Types of Visas Offered by the US

Types of Non-Immigrant Visa Categories

The given below are categories of non-immigrant visa of US: 

Types of Immigrant Visa 

Given below are the types of Immigrant Visa: 

• Family-Based Immigration: It allows people of another country to live permanently in the U.S. if sponsored by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. There are two types: Immediate Relative visas for close family with no yearly limit, and the other one is Family Preference visas for more distant relatives with a limit each year. 
• Fiancé Visa: The K-1 fiancé visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for marriage. The couple must marry within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card (permanent residency).
•   Employment-Based Immigration: These visas allow foreign workers to live and work permanently in the U.S. These visas are specially given to the people with special skills, education, or investment ability. There are five main categories of this visa (E1–E5) that are based on job type, ability, or role.
• Returning Resident Visa: This visa is for U.S. green card holders who stayed outside the U.S. for more than one year without a re-entry permit. To keep permanent resident status, they must prove the long stay was beyond their control. Normally, green card holders must return within one year. Extensions cannot be granted from outside the U.S. without this visa. 
• Adoption: An Adoption Visa is used in intercountry adoptions, where a U.S. citizen adopts a child from another country. It allows the child to enter the U.S. and live permanently with their adoptive family. This process is done legally and aims to provide stable, loving homes for children in need. The U.S. considers it only when domestic options in the child’s country are not suitable. 

U.S. Immigrant Visas Application Process

The immigrant visa application process includes the applicant and the petitioner. For instance, if you want to apply to shift to the US through employment-based immigration, then you and your employer have to be involved in the entire application process. Employment-based immigration is different than a temporary work visa.

Step 1: Submit a Petition

1. Petitioner’s Role: A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the relationship with the intending immigrant.
2. Applicant’s Role: Wait for USCIS to approve the petition and forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 2: NVC Processing

1. NVC's Role: Assigns a case number and sends a welcome letter to both the petitioner and the applicant.
2. Applicant’s Action: Log into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using credentials in the welcome letter.
3. Petitioner’s Action: Ensure all contact information is accurate and up to date.

Step 3: Pay Fees

1. Required Fees:Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee Affidavit of Support Fee
   1. Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee
   2. Affidavit of Support Fee
2. Payment Method: Payments must be made online through the CEAC portal.

Step 4: Submit Affidavit of Support

1. Petitioner's Role: Complete and sign Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, demonstrating financial ability to support the applicant.
2. Joint Sponsor: If the primary sponsor's income is insufficient, a joint sponsor may be required.
3. Submission: Upload the completed Form I-864 and supporting financial documents to the CEAC portal.

Step 5: Provide Financial and Other Supporting Documents

1. Required Documents:Financial evidence: tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification Civil documents: birth certificates, police certificates, marriage certificates
   1. Financial evidence: tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification
   2. Civil documents: birth certificates, police certificates, marriage certificates
2. Submission: Upload scanned copies of these documents to the CEAC portal.

Step 6: Complete Online Visa Application

1. Form DS-260: The applicant completes the online Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
2. Payment: Pay the visa application fee as instructed.
3. Confirmation: Print the confirmation page upon completion.

Step 7: Prepare for the Interview

1. Scheduling: NVC schedules the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
2. Notification: Applicants receive interview details via email or mail.
3. Preparation: Review Interview Preparation guidelines carefully.

Step 8: Attend the Visa Interview

1. Required Documents:Valid passport DS-260 Confirmation Page Visa Appointment Confirmation Civil and financial documents
   1. Valid passport
   2. DS-260 Confirmation Page
   3. Visa Appointment Confirmation
   4. Civil and financial documents
2. Interview: Attend the interview at the scheduled time. The consular officer assesses eligibility for the immigrant visa.
3. Outcome: If approved, the applicant will receive instructions on visa issuance.

Step 9: After the Interview

1. Visa Issuance: Approved applicants receive their immigrant visa and a sealed immigration packet.
2. USCIS Immigrant Fee: Pay this fee online before traveling to the U.S. to cover the Green Card processing.
3. Travel: Present the sealed packet to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival.

Step 10: Receive Green Card

1. Processing: After entry into the U.S., USCIS processes the Green Card.
2. Delivery: The Green Card is mailed to the applicant's U.S. address.

US Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a US immigrant visa is three to five weeks. On the other hand, in case of US non-immigrant visa, the processing time is seven to ten days. So, the applicants should apply for the visa three months in advance.