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Apply for a U.S. Immigrant Visa

If you dream of building a life in the United States, an Immigrant Visa could be your first step toward permanent residency —commonly known as getting a Green Card. Whether you're reuniting with loved ones or seizing professional opportunities, U.S. immigration law offers various pathways tailored to your background and goals.

Professional discussing immigration options

What is the Immigrant Visa?

An Immigrant Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the United States with the intention of living permanently. Unlike non-immigrant visas (such as tourist or student visas), immigrant visas lead to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status and eventually, eligibility for U.S. citizenship.

The two most common paths to immigrant visas are:

Family-Based Immigration
Employment-Based Immigration

Family-Based Immigration: Reuniting Loved Ones

U.S. immigration law prioritizes keeping families together. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), you may be eligible to sponsor certain relatives for an immigrant visa.

Immediate Relative Categories
(No Annual Limits):

  • Spouse of a U.S. citizen
  • Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen
  • Parent of a U.S. citizen (petitioner must be 21 or older)

Family Preference Categories
(Limited by Quota):

  • F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (age 21+)
  • F2A: Spouses and minor children of LPRs
  • F2B: Unmarried adult children of LPRs
  • F3: Married children of U.S. citizens
  • F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens

Each preference category is subject to annual caps and visa bulletin backlogs, making the timing of your application crucial.

How the Process Works:

  • 1
    Petition Filing: U.S. citizen or LPR files Form I-130 with USCIS.
  • 2
    Approval and Priority Date: Once approved, you wait for a visa number (if applicable).
  • 3
    Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Depending on your location.
  • 4
    Visa Interview and Medical Exam: Final steps before approval. Whether you're helping your spouse, child, or parent join you in the U.S., family-based immigration is one of the most common and successful routes to permanent residency.

Employment-Based Immigration: Build Your Career in the U.S.

The United States welcomes talented professionals, investors, and workers who bring valuable skills to the economy. Employment-Based (EB) Immigration offers five main categories.

Immediate Relative Categories
(No Annual Limits):

  • Spouse of a U.S. citizen
  • Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen
  • Parent of a U.S. citizen (petitioner must be 21 or older)

EB Visa Categories:

  • EB-1: Priority Workers (extraordinary ability, multinational executives)
  • EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
  • EB-4: Special immigrants (e.g., religious workers, broadcasters)
  • EB-5: Immigrant investors creating jobs in the U.S.

Key Steps in the Employment-Based Process:

  • 1
    PERM Labor Certification (for EB-2 and EB-3): Employer proves no qualified U.S. worker is available.
  • 2
    Form I-140 Filing: Employer petitions on your behalf.
  • 3
    Priority Date and Visa Bulletin Tracking: Wait for visa availability.
  • 4
    Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Consular Processing: Final step to green card.

Employment-based immigration can be a strategic path for professionals, especially in fields like IT, healthcare, finance, and academia.

Immigrant Visa Benefits

  • Permanent legal status in the U.S.
  • Ability to work and live anywhere in the country
  • Access to health care, education, and financial opportunities
  • Pathway to U.S. citizenship after five years

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