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Immigrant Visas

Are you interested in immigrating to the United States or want to sponsor someone? The U.S. offers immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, special immigrant categories, and the Diversity Visa.

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Immigrant Visa Categories

There are two main categories of immigrant visas – family-based and employment-based. However, there are a few types of immigrant visas that do not fall under these categories, such as the Diversity Lottery visa. Here is a list of U.S. immigrant visa categories:

Statue of Justice representing family-based immigrant visas

Family-Based

Family-based immigrant visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to reunite with loved ones in the U.S.

  • • IR1, CR1 (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen)
  • • K-1 (Fiancé(e))
  • • IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 (Intercountry Adoption)
  • • IR2, CR2, IR5, F1, F3, F4 (Certain Family Members of U.S. Citizens)
  • • F2A, F2B (Certain Family Members of Lawful Permanent Residents)
Office meeting representing employment-based immigrant visas

Employment-Based

Employment-based immigrant visas are for skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified individuals who can contribute to the U.S. economy.

  • • E1 (Priority Workers)
  • • E2 (Advanced Degree Holders)
  • • E3, EW3 (Skilled Workers and Other Workers)
  • • C5, T5, R5, I5 (Employment Creation/Investors)
  • • SD, SR (Religious Workers)
  • • SI (Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters)
  • • SQ (Iraqis and Afghans who worked for the U.S. government)

Agencies in Charge of U.S. Immigrant Visas

When trying to secure a U.S. immigrant visa, you will contact several agencies in charge of processing and approving petitions, preparing applications, and conducting interviews. They include:

USCIS Sign

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

USCIS oversees immigration to the United States and is responsible for approving or denying immigrant petitions. For most applicants, the journey begins with filing a petition with USCIS. The agency reviews your petition to determine if it meets the eligibility requirements. Once approved, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

Visit the official USCIS website to learn more about the immigration options available and access resources to guide applicants.

National Visa Center Building

National Visa Center (NVC)

Once USCIS approves your petition, the National Visa Center (NVC) takes over the process for certain immigrant visa categories. NVC helps applicants prepare their visa application for the interview stage, ensuring all required documents and fees are submitted before scheduling an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. NVC will notify applicants when they can proceed and provide instructions on submitting supporting documents.

Visit the NVC portal to track your application. Provide the required documentation to ensure your visa interview and approval are completed on time.

Kentucky Consular Center Staff

The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC)

The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) is a specialized center responsible for assisting Diversity Visa (DV) applicants. After being selected through the Diversity Visa Program, KCC helps applicants prepare their case for further processing at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Like NVC, KCC guides applicants through submitting the necessary documents and preparing for their visa interviews.

The Kentucky Consular Center does not notify successful Diversity Visa applicants by letter or email. To find out if your entry was selected, you must check your status by visiting the official website.

U.S. Embassy Building with Eagle Sculpture

U.S. Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassies and Consulates play a vital role in the final stages of the immigrant visa application. After completing and submitting documents to NVC or KCC, applicants must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in or near their country of residence. The consular officers will review your application, conduct the interview, and determine whether you qualify for the visa application.

Locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed as a requirement to apply for U.S. visa.

Family-Based Immigration

A foreigner who wants to live permanently in the United States needs an immigrant visa. The applicant must have a sponsor—an immediate relative who is at least 21 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), commonly known as 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. There is no limit to the number of immigrants in these categories each fiscal year.
  • Family Preference: These visas are available for extended family relationships with U.S. citizens and specified relationships with LPRs. The number of available visas in these categories is limited annually.

Who Can File a Family-Based Immigrant Visa Petition?

U.S. Citizens can file a petition for their:

  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Parent
  • Sibling

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) can file a petition for their:

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried Children
Happy family outside their home
Business professional

Employment-Based
Immigration.

Approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are available to qualified applicants every fiscal year under U.S. immigration law.

Employment-based visas open doors to opportunities in the U.S. for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Employment First Preference (E1):

Priority Worker and Persons of Extraordinary Ability

This category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, business, or athletics. These applicants can file their own Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140). The subcategories include:

  • Persons with extraordinary ability.
  • Outstanding professors and researchers.
  • Multinational managers or executives.

Employment Second Preference (E2):

Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability

Applicants in this category include professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. A U.S. employer must file Form I-140 on behalf of the applicant.

This category includes two subgroups:

  • Professionals with an advanced or bachelor's degree plus five years of experience.
  • Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

Employment Third Preference (E3):

Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers

These applicants require an approved Immigrant Petition (Form I-140) and labor certification.

This category includes:

  • Skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience.
  • Professionals requiring a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
  • Unskilled workers for jobs requiring less than two years of experience.

Employment Fourth Preference (E4):

Certain Special Immigrants

This category includes groups such as broadcasters, religious workers, and certain former U.S. government employees. Applicants typically need an approved Form I-360 but do not require labor certification.

Employment Fifth Preference (E5):

Immigrant Investors

The E5 visa is for investors who invest a minimum of $1,000,000 (or $500,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Applicants in this category have to file form I-526.

Person using laptop with credit card

Diversity Visa Program

The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Program allocates 50,000 visas annually through a random selection process. Applicants from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates are eligible. Entrants are selected through a lottery system, and those selected must file the DS-260 application and follow the instructions for their visa interview.

If you are wondering how to apply for immigrant visa, continue reading to learn about the fees, required documentation, and interview process.

Immigrant Visa Fees and Costs

When applying for a U.S. immigrant visa, it is essential to know the various U.S. immigrant visa costs associated with the application process. The costs vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, and some categories may have additional expenses beyond the standard application fees.

Below are some of the immigrant visa application processing fees:

Person checking visa information on phone

It is important to note that these fees cover only the application processing and do not include additional costs like medical exams, document translations, or travel expenses.

Required Documentation for Immigrant Visa Applications

Prepare the necessary documentation in advance to avoid delays when applying for a U.S. immigrant visa. The following is a list of general immigrant visa requirements that most applicants must fulfill:

Passport documents

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the United States unless the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country requests a longer validity period.

Form DS-26 document

Form DS-26

Complete the DS-260—Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application form, which is a mandatory online form for all immigrant visa applicants.

Photographs

Submit two (2) 2x2 photographs taken within the last six months. These photographs must meet the requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

Civil documents

Civil Documents

Bring original or certified copies of civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, and legible photocopies. Certified translations may be required if the documents are not in English.

Financial documents

Financial Support

Applicants whose U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) relative filed the Form I-130 petition need a Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support. This document shows that the petitioner has sufficient financial means to support the applicant.

Medical examination forms

Medical Examination Forms

After completing your medical examination and receiving vaccinations from an approved panel physician, you will be given completed medical forms, which you must submit with your visa application.

Visa interview process

Visa Interview Process

After the National Visa Center (NVC) confirms that your file contains all required documentation, they will schedule your immigrant visa interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The NVC will send your petition and supporting documents to the consular post, where a consular officer will interview you. You will receive a notification containing the interview date, time, and instructions.

On the day of your interview, you must bring your valid passport and any additional documents not already submitted to the NVC.

The consular officer will review your case and determine whether you are eligible to receive the immigrant visa based on U.S. immigration law.

Following the proper steps simplifies your application process and improves your chances of successfully obtaining a U.S. immigrant visa.

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