How to Get a US Immigrant Visa

Looking to work and live in the United States of America? If so, you’re going to need to get a US immigrant visa. The question is: how?

The visa application process can be long and arduous. However, in terms of steps followed, it’s fairly straightforward. Just follow the guidelines below and, soon enough, you’ll get a visa to move to the US.

Submit a Petition

First and foremost, a petition must be submitted through form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relatives. This must be filled out by a relative of the person hoping to get a visa, and that relative must be a permanent resident of the United States.

Once the petition is filled out, it should be sent to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They’ll decide whether the petition is approved or not, after which, you can continue to the next steps of the process.

Submit Documents to the NVC

Once you’re approved, you’ll need to submit documents to the NVC (National Visa Center). They’ll send you a welcome letter after your petition is approved. This will inform you of the types of documentation that need to be submitted.

In addition to documentation and forms, you’ll also need to pay specific fees. These usually add up to just under $200 US.

Note that it can take months or even years before a petition is sent to the NVC. As such, it’s vital that you keep your contact info updated with the NVC at all times.

Undergo Your Medical Exam

US visa applicants must be assessed medically prior to their Visa interview. You’ll be informed of the time and location of the medical exam by the NVC. It must take place at least 2 weeks before your interview.

Attend Your Visa Interview

Once you’ve sent in all of the necessary documentation, and once the NVC has approved it, you’ll schedule an interview with the NVC. In this interview, you’ll answer questions pertaining to why you want to come to the United States. The key is to answer all questions honestly.

Visa interviews are carried out in US embassies. Your interview will likely be at the embassy closest to you.

Obtain Your Passport/Visa/Packet

If you are approved for a visa, you’ll be able to pick up your passport 10 days after your interview. This will be at the same location where your interview took place.

If you aren’t approved, you’ll receive a letter telling you why. Or you might receive a letter requesting further documentation. If you wish to proceed, follow the guidelines in the letter you receive.

Enter the United States

Once you’ve received your passport, visa, and documentation packet, and once you’ve paid all fees to the USCIS, you’ll be able to move to America. When you do, make sure to bring your passport, visa and documentation packet with you.

You’ll need to submit your documentation packet to an immigration authority upon your entry to the country. Make sure the package remains sealed.

Need Help Getting a US Immigrant Visa?

When you apply for a visa, there are all sorts of obstacles you can run into throughout the process. This is why in many cases, it’s good to have legal representation on your side.

Looking for an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles? Look no further than The Shahbaz Firm. We’ve helped countless immigrants obtain visas to the US and can help you as well.

Contact us today to discuss the process!