Visas for Permanent Immigrants

In general, in order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s) or by a prospective employer.  Unlike most other immigrant categories, Immediate Relatives are not subject to numerical limits under immigration law.                   

Major immigrant categories are:

Immediate Relatives

Special Immigrants

Family-sponsored

Employer-sponsored

Additionally the Diversity Visa Program provides a certain number of permanent resident visas annually.  These visas are drawn from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.

Family Immigration

Adopting a Child

Marriage to a Foreign National

Diversity Visa Program

Employment Visas