All Types of U.S. Immigration Visas: A Complete Guide

An immigration visa to the United States is a document that allows a foreign national to enter the United States with the goal of permanent residence. Unlike non-immigrant visas, which are for temporary stays, immigration visas lead to obtaining permanent resident status (green card) and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. In this guide, we will explore all categories of immigration visas, their features, and requirements.

1. Family Immigration Visas

Family immigration is one of the most common ways to immigrate to the U.S. It includes several categories of visas:

1.1 Visas for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

• IR-1 (Immediate Relative) – for spouses of U.S. citizens.

• IR-2 – for unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.

• IR-3 – for children adopted abroad by U.S. citizens.

• IR-4 – for children to be adopted by U.S. citizens after entering the country.

• IR-5 – for parents of U.S. citizens (when the child is over 21 years old).

1.2 Family-sponsored Visas (Quota-based)

These visas are available for distant relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents:

• F1 – for unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens.

• F2A – for spouses and unmarried children of permanent U.S. residents.

• F2B – for unmarried adult children (21+) of permanent U.S. residents.

• F3 – for married children of U.S. citizens.

• F4 – for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

2. Employment-based Immigration Visas

2.1 Visas for Highly Skilled Professionals (EB-1)

This category is for individuals with outstanding achievements:

• EB-1A – for people with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, education, business, or sports.

• EB-1B – for outstanding researchers and professors.

• EB-1C – for managers and executives of international companies.

2.2 Visas for Professionals and Skilled Workers (EB-2, EB-3)

• EB-2 – for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities who have a job offer in the U.S.

• EB-3 – for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (including unskilled labor if in demand in the U.S.).

2.3 Visa for Special Categories of Workers (EB-4)

This visa type is for:

• Religious workers.

• U.S. military veterans.

• Journalists.

• Certain former employees of international organizations (e.g., UN).

2.4 Investor Visa (EB-5)

The EB-5 program allows for obtaining a green card through investment:

• Requires an investment of $800,000 in high unemployment regions or $1,050,000 in any other region.

• Creation of at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.

3. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

3.1 Political Asylum (Asylum)

Foreign nationals facing persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political views, or membership in a particular social group may apply for asylum in the U.S.

3.2 Visa for Crime Victims (U and T Visas)

• U Visa – for victims of crimes willing to cooperate with U.S. law enforcement.

• T Visa – for victims of human trafficking.

4. Green Card Lottery Visas

The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery provides up to 55,000 visas annually for citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. Applicants must be from eligible countries included in the lottery list.

5. Immigration Visas Through Special Status

5.1 Visas for Iraqis and Afghans

• SI Visa – for translators who worked for the U.S. government.

• SQ Visa – for employees who worked in U.S. missions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

5.2 Visas for Cubans

• Cuban Adjustment Act – special status for Cubans who have lived in the U.S. for 1 year.

Conclusion

Immigration to the U.S. is a complex and multi-step process that requires careful planning. Our law firm helps clients choose the right path to obtaining a green card and U.S. citizenship. If you need advice on immigration visas, contact our experts, and we will guide you through all stages of the process with maximum legal protection!