With the aid of a US visa, millions of people enter and leave the United States every year. The US is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. However, as a non-US resident, you are required to have a visa in order to get access to the country.
This article will guide you through the steps required to get a US immigrant visa.
US Visa Required Documents
The list of documents required for the United States visa is not very long. Below are the documents you will need:
- A completed online DS-160 application form
- A valid passport or any travel document
- One passport-sized photograph
- Payment receipt of $160 nonimmigrant visa application fee
- Travel itinerary
- Sponsorship document
- Employment/Professional Documents
- Medical certificate of fitness
- Family documents
- Social media details
All documents need to be in English or officially translated into English.
How Much Does US Visa Cost?
US immigrant visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from. However, the USCIS charges an immigrant fee of $220.00.
USA Visa Application Process
To apply for a US immigrant visa, follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: File a Petition for USCIS
A US citizen or permanent lawful resident who wants to file a petition for a family member moving to the United States needs to fill out Form I-130. This form can be obtained from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 2: Case Preparation by the National Visa Center
Once the petition is approved, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
The duration of stay of the petition at the NVC depends on the category of visa applied for. Further, the NVC will contact either the petitioner or the beneficiary to submit all required civil documents, criminal records, financial support affidavits, and other supporting documents.
Step 3: Schedule an Interview with the National Visa Center
Once the NVC has received all the necessary documents needed to complete its own part of the application process, it will send a letter indicating a scheduled interview to the petitioner or the beneficiary.
The letter contains all the steps the beneficiary needs to follow before the interview given date. Further, upon completing the interview, all documents will be sent to the consular section by the NVC.
Step 4: Medical Exam
Applicants are expected to go for a medical exam at least two weeks before the day of the interview.
Usually, the Embassy approved medical doctors would be the ones to bring the test results to the Embassy before the date of the applicant’s interview. Note that sometimes the doctors will give you the result of the test. In this case, you are not required to open it.
Step 5: Attend the Interview
It is important that you go to the interview before the time allotted for you. Also, you will be required to bring all supporting documents as required for the application.
Furthermore, only the under-listed persons are strictly allowed to accompany the application for the interview:
- The petitioner
- Visitors with special needs (for the elderly, disabled persons, or minors)
Disabled persons should speak with the staff members and security guards at the Embassy in case they need special accommodation for things like wheelchairs.
Step 6: Visa Approval
Once your visa is approved, you will be able to pick it up 10 business days after the date of your interview. You can pick up the visa at the DHL office you designated during your interview.
You are Done!
After you have gone through the steps above, you should be able to receive your visa. Your visa is an important document you can use to travel within the United States, and hence should be kept safe.
Also, you should check the information that comes with your visa. Your visa contains your passport as well as other personal details; make sure they are correct and valid.
Finally, you will be required to pay the USCIS immigrant fee for your resident card before traveling to the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a U.S. immigrant visa?
There are 5 easy steps you can apply for a U.S. visa. The essential steps include:
- File an immigrant petition, this is normally done by your sponsor
- Wait for petition approval and then apply for an immigrant visa
- Go for a medical examination
- Attend your interview
- Wait for your visa
Who is eligible for an Immigrant visa?
A foreign citizen seeking to immigrate would generally need to be sponsored by a U.S citizen or lawful permanent resident, or a prospective employer. In addition, the applicant must have gotten an approved petition before applying for the visa.
How long does it take to get a U.S immigrant visa?
The timeframe from filing a petition to getting approved at the U.S consulate approximately takes 6-10 months. Depending on application backlogs, this time frame may vary.
Is U.S. visa application open now?
Due to covid-19 restrictions, U.S visa applications were shut down until February 2021 when visa application services were resumed.
