General Information

An immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States, an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card. The holder of a Permanent Resident Card may reside and work in the United States and may eventually become a U.S. citizen.

U.S. immigration law provides for the issuance of immigrant visas in four general categories: immediate relatives, family based, employment based, and Diversity Visa Program, known as the "green card" lottery. More information on Diversity Visas can be found at http://travel.state.gov

Immigrant Visas for Swaziland are processed at the Consulate General in Johannesburg. Petitioners residing full-time in Swaziland may pay the I-130 petition filing fee at the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland. If the petition is clearly approvable, the Consular Officer will forward the petition to, the USCIS office in Johannesburg. All immigrant visa applicants must appear in person at the Consulate General in Johannesburg for an immigrant visa interview once their petition is approved by USCIS.

In general any applicant for an immigrant visa, other than a Diversity Visa, must be the beneficiary of an approved petition. For complete details on petition requirements, please contact uscis.johannesburg@dhs.gov