Immigrant Visas

A foreign national who wishes to reside and work permanently in the US is granted an immigrant visa. Most frequently, the person is sponsored by a family member or employer who submits an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some candidates, including workers with exceptional talent, investors, and some special immigrants, are eligible to file a petition on their own behalf. The application is then sent to the relevant U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad for further processing and, if qualified, for the issuing of the immigrant visa to the intended immigrant. Prior to the immigrant visa expiring, the prospective immigrant must produce the immigrant visa at a point of entry into the United States. Once the immigrant visa and related documentation have been examined, the prospective immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident.