Filing an I-130
- Complete the most current petition form (I-130 Petition for Alien Relative)
- Submit the completed form with the supporting documents to the specific USCIS Lock Box facility. ...
- Include the correct filing fee with the petition and supporting documents. ...
- The USCIS will release an I-797 Notice of Action. ...
- Sometimes, the USCIS will send you a notice to submit additional evidence . ...
How to obtain U.S. immigrant visa for family members?
There are four basic steps in the immigrant visa process.
- File the I-130 petition. To begin this immigration process, contact an Immigration Attorney qualified to assist your sponsoring family member with filing Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with ...
- Be patient during the consular processing. Petitions for relatives living outside the U.S. ...
- Submit forms and documents. ...
- Attend the interview. ...
How US citizens can sponsor relatives for family visas?
To sponsor a family member, a US citizen files a petition that states they are related to the immigrant and an affidavit that proves you can financially support them. The procedures and requirements for immigration via a family visa will vary greatly depending upon the type of familial relationship between the immigrating person and the sponsoring citizen. This guide will break down the basics for a variety of different family visa petitions.
Should I hire a family member?
One of the greatest benefits of hiring family to take care of your child is that your child may already know or be comfortable with the caregiver.
How do I bring a family member to the US?
Visa holders inviting family
- Identify if it is going to be temporarily or permanently
- Check if your visa allows subsequent entrant and that you have previously declared the members of your family. See list of all visas
- If your visa does not allow subsequent entrants, they will need to apply for a visa based on their intention. ...
How do I apply for a relative visitor visa?
Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page. Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
How do I request a family member from another country?
To petition for a family member to receive a Green Card (permanent residence), begin by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the family relationship that exists between you and your relative.
How long does it take to get a visa for a family member?
approximately 5 to 9 monthsI-130 Processing Times for Immediate Relatives For immediate relatives (spouse, children and parents) of U.S. citizens, there is an unlimited number of immigrant visas and approval can be obtained in approximately 5 to 9 months.
How can I sponsor a family member to USA?
To sponsor a visitor, the supporter prepares Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. He or she must submit the I-134 affidavit, a letter of invitation, and supporting documents as evidence of their financial ability to bear the expenses of the trip.
How can I sponsor my family for tourist visa?
If you legally live and earn in USA and want to invite/sponsor trip for your parents, relatives or friends, you can do so by providing certain documents, most commonly an Affidavit of Support Form I-134, a letter of invitation, and supporting documents as evidence to your financial ability to bear the expenses of the ...
What is a family based visa?
Family-based visas (FB) are an immigrant visa category where a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) petitions for a relative for immigration to the United States.
How much is it to sponsor a family member?
Family sponsorshipFeePrice ($CAN)Sponsor your parent or grandparent (without the right of permanent residence fee) Sponsorship fee ($75) and principal applicant processing fee ($490)$565.008 more rows
How much does it cost to petition a family member?
$535$535. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier's check.
What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.
How much does it cost to sponsor a visa in the US?
How Much Will Sponsoring an H1-B Visa Cost an Employer? An H-1B Visa (or H-1B transfer) will cost you around $5000 (including government fees). Immigration lawyer fees should costs $2000 to $3000, while filing fees are around $3000.
How much is US family visa?
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
What documents are needed for sponsor?
To bring a parent or parents to the U.S. on a B visa, you will need to gather or create several supporting documents, including:Affidavit of Support Form (Form I-134)Tourist Visa Invitation Letter.Tourist Visa Sponsor Letter.Financial Documents.Proof of Sponsor's Residency Status.
What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.
How do I file a petition for a family member?
You can file Form I-130 online even if your relative is in the United States and will file Form I-485 by mail. Once you submit your Form I-130 online, we will send a receipt notice to your USCIS online account. Provide a copy of the receipt notice to your relative to include in their Form I-485 packet.
Can a US resident request family?
You can petition to bring family members to the United States (often called "sponsoring" them) only if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder).
Can I adopt my nephew and bring him to US?
You can adopt your nephew, who isn't a US citizen, and bring him to the US, but there will be many rules and protocols to follow. Immigration law stipulates that a citizen or permanent resident of the United States can adopt a foreign child.
Who pays all visa fees?
You or the principal applicant pays all current visa fees.
Who is the applicant in a petition?
The applicant is the person being petitioned.
How much does it cost to file a USCIS lockbox?
Include the correct filing fee with the petition and supporting documents. The fee is currently set at $535. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Service centers are not able to process credit card payments.
What is a petitioner on an I-130?
A Petitioner is the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) filing the petition on Form I- 130, Petition for Alien Relative. The principal applicant, or principal beneficiary, is the person you are sponsoring and whose name appears on the I-130.
What is the RFE for USCIS?
Sometimes, the USCIS will send you a notice to submit additional evidence . This document is called the Request for Further Evidence (RFE). Observe the deadline or the time when you must submit the evidence to the requesting USCIS office.
What is the priority date of a petition?
The priority date of the petition you filed is current.
What is on a birth certificate?
Your birth certificate must have the names of your parents on it.
What is family preference visa?
Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
What is immediate relative visa?
Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
What is family based immigration?
Family Based Immigration. A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
Can a permanent resident file an immigrant visa?
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
What is a letter from a doctor in the Philippines?
A letter from your doctor in the Philippines describing the medical condition and why you are seeking medical care in the United States. A letter from the physician or hospital in the United States indicating that they are prepared to treat the case and providing the approximate cost of the treatment.
Can you travel to the Philippines with a temporary worker?
to attend classes or resume working in a timely manner. We expect students and temporary workers to make every effort to schedule regular appointments during their planned stays in the Philippines. However, in limited cases, the Embassy will consider emergency appointments for these types of travel. A list of documentary requirements for students and temporary workers can be found on the U.S. Embassy Manila website.
Can false statements affect visa interview?
Please be aware that false statements about the need for an emergency appointment may adversely affect the credibility of your case during the visa interview. Purpose of travel is to obtain emergency medical care, or to accompany a relative or employer for emergency medical care.
Can you get an expedited appointment for an emergency?
If you have to travel to the U.S. for an emergency, you may qualify for an expedited appointment. Please be aware that requests for Emergency Appointments are processed only during business hours. Requests received after hours, on weekends or on embassy holidays will be processed the following business day.
Do you need to have all documentation for a visa?
It is essential that you possess all required documentation for your desired visa type before you make this request. Please be aware that false statements about the need for an emergency appointment may adversely affect the credibility of your case during the visa interview.
How to use this step-by-step guide?
There are two websites for scheduling US visa appointments. Which website to use depends on the country where you plan to schedule your visa appointment
PART 1: Schedule US visa appointment in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here from PART 1. If not GO TO PART 2.
PART 2: Schedule US visa appointment in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here in PART 2. If not, GO BACK TO PART 1.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If need to travel to the US urgently, you may qualify for an expedited US visa appointment. Keep in mind that you must have a strong reason and must be able to provide documentary evidence to prove it.
CONCLUSION
That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to schedule US visa appointment. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, feel free to comment here or email me.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
How often do you update your biographical information on a Chinese passport?
In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
Can a visa be voided?
Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
Where to get a visa if your relative is overseas?
Assuming your relative is overseas, he or she should choose the closest embassy or consulate that processes immigrant visas. Such information is usually available on the consulate's website.
What happens if a visa is available?
If a visa is immediately available, or has become available because the beneficiary's priority date is current, the NVC will start processing the case. It will issue a series of forms and instructions to the immigrant.
What are the two categories of family based petitions?
Potential beneficiaries of family-based petitions are classified into two categories: so-called "immediate relatives" of U.S. citizens and "family preference" relatives. The immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to limitations on the number of immigrant visas (green cards) given out each year.
What is the first preference for green card?
First Preference (F1) - unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens of any age, regardless of the son's and daughter's are. To be eligible under this classification, the beneficiary must be "unmarried" when the petition is filed, and remain so until receiving the green card.
How long does it take to get a permanent resident card?
The Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) is mailed to the beneficiary within a couple of weeks following the immigrant's arrival in the United States.
How long does it take to get a passport stamp?
Normally, the U.S. embassy will issue the passport stamp within a few weeks following the visa interview.
What is the second preference for a spouse?
Second Preference (F2) - spouses (same-sex or opposite-sex), minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and above) of permanent residents. Children who are either divorced or widowed are considered "unmarried", hence, eligible under this classification.
Requirements For Filing An I-130 Petition
- Essentially, you must provide evidence of legal immigration status either as a U.S. citizen or LPR to prove your eligibility to sponsor a foreign-citizen family member. These are the documents to prove your immigration status. 1. Certificate of birth in the U.S. or a Certificate of Naturalization, or a copy of your current and valid U.S. passport. ...
Documents to Prove Relationship to The Sponsored Relative
- You must also prepare copies of the following documents: 1. Sponsoring a spouse: 1.1. Certificate of marriage 1.1. Evidence of termination of previous marriages, if any. Examples of these documents are a final divorce decree, or death certificate, or final decree of annulment of marriage. 2. Mother sponsoring a child: 2.1. Birth certificate of the child stating your name. Eve…
Proof of The Ongoing Relationship
- You must also demonstrate that your relationship with your family member is ongoing. Therefore, prepare copies of the following documents: 1. For your spouse: 1.1. Emails and greeting cards, preferably with postmarks 1.2. Photos before and during the relationship 1.3. Remittances 1.4. Joint ownership of property or joint tenancy of common residence 1.5. Joint accounts for banks…
Filing Fee and Where to File
- The current filing fee per I-130 petition is USD five hundred thirty-five (USD535.00). This fee is non-refundable The following are the protocols for payment. 1. Payment may be in the form of a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. 2. When you are filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also tender payment by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit …