Explore U.S. Immigrant Visa Categories
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From family reunification to employment, diversity lottery, and humanitarian pathways — we guide you through every step toward U.S. permanent residency.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Immediate Relative (IR) Visas: These visas are for close family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. Immediate relative visas are not subject to annual caps, making them one of the fastest ways to get a U.S. green card through family sponsorship.
Family Preference (F1–F4) Visas: Family preference visas cover more distant relationships, such as unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, married children, and siblings. Unlike immediate relatives, these categories are capped annually, often leading to long waiting periods. Still, they provide a legal path for extended family immigration.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (leading to green card): The K-1 visa is a non-immigrant entry visa but converts to immigrant status. It allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the U.S. for marriage. After the couple marries within 90 days, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (EB)
EB-1 Priority Workers: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives/managers. Fast processing, no labor certification.
EB-2 Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional talent. Includes National Interest Waiver (NIW) for self-petition.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers: Skilled workers (2+ years training), bachelor’s degree holders, and certain unskilled workers. Employer-driven, requires labor certification.
EB-4 Special Immigrants: Religious workers, U.S. gov. employees abroad, and protected juveniles.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Invest $800K–$1.05M in a U.S. enterprise creating 10+ jobs to gain residency.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program
The Diversity Visa Lottery issues up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Winners are selected randomly but must meet education or work experience requirements. The DV lottery is a unique opportunity for global applicants seeking U.S. permanent residency.
Special Categories & Humanitarian Programs
Special Immigrant Visas (SIV): For those who worked with the U.S. government abroad (e.g., Iraqi and Afghan translators, interpreters, employees). Provides a safe path to residency.
Refugee and Asylum Status: Refugees and asylees may apply for permanent residency one year after protection is granted, offering safety from persecution.
Military Parole in Place (PIP): Allows undocumented spouses, parents, and children of U.S. military members to adjust status without leaving the country.
Immigrant Journeys in Pictures
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