Immigrant Visas

General Information

An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.

In general any applicant for an immigrant visa must be the beneficiary of an approved petition. Certain applicants such as priority workers, investors, and diversity immigrants can petition on their behalf. All other intending immigrants must have a relative or potential employer petition for them.

U.S. immigration law provides for the issuance of immigrant visas in four general categories:

• Immediate relatives (spouses, children under age 21 and parents) 
  
• Family based (sons/daughters, brothers/sisters, spouses and children of Green Card holders)
  
• Employment based
  
• Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, known as the "green card" lottery

!!Please read this fraud warning regarding the greencard lottery!!

• Returning Residents (Legal Permanent Residents who lost their Resident Status)
• Immigration as an Orphan

Other:

• Are you the spouse, child or parent of a deceased U.S. citizen member of the armed force? 
• Are you a U.S. citizen and wish to adopt a foreign born child? 
• Are you the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen and wish to travel to the U.S. to marry your fiancé(e)? 
• Did you file a K3 visa in the U.S.? The K3 Visa
• Did you file a V visa in the U.S.? The V Visa