How to Set Family Visa Interview for Usa

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As of 2018, there are more than 44 one thousand thousand immigrants living in the Us.^[ane] If you are currently exterior the Us, your path begins past applying for an immigrant visa and go a permanent resident. On the other hand, if you are already in the Usa, you can apply for permanent resident status through the "aligning of status" process.^[2] Later living in the U.s. equally a permanent resident for 5 years or longer, you may be eligible to become a naturalized citizen.^[3]

1. 1

   Identify the appropriate category for your visa. If you are currently outside the US and want to emigrate into the US permanently, you must first acquire an immigrant visa. In that location are several categories of immigrant visa, each of which requires a different awarding form and supporting documentation.^[iv]

   • The The states prioritizes immigrant visas based on categories. The highest priority is given to immigrants who already have family unit in the US who are either United states citizens or permanent residents. The next highest priority is given to immigrants who already accept employment in the US.
   • You tin apply for a visa in other categories, such as an asylum visa. These visas are extremely limited. The number of available visas may be further limited depending on your current country. The await list for a visa in these categories tin sometimes exist years long.

2. 2

   Choose someone to sponsor your visa application. If you lot want to utilize for an immigrant visa, you demand a Usa citizen to sponsor you. If you lot're applying under the family visa category, that person volition exist a family unit member of yours who is a The states citizen. For the employment-based category, your sponsor will typically exist your prospective employer.

   • If y'all are being sponsored by a family member, they must exist a US citizen over 18 years of age.
   • If the person sponsoring you has never sponsored an immigrant earlier, the 2 of you may demand to have some fourth dimension to read through the process and understand what's involved. An attorney who specializes in clearing law can aid walk you through it. There are also nonprofit organizations that aid immigrants.

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3. 3

   Have your sponsor submit a petition on your behalf. The required forms your sponsor must complete and file are bachelor for download from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The forms include instructions for completing them and submitting them to USCIS.^[5]

   • If you are being sponsored by a family member, they will file Form I-130, Petition for Conflicting Relative. If you are existence sponsored by a prospective employer, they will file Course I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.

4. four

   Wait for notification from the National Visa Center (NVC). If your petition is approved, USCIS will send it to the NVC for processing. The NVC collects your visa application, fees, and supporting documentation. Because at that place are a limited number of visas available each year in each category, it may be months or even years earlier you hear from the NVC.^[6]

   • The NVC notification includes instructions on the side by side steps to apply for an immigration visa. Read these instructions carefully and get assistance from an clearing lawyer or nonprofit bureau if you don't understand them. Non post-obit the instructions could filibuster the processing of your application, or result in your application being rejected.
   • At this time, you lot can choose an agent to receive NVC communications on your behalf. This may exist necessary if yous move frequently, or do not accept a stable permanent address. You tin can likewise serve equally your own agent.

   Tip: Information technology's not a bad idea to starting time gathering your supporting documents while you're waiting for notification from the NVC. The visa awarding and instructions are available on the USCIS website.

5. five

   Submit your awarding, fees, and documents to the NVC. The application for an immigration visa is detailed and relatively lengthy. Near of the information yous provide on your application must exist supported with official documentation. When y'all've completed your application and gathered the required documents, send the entire package to the NVC.^[vii]

   • Information technology's a good idea to go through your application and documentation with an clearing lawyer before you submit it. You must pay fees of more than than The states$1,000. If your application is denied you won't get any of that money dorsum, and y'all'll accept to start the process all over again.
   • In some countries, you'll use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to submit your application, fees, and documents, rather than mailing them. This procedure is more secure and saves time.

6. 6

   Have a medical examination. The USCIS requires a medical examination to decide whether y'all are a threat to public wellness. You will receive whatever required vaccinations and be screened for whatsoever communicable diseases.^[viii]

   • The doc must complete Form I-693, which they will seal in an envelope. Exercise not accept the form out of the envelope. You must deliver it to the consular office in a sealed envelope on the solar day of your interview.
   • This medical examination is valid 6 months.

7. 7

   Nourish your interview with a consular officer. Your interview will typically take place at the US embassy or consulate nearest where you live in your home country.^[nine]

   • During the interview, the officeholder volition review your supporting documents and enquire you questions about your application.
   • If you are applying with a family fellow member, typically they must attend the interview with you.
   • You will find out at the end of the interview if your visa has been approved. If the consular officer needs additional documents or data before they can corroborate your visa, they'll let you know. Get those documents to them as soon as possible.
   • The consular officer may deny your visa awarding. At that place usually is no entreatment from a denial. You may be able to get your awarding reconsidered by another officer. This may require an additional interview.

8. viii

   Travel to the US with your immigrant visa. Within a few days of your interview, your immigrant visa will be bachelor. Y'all can selection information technology upward at the embassy or consular office forth with your passport. Yous are expected to travel to the US before the visa expires, which is ordinarily half dozen months (your medical test is valid 6 months, so continue that in mind as well).^[10]

   • You will besides receive a sealed packet of documents to present to US customs officials at the port of entry. Do not open this sealed packet.

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1. 1

   Detect out if you're eligible for a Dark-green Menu. If you're in the US on a non-immigrant visa and want to become a permanent resident, you tin apply for an "adjustment of condition" if you fall inside 1 of the available categories. Permanent residency is about commonly bachelor for people who have a family relative who is a Usa citizen, or for people who accept stable full-time employment in the US.^[eleven]

   • For case, if you came to the United states on a student visa and were later hired as a professor past your university, you could apply for an employment-based Green Card with the university as a sponsor.
   • Green Cards are also issued to people here on a non-immigrant visa who fall in love with someone while in the US and determine to get married.
   • All available categories are listed on the USCIS website. Information technology's also a good idea to talk to an clearing attorney before yous brainstorm the application process. They tin give you some advice and help you navigate the process.

   Tip: While the most mutual reasons for an adjustment of condition are family- or employment-based, you lot can also get a Green Card for other reasons. However, there are a express number of adjustments fabricated for other reasons each yr. The USCIS will not accept your application if at that place are no adjustments currently bachelor for that reason. You can check the availability on the USCIS website.

2. 2

   Complete an application for permanent residency. If yous're applying for a Green Card from within the United states of america, yous demand to fill up out Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adapt Status. The form asks questions nearly you lot, your reasons for seeking permanent residency, and your educational, work, and criminal history.^[12]

   • Yous can download a re-create of the application, and instructions for filling information technology out, at https://www.uscis.gov/i-485.

3. 3

   Gather documents to support your application. Almost all statements that you make on your application for permanent residency must be backed up with official documents. The specific documents you'll need depend on your application category.^[xiii]

   • If you married a United states of america citizen and are seeking an aligning of status on that basis, you would demand to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
   • If you're seeking an aligning of status because yous accept a full-time job in the U.s.a., you would need documents proving your employment. Typically this includes a letter from your managing director or supervisor verifying your employment.
   • Regardless of the category of your application, you'll need financial documents, including copies of your most recent tax render.

4. 4

   File your application with USCIS. When y'all've completed your application and gathered all the required documents, mail them to a USCIS lockbox for processing, along with your application fee. It'due south a good idea to make a copy of everything you send for your own records before you lot mail it off.^[14]

   • The address where you send your application and supporting documents depends on your eligibility category. Find the advisable address at https://world wide web.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses.

5. five

   Go to your biometrics services engagement. USCIS uses biometrics to verify your identity. When your application is received, USCIS will ship you a observe with the engagement, fourth dimension, and location of your appointment. Biometrics appointments are scheduled at an Application Back up Center (ASC) near you.^[fifteen]

   • During this date, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. You will likewise be asked to sign an acknowledgment certifying that all the information on your application is complete and right to the best of your knowledge.

6. 6

   Attend your interview with USCIS if necessary. In many cases, a USCIS interview isn't necessary for an adjustment of status – particularly if y'all've had a visa interview recently for a not-immigrant visa. ^[xvi]

   • During the interview, a USCIS agent will inquire you questions about your application and your reasons for applying for permanent residency. Answer their questions completely and honestly. If you don't understand something or don't know the answer, let them know so they can clarify or give yous time to find an authentic answer.
   • If you're applying for permanent residency because y'all married a Us citizen, your spouse typically must attend the interview besides. The USCIS agent may interview each of you separately.

7. 7

   Receive a decision on your application. Typically, USCIS volition send y'all a written observe of the decision first. If your application was approved, y'all'll get your bodily Dark-green Card a few weeks later you receive the conclusion notice.^[17]

   • If your application was denied, the notice volition tell you the reasons for deprival and whether you lot tin appeal the decision. Most reasons for denial do not let for an appeal. Even so, you may be able to file a motion for reconsideration (to accept your application reconsidered by a different USCIS agent), or a move to reopen your case (if you want to submit boosted supporting documents or data).

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1. 1

   Alive in the U.s. equally a lawful permanent resident. Earlier you are eligible to become a U.s.a. denizen, you must live in the country as a permanent resident for five years. This catamenia is reduced to three years if yous are married to a US citizen or for other special circumstances such as military service.^[18]

   • Your residency must also be continuous, or the time starts over. While information technology'due south okay to have cursory trips out of the land, at least 30 months of continuous residency in the US is typically required.
   • While you're a permanent resident, take intendance to follow all applicable laws and local ordinances. Any infractions could make it more difficult for you to get a denizen.

2. ii

   Complete an application for naturalization. After you've lived in the U.s. for the requisite period of fourth dimension, you tin can utilise to become a citizen of the The states. The application, Form Due north-400, is bachelor on the USCIS website.^[19]

   • Equally a Light-green Card holder, y'all are entitled to alive in the US permanently. Nonetheless, if you lot get a naturalized citizen, you have the right to vote and receive benefits, such every bit Social Security, from the federal regime.
   • Fill out the awarding completely and accurately. Exist honest in your answers, even if you call up the truth might injure your chances of becoming a denizen.
   • Earlier you brainstorm the application process, the USCIS recommends you lot read the Guide to Naturalization. You can download the guide at https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/commodity/M-476.pdf.

3. iii

   Submit your application to USCIS. Once yous've completed your application and compiled any necessary supporting documents, mail service information technology to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility forth with the fees for processing.^[20]

   • The Guide to Naturalization provides the addresses for the lockbox facilities. Generally, the address you apply depends on where in the The states or its territories you currently live.

4. four

   Nourish a citizenship interview with a USCIS agent. Afterwards your application is processed, y'all'll receive a discover of the date, time, and location of your interview. The interview typically covers questions nigh your application, as well as your background, your character, and your zipper and loyalty to the US and the US Constitution.^[21]

   • While you are taking your interview, you are considered to be under oath. If the USCIS agent catches you lying well-nigh anything, they will end your interview immediately and reject your awarding.

   Tip: If your application is rejected, y'all'll receive a observe explaining the reasons. You have the right to appeal a rejection by requesting a hearing with an immigration officeholder. If the immigration officeholder doesn't approve your application, yous can appeal your example to a US District Courtroom. All of these appeals volition price you additional fees, plus potential court costs. If you lot decide to appeal, contact an immigration attorney to discuss your options.

5. 5

   Have the US citizenship examination. The citizenship exam consists of an English examination and a civics test. For the English language portion of the test, you must be able to read, write, and answer questions in English. The civics examination consists of 10 questions about the The states regime and history. Y'all must reply at least 6 of the 10 questions correctly.^[22]

   • In that location are 100 possible civics questions you may be asked. You tin can download a copy of these questions from the USCIS website if you want to written report.
   • You lot can as well take a grooming grade or use a written report guide. These resources are available for free at nearly public libraries. Universities and nonprofit organizations near you may besides offering resources free of charge to help you prepare for the test.

6. six

   Attend your naturalization ceremony. If y'all pass the citizenship test, you will be invited to attend a naturalization anniversary and take the Adjuration of Allegiance. You are not considered an official Usa citizenship until you lot've taken the Oath.^[23]

   • The naturalization ceremony is a significant occasion for most new citizens. However, if for some reason you are unable to nourish, you have other options for taking the Adjuration. You tin even accept the Oath at the end of your test if you choose.

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• An attorney who specializes in immigration law can help you navigate the procedure. If you're concerned near finances, there are many clearing attorneys who help low-income immigrants at no fee, or at a substantially reduced fee.

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• Your Light-green Card must be renewed every 10 years, or every two years if yous are given a provisional Green Card. Visit the USCIS website to starting time the renewal process at to the lowest degree six months before it expires, to allow time for your application to be reviewed.^[24]

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Article Summary X

To immigrate to the United States permanently, beginning you'll need to use for an immigrant visa and find a US citizen to sponsor your awarding. Continue in mind that it can take months or years to get approved depending on the category of immigrant visa you're eligible for. And then, once you're living in the U.s.a., you tin can utilise for a green card to get permanent resident status. If you desire to become a Us citizen, you must live in the The states for v years and take a citizenship test. To larn how to apply for a United states green card, scroll downward!

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