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EmailVisa Types for Immigrants
Overview - For an overview of the types of immigrant visas available under immigration law, please see Immigrant Visa Classifications on the USCIS Website. Step 1 - In general, to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition. Learn about the different processes for the major immigrant categories, which are:
Immediate Relative and Family Sponsored
- Family Immigration
- Marriage to a Foreign National
- Spouse or Fiance(e) of U.S. Citizen
- Spouse of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) in U.S. - Adopting a Child
Employer Sponsored
Special Immigrants
- Employment: Iraqi or Afghan Translators/Interpreters
- Employment: Iraqis - Worked for/on behalf of US Government
- Employment: Religious Workers
Diversity Visa Program - Visas provided are drawn from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Unlike other immigrant types, Diversity Visas (DV) do not require a U.S. sponsor, and therefore a petition is not needed.
Step 2 - After the immigrant petition has been approved (excluding DV applicants) by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), then the next step is preliminary processing for a visa with the Department of State, National Visa Center. Visit Immigrant Visa Processing – the National Visa Center for information related to:
- Affidavit of Support
- Required applicant documents (i.e. birth certificates, police reports, marriage/divorce certificates, etc.)
- Medical Exam/Panel physician information
- Interviews
