Visa 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
- Adopting a Child
- Employer Sponsored
- Special Immigrants
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