What is Immigrant Visa in USA || How to Apply for Immigrant Visa USA

Many people dream of living in the USA. Some people wish to work in the USA or start a new life with their family. The most important step to fulfill this dream is getting an immigrant visa to the USA. The USA immigrant visa is for those who want to stay permanently. Getting an immigrant visa means you will have the opportunity to become a Green Card or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) after entering the United States.

What is an immigrant visa in USA?
Different Types of Immigrant Visas
Application Eligibility for an immigrant visa
Requirements for an Immigrant Visa in USA
How to Apply for Immigrant Visa in USA
Visa Fees and Processing Time
After Arrival in the U.S.
Common Reasons for Visa Delay or Denial
Rights and Responsibilities of Immigrants
Path to U.S. Citizenship
To Conclude

What is an immigrant visa?

An immigrant visa is a type of visa that allows the applicant to live, work, and study in the United States permanently. On the other hand, a non-immigrant visa is usually issued for a specific period of time — such as for tourism, study, or business purposes. So, an immigrant visa is permission for permanent residence, and a non-immigrant visa is for a temporary visit.

Different Types of Immigrant Visas

The United States government issues immigrant visas in several categories. Below is the most important US immigrant visa category list:

Family-Based Immigrant Visa:

This is the most popular category. This is the most popular category. A U.S. citizen or green card holder can sponsor their family members to bring them to the United States permanently. Under the Family-Based Immigrant Visa category, there are two subcategories. The subcategories are:

Immediate Relatives (IR):

Spouse/Husband of U.S. Citizen (IR1/CR1)
Unmarried Child Under 21 (IR2)
Parents of Citizen (IR5)

Family Preference (F1–F4):

F1: Unmarried Adult Child.
F2A/F2B: Spouse/Child of Green Card Holder.
F3: Married Child.
F4: Sibling of Citizen.

Employment-Based Immigrant Visa

Those who want to contribute to the USA through their competency, experience, or investments can apply under an employment-based immigrant visa.

Main categories are:

EB-1: Distinguished Scientist, Researcher, Artist, or Multinational Executive.
EB-2: Highly Skilled Professional.
EB-3: Skilled Laborer, Professional, and Other Workers.
EB-4: Special Category Applicants (Religious Workers, etc.)
EB-5: Investor Visa (Minimum Investment $800,000)

Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery)

Each year, the United States government issues green cards to 50,000 applicants through the Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) program. Bangladesh is not currently under this program, but citizens of many countries receive opportunities through it.

Special Immigrant Visa – SIV

This is a reserved visa for certain groups, such as:

Afghan or Iraqi nationals who have served as assistants or translators for the U.S. military.
Religious workers.
Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) – For those who were previously green card holders but lost their status for staying outside the United States for a long time.
Refugee or Asylee visas.

Application Eligibility for an immigrant visa

To apply for an immigrant visa, certain conditions must be met. The conditions are:
The applicant must fall under a recognized category (such as family or job-based).
The applicant must have a sponsor. (US citizen/employer)
The applicant must pass a medical health test.
A police clearance certificate must be provided.
Proof of financial support, such as an Affidavit of Support – Form I-864, is required.
Must provide proof of genuine immigration intent.

Requirements for an Immigrant Visa in the USA

To apply for, US immigrant visa, you need the necessary documents. The following documents are usually required for an immigrant visa:

Valid passport.
Birth certificate.
Marriage certificate/divorce/death certificate (if applicable).
Police clearance certificate.
Medical report (from a U.S. Embassy-approved physician).
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application Form)
Two passport-sized photos.
NVC (National Visa Center) Case Number and receipts.

How to Apply for Immigrant Visa in USA

The applicant has to follow a few steps to complete the US immigrant visa application. The immigrant visa application process is usually completed in the following steps:

1️⃣ Petition Filing:

The sponsor in the United States submits Form I-130 (Family) or I-140 (Employment) to USCIS.

2️⃣ Petition approval/USCIS approval:

If the application is accepted, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).

3️⃣ NVC Case Creation & Fees Payment:

The NVC (National Visa Center) generates a case number and instructs the applicant to pay the fee.

4️⃣ DS-260 Form Filling and Document Submission:

You have to fill out the DS-260 online form and upload the necessary documents.

5️⃣ Medical exam & police certificates:

The applicant has to keep a police clearance certificate ready and to go through a medical test.

6️⃣ Interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate:

Interviews are held at the US Embassy. Officers will verify the applicant's qualifications, documents, and relationships.

7️⃣ Visa approval and passport return:

If all the applicant's qualifications, desire to live in America, and required documents are correct, the US Embassy will approve the applicant's visa. After approval, the visa is attached to the passport and returned.

8️⃣ Receiving the immigrant packet and traveling to the U.S:

Once your immigrant visa is approved at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you will get an Immigration Visa Packet (sometimes called the Visa Packet or Sealed Packet). It is an important part of the immigration process, and it must be handled carefully.

9️⃣ Receive Green Card by mail:

This is the final step of getting a Green Card in the US. After arriving in the United States, the green card is sent by mail.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

USCIS Petition filing fees: (I-130, I-140, etc.).
NVC fees: Usually $325 for visa + $120 affidavit fee.
Medical Test Fee: Test costs can vary by country.
Processing time: In some cases, it may take 6 months, while in many cases, it may take 1-5 years (especially in the Family Preference category).

After Arrival in the U.S.

During the check at the immigration, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will stamp (I-511) in your passport. This stamp will work as a temporary green card.
You will receive a Green Card within weeks.
Now, you can live, work, and study freely.
You must maintain residence and follow U.S. laws.

Common Reasons for Visa Delay or Denial

Incorrect or missing documents.
Insufficient proof of relationship or qualifications.
Security or health concerns.
Insufficient financial support (for Family-Based Immigrant Visa).
Previous immigration violations.

Rights and Responsibilities of Immigrants

After becoming a green card holder of the USA, the immigrants have basic rights and responsibilities to the country.
Rights of Immigrants:

Opportunity to live and work permanently anywhere in the U.S.
The right to education and healthcare
Eligibility to apply for citizenship later.

Responsibilities of Immigrants:

Comply with US laws.
Responsibility to pay taxes.
Obligation to green card renewal and avoid abandoning residency.

Path to U.S. Citizenship

After living in the United States for 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (or 3 years, if married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for citizenship through Naturalization (Form N-400).
The citizenship test includes questions related to English and American history. Green card holders have to pass the civics and English test to get permanent citizenship.
Finally, you will become a full citizen by taking the oath of allegiance.

To Conclude

An immigrant visa is the first step to starting a new life in the United States. This is not just a visa; rather, it is key to family reunion, career growth, and a stable future. To successfully get an immigrant visa, knowing the correct information, preparing all documents correctly, and applying honestly are very important. Finally, for the latest and most reliable information, always visit the USCIS (uscis.gov) and U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) websites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the types of US immigrant visas?

US immigrant visa types are broadly categorized. The US immigrant visa types have been described below.

(a) Family-Based Immigrant Visa:

This US immigrant visa type has two subcategories.

The subcategories are:

(1) Immediate Relatives (IR):

Spouse/Husband of U.S. Citizen (IR1/CR1)

Unmarried Child Under 21 (IR2)

Parents of Citizen (IR5)

(2) Family Preference (F1–F4):

F1: Unmarried Adult Child.

F2A/F2B: Spouse/Child of Green Card Holder.

F3: Married Child.

F4: Sibling of Citizen.

(b) Employment-Based Immigrant Visa

Under the Employment-Based Immigrant Visa category, there are a few main categories. They are:

Main categories are:

EB-1: Distinguished Scientist, Researcher, Artist, or Multinational Executive.

EB-2: Highly Skilled Professional.

EB-3: Skilled Laborer, Professional, and Other Workers.

EB-4: Special Category Applicants (Religious Workers, etc.)

EB-5: Investor Visa (Minimum Investment $800,000 )

(d) Special Immigrant Visa – SIV

Special Immigrant Visa – SIV is issued to special immigrants. The categories are:

Afghan or Iraqi nationals who have served as assistants or translators for the U.S. military.

Religious workers.

Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) – For those who were previously green card holders but lost their status for staying outside the United States for a long time.

Refugee or Asylee visas.

Can I immigrate to the USA without a job offer?

In the case of a job, you cannot immigrate to the USA without a job offer.

What is the meaning of an immigrant visa in USA?

An immigrant visa is a travel document issued by US embassy or consulate outside the United States.

It permits the visa holder to enter the USA and to live permanently.

Who is eligible for a U.S. immigrant visa?

Those who can fulfill the following conditions are eligible for a USA immigrant visa. The conditions are:

The applicant must fall under a recognized category (such as family or job-based).
The applicant must have a sponsor. (US citizen/employer)
The applicant must pass a medical health test.
A police clearance certificate must be provided.
Proof of financial support, such as an Affidavit of Support – Form I-864, is required.
Must provide proof of genuine immigration intent.

What is the U.S. immigration lottery?

It is actually the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) program. It is also known as the green card lottery.

Through the Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) program, each year the US government issues green cards to 50,000 applicants for permanent residence. This Diversity Visa (DV) program was established according to the Immigration Act of 1990.