Issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Click here to start your immigrant visa application What is a Visa? This also include certain M-2 dependents when the principal’s necessary training is four weeks or more. After you submit your application, you can move on to the next steps such as scheduling your interview. To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. The latest US Immigration news covering the USCIS, including green cards/permanent residency, family sponsorship, temporary work visas, investor visas, and citizenship. After you submit your application, you can move on to the next steps such as scheduling your interview. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. All you need to do is answer a few questions. U.S. Embassies and Consulates: Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, nearest your residence abroad, where you will apply and be interviewed for your U.S. visa. For specific information regarding immigrant visa classifications and requirements, refer to the USCIS website or the Department of State website. Explore My Options. An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. The type of nonimmigrant visa needed is defined by immigration law, and related to the purpose of the travel. For questions related to other visa categories, please visit our nonimmigrant visa FAQ, K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa FAQ , or other FAQs . The first step in applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa is to complete your application. As of January 28, the United States Embassy in Jakarta and Consulate General Surabaya have resumed services for all nonimmigrant visa categories at reduced capacity. Many people want to come to the United States to work. For Canadian Citizens and Mexican Nationals, Electronic System for Travel Authorization, Electronic Secured Adjudication Forms Environment (e-SAFE), For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents. Stay up to date on US Immigration News through May 2021! Immigrant Visa categories in USA 1 . Click on the icons below to learn more. U.S. U.S. An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. Welcome to the official U.S. Visa Service for foreign citizens travel to the United States. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States. Learn about USCIS and explore your options. International travelers planning to visit the U.S. for business or pleasure can get a visa waiver. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits nationals from designated countries to apply for admission to the United States for 90 days or less as nonimmigrant visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Many people want to come to the United States to work. Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of the United Kingdom at the U.S. Embassy in London. Generally, an individual applies directly to the U.S. consulate or embassy abroad for a tourist (B-2) or business nonimmigrant (B-1) visa. All you need to do is answer a few questions. Top Types of Immigrant Visas. Be arriving on designated carrier that is signatory to a Visa Waiver Program Agreement, if applicable; Have a machine-readable passport valid for 6 months beyond the period of intended stay, or essentially 9 months (90 days + 6 months). To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. The Department of State's 6-month list extending the validity of certain foreign passports can be found on the. There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. This page is currently for all eligible immigrant visa applicants (not including K-1s and SB-1s) to reschedule their immigrant visa interview appointment if they have missed their original appointment. This feature quickly determines your potential eligibility for immigration options. Petitioner: A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member or employer (or the employer's agent) who files a family-based or employment-based immigrant visa petition with USCIS. Complete an Arrival/Departure Form I-94W. Travelers arriving at a land border will be required to pay the required Form I-94W processing fee. INA Section 222(f) provides that visa issuance and refusal records shall be considered confidential and shall be used only for the formulation, amendment, administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and other laws of the United States. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS oversees immigration to the United States and approves (or denies) immigrant petitions, and more. Many foreign-born workers have lost their jobs to the pandemic – and strict new visa rules have raised the threat of removal Last modified on … To get a visa waiver, you must be a citizen of one of the 39 countries that participate in the U.S.'s Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For additional information about the Visa Waiver Program, refer to the Department of State website. File Online. Visa Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions. It takes approximately 90 minutes to do this. Get information on the different application requirements and … The chart below lists all the non-immigrant visas, descriptions and any required documents/applications. U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. At the time of application for admission, a VWP applicant must: Be in possession of a round-trip ticket that will transport the individual out of the United States to any other foreign port or place as long as the trip does not terminate in contiguous territory or an ; except that the round trip ticket may transport the traveler to contiguous territory or an , if the traveler is a resident of the country of destination or if arriving at a land border, provide evidence of financial solvency and a domicile abroad to which the traveler intends to return; In addition, VWP visitors may not file an application to change status to an immigrant or another nonimmigrant classification or extend their stay beyond the 90-day timeframe. This service is designed to help you: Obtain general information on how to apply for a United States Visa. Welcome! Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. All immigrant and fiancé(e) visa holders are still subject to DHS admissibility determinations and to the Centers for Disease Control’s order for mandatory COVID-19 testing prior to entry into the United States. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). U.S. policy permits citizens of certain countries as identified below to travel to the United States without a visa. If you are planning to travel to the United States for a temporary stay, you may need a visa. USCIS sends the approved petition to the Department of State's National Visa Center where it will remain until an immigrant visa number becomes available. To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of Australia only at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney. The Visa Bulletin provides the most recent date for when a visa number is available for the different categories and countries for family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity (lottery) visas. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. About a million people a year receive Green Cards, designating them as new permanent residents of the United States. Non-Immigrant Visas. For certain family member (s) of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents … Learn More. For more information about the US immigration process and requirements, please visit our main page on US immigration. Urgent information for visa applicants regarding COVID-19 pandemic and associated visa and travel suspensions 02 April 2021 The U.S. Embassy in Paris continues to follow procedures that prioritize the health and safety of our applicants and employees. To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. Unlike nonimmigrant tourist, student, and specialty worker visas, which allow someone to remain in the United States for a limited period of time, an immigrant visa permits the person who receives it to live indefinitely in the United States and to seek employment. To adopt orphans currently outside of the U.S. Based on special categories, including former U.S. government employees, Annual program making a limited number of  visas available to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Visa Application Type. If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. The Visa Bulletin allows you to check your place in the immigrant visa queue. Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. An intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident once the immigrant visa and accompanying paperwork is reviewed and endorsed by a CBP Officer. For an alphabetical listing all of the nonimmigrant visa classifications and specific requirements refer to the USCIS website. Important: Before You Start Official website of the Department of Homeland Security, Performance, Accountability and Financial Reports. Learn More. in Immigrant Visa / Non Immigrant Visa / Visas tagged Immigration / USA by . If you still can’t find … Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS oversees immigration to the United States and approves (or denies) immigrant petitions, and more. US Immigrant Visa categories. The Consular Sections of the U.S. Embassy and the Consulates are responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Pilots and aircrew traveling to the United States for training or aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance, including individuals who are traveling to the United States on B-1/B-2, B-1, or M-1 visas, or Visa Waiver Program authorizations. Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of Germany at the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt. This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Immigrant Visa Case Number (e.g., MTL1999626025) Enter the code as shown . Pay the required Visa application fees. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons. Stay up to date on US Immigration News through May 2021! Explore My Options. Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf. The beneficiary (the person seeking the immigration visa) will receive two notices from the National Visa Center: one when the visa petition is received, and again when an immigrant visa number is available. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, For certain family member(s) of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders), For permanent employment or investment by entrepreneurs. Due to the suspension of immigrant visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, the U.S. Department of State has designated the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana as the primary site to process immigrant visas for residents of Cuba. On this website, you can check your U.S. visa application status. The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC): KCC assists selected entrants of the Diversity Visa program in preparing their case for processing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The latest US Immigration news covering the USCIS, including green cards/permanent residency, family sponsorship, temporary work visas, investor visas, and citizenship. Visa Status Check. The United States provides for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa. Click on the icons below to learn more. An intending immigrant must present the immigrant visa at a U.S. port-of-entry prior to the expiration of the immigrant visa. However, foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States to study or work may require certain authorization and documentation prior to applying for a nonimmigrant visa. Non-immigrant visas are temporary visas for the purpose of business, work or tourism. or the U.S. Department of State website. Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship. This feature quickly determines your potential eligibility for immigration options. Visitor visas for tourism or business Fiancé (e) visa to marry your U.S. citizen fiancé (e), and live, in the U.S. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer at an American embassy or consulate has reviewed the application and that officer has determined that the individual is eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). When and How to Contact KCC. Family Based. Immigrants are divided into categories based on their reasons for wanting to move to the U.S. permanently, each with separate limits for the number of immigrants admitted each year. 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. The visa policy of the United States consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in the United States. The first step in applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa is to complete your application. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets the number of immigrant visas the U.S. Department of State (DOS) can issue to aliens seeking to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card) each year.. Visa Services are Limited The U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam is providing limited immigrant visa services (IR-1, IR-2, CR-1, CR-2, IR5 and K visas) and very limited non-immigrant visa services for students and certain petition-based workers who qualify for an exception to current travel restrictions. Applying … Are you interested in immigrating to the United States or want to sponsor someone? If you have any questions regarding the immigrant visa process, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. Immigrant Visa Case Number (e.g., MTL1999626025) Enter the code as shown . Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi. This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The application is later forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas for continued processing and issuance of the immigrant visa to the intending immigrant, if eligible. Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of the Philippines at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. VWP applicants waive their right to proceedings before an Immigration Judge, unless they make an asylum application. For more information about the US immigration process and requirements, please visit our main page on US immigration. To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident immediate relative (s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. When and how to Contact NVC. In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta continues to process immigrant visas for spouses, children, and fiancés of U.S. citizens, plus returning residents (IR1/IR2, CR1/CR2, K-1, and SB-1). It takes approximately 90 minutes to do this. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. If you want to reschedule a K-1 visa interview appointment, please visit Fiancé(e) Visas (K1 & K2). The United States provides for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa. National Visa Center (NVC): After your petition is approved, NVC will assist you in preparing your visa application for interview for certain visa categories at U.S. Embassies & Consulates. Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored: Visa Category: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen: IR1, CR1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition: The CBP Officer at the port-of-entry will conduct an inspection to determine if the individual is eligible for admission under U.S. immigration law. Most people who come to the U.S. using an immigrant visa receive one of the following types: Important: Before You Start Apply for an Immigrant Visa. Travelers who have a valid immigrant or K visa may now travel directly to the United States, and no longer need a National Interest Exception (NIE) to apply for entry. Please select a location and enter your Application ID or Case Number. Many of those people arrive in the U.S. through an immigrant visa. Immigrant visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are unlimited, so they are always available. File Online. Immediate relatives include: The spouses of U.S. citizens; The United States Embassy in Senegal is currently providing immigrant visa services for all categories of immigrant visas and some limited categories of nonimmigrant visas. Get information on the different application requirements and …