different cultural backgrounds can help businesses expand into new markets, understanding local customs and consumer behavior better.
3. Filling Skill Gaps
- Addressing Shortages: In many industries, there’s a shortage of qualified local candidates. Visa sponsorship allows companies to fill these gaps with highly skilled foreign workers.
- Timely Hiring: Companies can reduce the time and cost associated with searching for local talent that meets their specific needs.
4. Employee Retention
- Commitment: Employees who go through the visa sponsorship process often show high levels of loyalty and commitment to the company that sponsored them, leading to lower turnover rates.
- Job Satisfaction: Sponsoring employees and their families helps in creating a stable, supportive work environment, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
Benefits for Employees
1. Career Advancement
- Job Opportunities: Visa sponsorship opens doors to career opportunities that might not be available in the employee’s home country, allowing them to work in leading companies and industries.
- Professional Growth: Employees can gain international work experience, learn new skills, and advance their careers in a global context.
2. Better Living Standards
- Higher Income: Many sponsored jobs offer competitive salaries that are often higher than what employees might earn in their home countries.
- Improved Quality of Life: Moving to countries with higher living standards can provide better healthcare, education, and overall living conditions for employees and their families.
3. Permanent Residency and Citizenship
- Path to Residency: Many visa sponsorship programs offer a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship. This provides long-term stability and security for employees and their families.
- Family Benefits: Employees can often bring their immediate family members with them, ensuring that their loved ones also benefit from the move.
4. Cultural and Personal Growth
- Global Exposure: Living and working in a new country offers rich cultural experiences and personal growth opportunities, broadening employees’ horizons.
- Networking: Employees can build an international network of professional contacts, which can be valuable for future career opportunities.
Real-life Examples
Tech Industry: Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple frequently sponsor visas for international talent. This has allowed them to stay at the forefront of innovation by bringing in experts from around the world.
Healthcare: Hospitals and healthcare facilities in countries like the USA and Canada often sponsor visas for nurses and doctors, addressing critical shortages and ensuring high-quality patient care.
Higher Education: Universities in the UK, USA, and Australia sponsor visas for international students and researchers, fostering an environment of academic excellence and cultural diversity.
Visa sponsorship offers significant advantages for both employers and employees. Employers gain access to a global talent pool, fill skill gaps, and enhance their competitive edge. Employees benefit from career advancement, better living standards, and personal growth opportunities. This symbiotic relationship helps drive innovation, economic growth, and cultural exchange, making visa sponsorship a powerful tool in today’s interconnected world.
Step-by-step guide on how to apply for the $55,000 U.S. Visa Sponsorship Program
Applying for a U.S. visa sponsorship can be an exciting but detailed process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it, ensuring you have all the necessary information and resources to increase your chances of success.
Step 1: Understand the Visa Sponsorship Program
The U.S. offers various visa sponsorship programs, but the most well-known for large-scale applications is the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, often referred to as the Green Card Lottery. Each year, the U.S. Department of State grants 55,000 diversity visas through this lottery to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States.
Learn more about the DV Lottery Program: U.S. Department of State – Diversity Visa Program
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:
- Country of Birth: You must be born in an eligible country. Check the list of eligible countries on the official website.
- Education/Work Experience: You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Prepare the necessary information and documents before starting your application:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, gender, place of birth.
- Passport Details: Passport number, country of issuance, expiration date.
- Photographs: Recent photographs of yourself, your spouse, and all children listed in your application. Ensure the photos meet the U.S. visa photo requirements.
Photo requirements: U.S. Visa Photo Requirements
Step 4: Submit Your Entry
The DV Lottery entry period typically opens in early October and closes in early November. Entries can only be submitted online through the official DV Lottery website.
- Visit the Official DV Lottery Website: DV Lottery Entry
- Complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501): Fill out the form with your personal information, passport details, and photographs.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review your information for accuracy before submitting. Once submitted, you cannot make changes.
Step 5: Save Your Confirmation Number
After submitting your entry, you will receive a confirmation number. This number is crucial for checking the status of your entry. Print it out or save it in a secure place.
Step 6: Check Your Entry Status
Results are usually announced in May of the following year. You must check your entry status online using your confirmation number.
- Visit the DV Lottery Entry Status Check page: DV Lottery Entry Status Check
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Input the confirmation number, last name, and year of birth to check if you have been selected.
Step 7: If Selected, Gather Required Documents
If you are selected, you will need to gather several documents to proceed with your visa application:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the United States.
- Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy.
- Education/Work Experience Documentation: Proof of your educational qualifications or work experience.
- Police Certificates: For each country where you have lived for more than six months since the age of 16.
- Medical Examination: You must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician.
Step 8: Complete the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application
Once you have gathered your documents, complete the DS-260 form online:
- Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC): DS-260 Application
- Log in with your case number: Complete the form with your personal, educational, and professional information.
Step 9: Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview
After submitting the DS-260 form, you will receive instructions on scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Schedule Your Interview: Follow the instructions provided by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).
- Prepare for the Interview: Bring all required documents, your appointment confirmation letter, and any additional documents specified by the embassy.
Interview Preparation Tips:
- Dress formally and arrive early.
- Be honest and clear in your responses.
- Be prepared to explain your intentions and plans in the U.S.
Step 10: Pay the Required Fees
You will need to pay various fees during the process, including the visa application fee and any additional processing fees.
Step 11: Attend Your Visa Interview
During the interview, a consular officer will review your application and documents, ask questions about your background and plans, and decide whether to approve your visa.
Step 12: Receive Your Visa
If approved, you will receive your visa and a sealed packet that you must not open. This packet should be given to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at your port of entry.
Step 13: Enter the United States
You must enter the U.S. before your visa expires. Upon arrival, you will be processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Once admitted, you can start your new life in the United States.
Application Deadlines
Understanding the application deadlines for the U.S. Visa Sponsorship Program, specifically the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, is crucial for a successful application. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key deadlines and timelines you need to keep in mind:
1. DV Lottery Entry Period
Start Date: The entry period for the DV Lottery typically opens in early October.
End Date: The entry period usually closes in early November.
For example, for the DV-2025 program, the entry period might run from October 4, 2023, to November 7, 2023. It’s important to note that the exact dates can vary slightly each year, so you should always check the official DV Lottery website for the most current dates.
Important Tip: Submit your entry as early as possible within the entry period to avoid any last-minute issues or website congestion.
2. Checking Entry Status
Date: Results are usually announced in early May of the following year after the entry period closes. For instance, if you applied for the DV-2025 program, you would check your entry status in May 2024.
Website: You can check your status on the DV Lottery Entry Status Check page.
Important Tip: Keep your confirmation number safe as you will need it to check your status. Without this number, you will not be able to verify if you have been selected.
3. Submitting Form DS-260
If you are selected, you will need to complete the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application form.
Start Date: You can start filling out the DS-260 form as soon as you receive notification of your selection, typically in May.
Deadline: There is no specific deadline, but it is advised to complete the DS-260 form and submit it as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your case.
Website: Complete the DS-260 form at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Important Tip: Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and complete to avoid any processing delays or issues during your interview.
4. Scheduling the Visa Interview
Notification: After submitting the DS-260 form, you will receive instructions from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) about scheduling your visa interview.
Interview Dates: Interviews typically begin in October of the fiscal year for which you applied. For example, for the DV-2025 program, interviews would start in October 2024.
Important Tip: Schedule your interview promptly and prepare all required documents to ensure a smooth interview process.
5. Visa Issuance and Entry into the U.S
Visa Issuance: If your visa is approved, it will be issued shortly after your interview. The visa will have an expiration date, usually six months from the date of your medical examination.
Entry Deadline: You must enter the United States before your visa expires. Plan your move accordingly to avoid any issues with entry.
Important Tip: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the U.S.
Additional Resources
To stay updated on the exact dates and any changes to the deadlines, regularly check the official U.S. Department of State’s DV Lottery page:
- Diversity Visa Program Information: U.S. Department of State – Diversity Visa Program
By keeping track of these deadlines and ensuring you meet each one, you can enhance your chances of a successful application for the U.S. Visa Sponsorship Program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual program that makes 55,000 immigrant visas available to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The goal is to diversify the immigrant population in the U.S.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the DV Lottery?
To be eligible for the DV Lottery, you must:
- Be born in an eligible country (countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.).
- Have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
3. How do I apply for the DV Lottery?
Applications for the DV Lottery must be submitted online through the official DV Lottery website during the designated registration period. The application form, known as the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501), is available at DV Lottery Entry.
4. What is the application period for the DV-2025 Lottery?
The application period for the DV-2025 Lottery is expected to open in early October 2023 and close in early November 2023. Specific dates can vary, so check the official DV Lottery website for the exact dates.
5. Is there a fee to enter the DV Lottery?
There is no fee to submit an entry for the DV Lottery. However, if you are selected and apply for a visa, you will need to pay certain fees related to the visa application and processing.
6. What information do I need to complete the DV Lottery application?
You will need:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, gender, place of birth).
- Passport details (number, country of issuance, expiration date).
- Recent digital photographs of yourself, your spouse, and all children listed in your application, meeting U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Information about your education or work experience.
7. How do I check if I have been selected for the DV Lottery?
You can check your entry status using your confirmation number on the DV Lottery Entry Status Check page. Results are typically available in early May of the following year after the application period closes.
8. What happens if I am selected in the DV Lottery?
If you are selected, you must:
- Complete and submit the DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application form online.
- Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Gather and present required documents, including passport, birth certificate, education or work experience documentation, police certificates, and medical examination results.
9. Can I include my family in the DV Lottery application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and all unmarried children under the age of 21 in your DV Lottery application. If selected, your family members are also eligible to apply for diversity visas and accompany you to the U.S.
10. What if I lose my confirmation number?
If you lose your confirmation number, you will not be able to check your entry status. It is crucial to save and securely store your confirmation number after submitting your DV Lottery application.
11. Can I submit more than one entry for the DV Lottery?
No, submitting more than one entry will disqualify you from the DV Lottery. Each individual is allowed to submit only one entry per registration period.
12. What if my country is not eligible for the DV Lottery?
If your country of birth is not eligible, you may still qualify based on your spouse’s country of birth or, in some cases, your parents’ country of birth if neither parent was a resident of your country of birth at the time of your birth.
13. When do I need to enter the U.S. if I am granted a diversity visa?
If you are granted a diversity visa, you must enter the U.S. before the expiration date on the visa, which is typically six months from the date of your medical examination.
14. Where can I find more information and updates about the DV Lottery?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the DV Lottery, visit the official U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa Program website: U.S. Department of State – Diversity Visa Program.
The Bottom Line
The $55,000 U.S. Visa Sponsorship Program is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to live and work in the United States.The Program offers a significant chance for qualified individuals to start a new life in the United States, benefiting both applicants and U.S. employers by bringing diverse skills and experiences into the country.