how to apply for an immigrant visa to the us

Key Steps for Obtaining an Immigrant Visa

• In most cases, someone must “sponsor” you, or file an immigrant petition for you.
• Once the petition is approved, and there is a visa available in your category, you apply for an immigrant visa. You do this through a U.S. consulate abroad. ...
• Get a medical examination.
• Go to an interview.
• You’ll then receive a decision on your application.

Full Answer

What documents are needed to enter the US?

• U.S. ...
• Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States One of the following documents: Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card” or Form I-551) Reentry Permit (if out of the U.S. ...
• Persons on Immigrant Visa Passport Entire package given by the U.S. ...

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How to legally immigrate to the US?

• Obtain the Police Clearance Certificate from the authorities that issues passports in your country. Without this you won’t even be allowed to enter the consular premises.
• Complete a medical examination from a panel of physicians approved by the Embassy of your country.
• Complete the DS-260 online, available from the website https://ceac.state.gov/ceac. ...

Can foreigners enter US?

US citizens and foreigners with permanent residency are exempt from the restrictions and may enter the country through specified airports. COVID-19 entry restrictions in the US are being constantly reviewed and updated as the situation evolves, foreigners should check the latest information before making any travel plans.

Is immigration legal in the US?

U.S. immigration law is based on the following principles: the reunification of families, admitting immigrants with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy, protecting refugees, and promoting diversity. This fact sheet provides basic information about how the U.S. legal immigration system is designed and functions.

Who is eligible for US immigrant visa?

Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons.

How long does it take to get a US immigrant visa?

Generally speaking, a fair timeframe is approximately 6-10 months from the filing of the immigrant petition to approval at the U.S. Consulate. Timeframes can vary depending on backlogs of cases at both the USCIS and the U.S. Consulate abroad.

What is the easiest way to immigrate to USA?

Immediate relatives are spouses of US citizens, parents of US citizens, and unmarried minor children of US citizens. There is no limit on the number of visas available each year for immediate relatives. Being a US citizen's spouse is the fastest, easiest way to immigrate to the US.

How much is an immigrant visa for USA?

Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees (non-refundable, per person)Immediate relative and family preference applications (processed on the basis of an approved I-130, I-600 or I-800 petition)$325.00Employment-based applications (processed on the basis of an approved I-140 or I-526 petition)$345.002 more rows

Can an immigrant visa be denied?

Among the reasons the U.S. government might deny an immigrant visa or green card are its own error (or yours, in completing the paperwork), concern that you are a security risk, inadmissibility for health or criminal reasons, a finding that you are likely to become reliant on government assistance, and more.

How much income do you need to sponsor an immigrant?

The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.

What are the 4 types of immigrants?

These Are the Four Types of Immigration Statuses in the US. When immigrating to the US, there are four different immigration status categories that immigrants may fall into: citizens, residents, non-immigrants, and undocumented immigrants.

Who can sponsor me in USA?

Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried childrenU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sisters4 more rows

How long is immigrant visa valid for?

You must arrive in and apply for admission to the United States no later than the visa expiration date printed on your visa. An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance unless your medical examination expires sooner, which may make your visa valid for less than six months.

Can a friend sponsor me to US?

The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend. If a person seeks to enter the U.S. through a family member, the person entering the U.S. must have a financial sponsor.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor an immigrant?

All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18 years old, and be living in the United States (including territories and possessions) when they file the affidavit of support.

How hard is it to immigrate to America?

You can come to the US legally if a family member (including a new spouse) sponsors you, an employer sponsors you, or you are seeking asylum as a refugee. The next step is submitting the relevant applications and paperwork, which could take as many as six months to process.

How long does it take NVC to schedule interview 2022?

How long does it take to get an appointment? Although NVC strives to schedule appointments within three months of NVC's acceptance of all requested documentation, this timeframe is subject to the operating status and capacity of the consular section.

How long does it take to get immigrant visa after interview?

about 10 daysVisa Processing Time Provided the visa is approved at the time of the visa interview, most applicants receive their visas in about 10 days from their interviews.

Can I live in the US while waiting for my green card?

Some people can stay in the U.S. for the entire period of applying for a U.S. green card. Others must leave the U.S., either while they wait for a visa to become available (which can take years in some cases) or in order to attend their immigrant visa interview, which is the last major step in the immigration process.

How long does it take for NVC to send case to Embassy 2022?

Your petition is awaiting an interview appointment. At this time, no further action is required. We appreciate your patience. After the NVC sends you this confirmation, then you can expect to wait between 2-6 months for the NVC to schedule you an interview at the U.S. consulate in your home country.

How long does it take to get a permanent resident visa?

permanently, each with separate limits for the number of immigrants admitted each year. Applying for immigration to the U.S. is a complex process that can take as long as a year to complete after your petition is accepted.

How long does it take to get a visa number?

Even if the USCIS approves your visa petition, it may take several months or even years before you get a visa number and the NVC begins processing your application. This is because U.S. law limits the number of immigrant visas available each year depending on your immigrant category and your country of citizenship.

How long does it take for USCIS to approve a petition?

Wait for USCIS approval. It may take up to 30 days for the USCIS to process your petition and send your notice of approval.

What information is needed for a job application?

The application requires personal information such as your name and date of birth, marital status, and nationality. You also must enter current and past addresses and employment information .

Where to get DS-261 form?

This form is available at the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), which you can access at https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx by entering your case number.

Who is the agent for immigration?

Choose an agent. Your agent is the person who receives information and notices from the NVC regarding your immigration application.

What form do I need to complete for a sponsor?

Have your sponsor complete the appropriate form. Relative sponsors must complete Form I-130, while employer sponsors must complete Form I-140.

What is a visa?

A visa is a stamp or document in your passport that gives you the right to travel to the US. We help handle application processing for US Immigrant Visas, reducing errors and boosting your chances of visa acceptance.

How long does it take to get a permanent visa after marriage?

Immediate Relative (IR-1) Visa: After two years of marriage, you can gain permanent status without the conditions of the CR-1 visa.

What is a spouse visa?

The two types of spouse visas include: Conditional Resident (CR-1) Visa: Your permanent resident status will be considered conditional if you have been married for less than two years at the time you enter the US on an Immigrant Visa.

How long is a green card valid?

Some Immigrant Visas do not contain an expiration date, but the majority are valid for 10 years.

How many F-1 visas are there?

F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is given to unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children. There’s an annual cap of 23,400 visas available, which is why there’s a long waiting list than other visas.

How long is a US citizenship visa valid?

A re-entry permit is required If your trip will last longer than 1 year. Immigrant Visas holders can apply for US citizenship after five years of living in the United States as a permanent resident.

What is the visa for adopting a child?

If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to adopt a child from overseas, then you would apply for an IR-3, IH-3, IR-4, or IH-4 visa. These four visas apply to different children in different parts of the world:

What are online forms?

You complete and submit online forms over the internet. There are two online immigrant visa forms:

How to complete an online form

To complete either online form, visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and follow the directions on the website.

Need help?

If you have questions about an online form, review the DS-260 FAQs . If you have additional questions, contact the NVC (IV applicants) or the KCC (DV applicants).

How long does it take to get a visa from the US consulate?

Unlike adjustment of status, consular processing rarely takes more than four to six months from the date of the petition approval or visa availability

How long do you have to be a permanent resident to get citizenship?

U.S. permanent residents may apply for Citizenship if they have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. Note: A spouse who has been a permanent resident for 3 years, who is currently married to a U.S. citizen, and has been married to the same U.S. citizen for the past 3 years, may apply for citizenship.

What is a spouse on a visa?

Spouse, parent, son, daughter, brother or sister of a U.S. citizen with an approved family-based immigrant visa petition. Spouse, unmarried son or daughter of any age of a lawful permanent resident with an approved family-based immigrant visa petition.

What is a returning permanent resident?

a. You are a returning permanent resident, who at the time of application for admission are not in possession of any valid unexpired entry document

Is the B-1 visa tough?

The US [B-1] Visa has always been a tough ride, and being denied a few times it makes it even worse. But thanks to Visa pro and their meticulous processing I was granted a Visa. I would like to thank you and all the people involved in making this a success. I would like to recommend Visapro to all those who seek peace of mind and hassle free Visa processing.”

Can you get citizenship if you are permanently ineligible?

a. You are permanently ineligible to receive U.S. citizenship

Can a consular officer deny a visa?

The consular officer may deny immigrant visas to foreign nationals on the following grounds:

What determines the type of student visa you need?

Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.

What is an F-1 visa?

F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.

What is ESTA in travel?

Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

What is transit C visa?

Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.

What happens if you violate your work visa?

If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.

Can an international student apply for a student visa?

An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.

Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?

If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

What is an immigration visa?

Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States.

When do you pay for an immigrant visa?

The best time to pay the fee is after you pick up your immigrant visa from the U.S. consulate, before you leave for the United States. When you receive your immigrant visa, you’ll get a sealed packet of documents to give officials at the U.S. port of entry.

What is the visa for a non-US citizen?

Some of the most commonly requested visas are: Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. Fiancé (e) visa to marry your U.S. citizen fiancé (e), and live, in the U.S.

What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative covers travel by land, sea, or air from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda: American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

How long does a passport last in the US?

The documents you need and whether your passport needs to be valid for six months after your travel dates depend on the country you are arriving from and your citizenship or status. Open All +.

How many people get green cards a year?

About a million people a year receive Green Cards, designating them as new permanent residents of the United States. Many of those people arrive in the U.S. through an immigrant visa.

What to do if you are a refugee?

If you believe you need protection as a refugee, contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another international nonprofit volunteer agency. If these organizations are unavailable to you, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.

What are the two categories of visas?

There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States.

Who can petition on behalf of an individual?

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf.

Can you travel to a foreign country with a round trip ticket?

Be in possession of a round-trip ticket that will transport the individual out of the United States to any other foreign port or place as long as the trip does not terminate in contiguous territory or an ; except that the round trip ticket may transport the traveler to contiguous territory or an , if the traveler is a resident of the country of destination or if arriving at a land border, provide evidence of financial solvency and a domicile abroad to which the traveler intends to return;