The visa application
The request for a resident visa, which allows an immigrant to legally reside and work in the United States, may be issued in the United States or a U.S. Consulate in the applicant’s country of citizenship. Consult an attorney experienced in immigration law to find out which process is right for you.
WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
When it is desired to obtain an immigrant visa in the United States, the process is called a request for “change of status”. The only government agency in charge of this process is the Citizenship and Immigration Service of the United States (CIS, for its acronym in English).
People who apply for permanent residence must file Form I-485, available at the website of the CIS , together with the corresponding cost. Then, the CIS will schedule an appointment to take your fingerprints and photograph and interview him. The interview is scheduled within one year after filing the Form I-485. However, it is possible that the background checks of the applicant delay the process. The residence card is sent by mail once the application is approved.
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
The application for an immigrant visa outside the United States is called “consular processing.” This process involves the participation of the CIS, the National Visa Center (NVC) and the embassy or consulate of the country of citizenship of the applicant.
The process begins with the payment of the cost of an immigrant visa by the National Visa Center. The center also requires the filing of an “Affidavit of Support” demonstrating the ability of a sponsor to financially support the applicant.
After receiving payment, the center will send an instruction packet. This package contains information about what forms and documents must be submitted for the immigrant visa. The contents vary according to the specific characteristics of each case, but in general, are required to present birth certificates, marriage certificates and copies of passports.
An interview for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Consulate located in the country of the applicant is then scheduled. Before the interview, the applicant must undergo a medical examination and must bring their immunization record to review.
If an immigrant visa is approved at the interview, a stamp in the passport of the person as proof of permanent resident status is stamped until you arrive in the mail a residence. Once issued the visa, the person has six months to enter the United States before the visa expires and. If not migrate during this period, the visa is no longer valid and again have to process a request for residency.