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U.S. Immigrant Visas:
Your Route to
Permanent Residency

Are you considering immigrating to the United States or sponsoring a family member? The U.S. offers various immigrant visa options based on family ties, employment opportunities, special categories, and the Diversity Visa Program.

U.S. flag with passport and visa application

Types of Immigrant Visas

U.S. Immigrant visas generally fall into two primary categories:

Family with passports at airport

Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigrant visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to reunite with their loved ones.

Immediate Relative (IR) Visas (No annual cap)

  • IR1, CR1 – Spouse of a U.S. citizen
  • K-1 – Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen
  • IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 – Intercountry adoption of orphans
  • IR2, CR2, IR5 – Certain family members of U.S. citizens

Family Preference (F) Visas (Limited annually)

  • F1 – Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
  • F2A, F2B – Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents
  • F3 – Married children of U.S. citizens
  • F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens

Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based visas provide opportunities for skilled workers, professionals, investors, and other qualified individuals.

EB-1: Priority Workers

  • Individuals with extraordinary abilities (science, arts, business, or athletics)
  • Outstanding professors and researchers
  • Multinational managers or executives

EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals

  • Individuals holding advanced degrees
  • Persons with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business

EB-3: Skilled and Unskilled Workers

  • Professionals with at least a bachelor's degree
  • Skilled workers with two or more years of experience
  • Other unskilled workers

EB-4: Special Immigrants

  • Religious workers, former U.S. government employees, broadcasters

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

  • Investors contributing $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted areas) to a U.S. commercial enterprise, creating at least 10 jobs
Professional businessman in office setting
Diverse group of people celebrating with American flag

Diversity Visa Program

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program allocates 50,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Applicants are selected through a random lottery.

U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Agencies

To secure a U.S. immigrant visa, applicants interact with several government agencies:

1

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Reviews and approves petitions.

2

National Visa Center (NVC):

Prepares visa applications for interviews.

3

Kentucky Consular Center (KCC):

Processes Diversity Visa applications.

4

U.S. Embassies and Consulates:

Conduct visa interviews and issue visas.

Woman holding passport and visa documents
Visa application forms with U.S. flag

Required Documentation for Immigrant Visa Applications

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

Valid Passport:

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date.

Form DS-260:

Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.

Photographs:

Two recent passport-sized photos.

Civil Documents:

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and translations if necessary.

Financial Support:

Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) for family-sponsored immigrants.

Medical Examination Report:

Conducted by an approved panel physician.

Visa Interview Process

1

Once the National Visa Center confirms all documents are submitted, applicants will receive an interview appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A consular officer will review the application and determine visa eligibility.

2

Be prepared to answer questions about your background, eligibility, and intentions in the U.S. If approved, you will receive a visa packet and instructions for entering the U.S. as a permanent resident.

3

For more details, visit the official U.S. Department of State website or consult an immigration attorney.

Visa interview scenario

Start Your Immigration Journey Today!

Whether you're applying for a family-based, employment-based, or Diversity Visa, understanding the process is crucial. Begin gathering the necessary documents and prepare for your interview to ensure a smooth immigration experience.

Professional woman ready to start immigration journey

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