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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).
There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:
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 to each fiscal year.
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.
Keep in mind that U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent
• Brother or sister
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter
Be sure to view local information below to determine fees and payment process and additional requirements.
Petitions for immigration must be submitted to the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office in the United States.
You can more specific details and easy-to-follow step-by-step guidelines about the process at Travel.State.gov.
Please read the information in this section carefully. It contains location-specific information that you will need to know when applying for your Visa.
Select the country or area where you will apply for your visa: