IR/CR Visa

Overview

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.

File a Petition

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.

Local Information

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:

Wizard Results

Overview

File a Petition

Local Information

Wizard Results