Visa Types
USA Permanent Residency Pathway
If you want to live and work permanently in the United States, you can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa, also known as a Green Card. With this visa, you can live and work in the US permanently and eventually apply for US citizenship.
There are several ways to obtain a Green Card, including family sponsorship, employment, and the diversity lottery program. The most common ways are through family sponsorship and employment.
Key Points for USA PR Visa>>>
Do you need a visa to travel to the USA?
Yes, Indians need visas to travel to the USA.
USA Visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain an the USA visa?
Yes, there is a visa interview required for Indian citizens who wish to travel to the United States. This interview is typically conducted at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India and is a mandatory part of the visa application process.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from USA?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
PR visa fee: click here
Requirements for US Permanent Residency Visa
The requirements for a Green Card can vary depending on the category under which you are applying. However, in general, the requirements for a US Permanent Residency Visa include:
- A qualifying family relationship with a US citizen or permanent resident, or a qualifying job offer from a US employer
- Meeting the criteria for one of the employment-based Green Card categories
- Passing a background check and medical examination
- Filing the appropriate forms and paying the required fees
Steps to Apply
The application process for a US Permanent Residency Visa can be complex and time-consuming. Generally, the steps involved in the application process include:
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Step 1: Submit a Petition
US citizens and lawful permanent resident petitioners residing in the US can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the USCIS either electronically or through the mail. To access forms and instructions and learn more about USCIS, visit.
To file a petition from inside the US, citizens and lawful permanent residents must submit Form I-130 to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility, while US employers must file Form I-140 as per instructions on the USCIS website.
While most immigrant visa petitions are filed in the United States, filing certain types of petitions outside the United States is possible. Learn about filing petitions outside of the United States.
Petition Approval
Your immigrant petition must be approved by USCIS before your case can proceed to the National Visa Center.
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Step 2: Begin National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once USCIS approves your petition, your case will be transferred to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing. You will receive a Welcome Letter with instructions on how to access our Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to manage your case. After submitting your fees, forms, and documents to NVC, we will review your case to ensure you have provided all the required documentation to schedule your immigrant visa interview based on Embassy/Consulate availability. Check the NVC Timeframes page for the latest updates on case reviews.
US law limits the number of immigrant visas available each year in certain categories. Even if USCIS approves your visa, you may not get a visa number immediately. Priority dates are posted monthly on the Visa Bulletin, which provides up-to-date priority dates for cases NVC is processing. If a visa is available and NVC has not yet contacted you, please let us know by using the Public Inquiry Form.
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Step 3: Pay Fees
The first thing you need to do after receiving your NVC Welcome Letter is paying your processing fees. There are two processing fees:
- Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee
- Affidavit of Support Fee.
You will need a bank routing number and a checking or savings account number from a U.S. based bank.
To pay your fee, log into your case in CEAC and click the ‘PAY NOW’ button under Affidavit of Support Fee or IV Fee on your summary page.
Please note you cannot pay these two fees simultaneously; the online system will ask you to pay them one at a time.
After submitting your payments online, please allow up to 1 week for NVC to process your fees before continuing to the next step. You will not be able to access Form DS-260 until NVC has processed your payments.
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Step 4: Complete Affidavit of Support
This step is about completing the Affidavit of Support, or Form I-864, which is a legally enforceable document where the sponsor agrees to financially support the applicant. The petitioner must complete the form, and if their income is insufficient, a joint sponsor may also complete an I-864. The form requires evidence of finances and other supporting documents. Visit the USCIS website for detailed information about the form and requirements. NVC customer service representatives cannot advise you on which form to complete.
To complete the Affidavit of Support, choose the correct form from several available options (I-864, I-864EZ, I-864W, and I-864A). USCIS website provides detailed information on the forms and their requirements. Also, FAQs are available for more information but do not replace the detailed instructions provided. NVC representatives cannot advise on which form to complete.
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Step 5: Gather Financial Evidence and Supporting Docs
After completing the Affidavit of Support form, gather financial evidence and supporting documents. Use the Financial Evidence Assistant tool to learn more about what documents are required. Each financial sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support and supporting documents, or it will delay case processing.
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Step 6: Complete Online Visa Application (DS-260)
After you pay your fees and the status in CEAC is updated to ‘PAID’, you and each qualified family member immigrating with you must complete the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260). You may wish to preview a sample DS-260 (PDF – 13.9 MB) before beginning.
To complete your Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, log into your case in CEAC and click ‘START NOW’ under IV Application on your summary page.
Submitting Form DS-260 does not formally execute a visa application. The visa application is made only after the visa applicant(s) is interviewed by a U.S. consular officer. However, after submitting Form DS-260 online, you must print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview, which can be done any time after completing the DS-260 application on CEAC.
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Step 7: Collect Civil Documents
Collect the required civil documents to support your visa application. Documents must be issued by the official issuing authority in your country. Refer to the Document Finder to learn about the requirements for each country. Non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations including a signed statement of accuracy by the translator.
- Documentation of Adoption
- Birth Certificates
- Court and Prison Records
- Marriage Certificates
- Marriage Termination Documentation
- Military Records
- Petitioner Documents
- Photocopy of Valid Passport Biographic Data Page
- Police Certificates
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Step 8: Scan Collected Documents
To complete Step 8, scan and save all necessary documents, ensuring they meet specific requirements for file size, type, and image quality. Use a computer and scanner or smartphone with an internet connection, and do not mail any documents to the National Visa Center unless directed to do so. Each scanned document must be no larger than 2 MB, and files should be in PDF, JPG, or JPEG format. Scans must be in colour and cannot be compressed, zipped, password-protected, or in modifiable PDF format.
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Step 9: Upload and Submit Scanned Documents
To submit your documents, log in to CEAC and upload all required civil documents and Affidavit of Support Documents. Click on the “Submit Documents” button after uploading all documents. Remember, do not mail any documents to the National Visa Center (NVC). You must bring all the civil documents you uploaded and submitted with your application to your visa interview.
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Step 10: Attend Your Visa Interview
Once your case is documentarily complete, the National Visa Center (NVC) will work with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule an interview appointment. The embassy/consulate will inform you of the date, time, and location of your interview.
During the interview, you will be asked questions about your application and will need to provide fingerprints and a photograph. You should bring all the original documents you uploaded and submitted with your application to the interview.
After the interview, the embassy/consulate will inform you if your visa application has been approved or denied. If approved, they will provide you with further instructions on how to obtain your visa.
For the visa interview, bring the required original or certified copy of civil documents, passport, photos, DS-260 confirmation page, supporting documents, and English translations if needed. Fees must be paid if not already collected by NVC. If unable to attend the interview, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Instructions for rescheduling are available on their website.
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Step 11: After the Interview
If your visa is approved
You’ll be told when and how you’ll get your passport and visa back. You’ll need to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before travelling to the US, except for certain exempt categories. Arrive in the US before the visa expiration date and apply for admission to the US. The primary applicant must enter before or at the same time as derivative family members. CBP officials have the authority to grant or deny admission.
Learn about the benefits of being a Lawful Permanent Resident and how to apply for a Social Security Number card on the relevant websites.
Process your application:
The consular officer conducting your interview will assess your application, ask questions to verify your eligibility, and determine whether or not to approve your visa.
Receive your visa:
If your visa application is approved, the consular officer will take your passport to stamp the visa into it, and you will usually receive your passport within a few days. If your visa application is denied, the consular officer will return your passport to you and provide you with a letter explaining the reasons for the denial.
It is important to note that the application process can take a long time, and there may be additional steps depending on your category and circumstances. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant for guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
To apply for permanent residency (PR) in the United States from India, the documents required can vary depending on the specific pathway or visa category you are applying through. Here is an overview of the possible pathways and the general documents typically required for each:
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1. Employment-Based Immigrant Visas:
1. EB-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers/Executives):
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
- Evidence of extraordinary ability, such as awards, recognition, publications, or proof of managerial/executive role.
- Educational credentials (transcripts, degrees, diplomas).
- Employment history and experience documentation.
- Job offer or evidence of job offer in the United States (if applicable).
2. EB-2 Visa (Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability):
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
- Labor Certification approved by the Department of Labor (unless waived).
- Educational credentials (transcripts, degrees, diplomas).
- Employment history and experience documentation.
- Job offer or evidence of job offer in the United States (if applicable).
3. EB-3 Visa (Skilled Workers, Professionals, Certain Other Workers):
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
- Labor Certification approved by the Department of Labor.
- Educational credentials (transcripts, degrees, diplomas).
- Employment history and experience documentation.
- Job offer or evidence of job offer in the United States.
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2. Family-Sponsored Immigrant Visas:
1. Immediate Relative (IR) Visas:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- Evidence of the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioner.
2. Family Preference (F) Visas:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- Evidence of the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency of the petitioner.
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3. Diversity Visa Program:
- DV Lottery Program: The specific documentation requirements for the DV Lottery Program will be provided in the DV Lottery instructions each year. Typically, it includes identity documents, education certificates, and other personal information.
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4. Refugee or Asylum Status:
- Asylum or Refugee status: Documentation requirements for asylum or refugee status can vary. It generally includes evidence of persecution or fear of persecution in your home country and supporting documentation.
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5. Other Special Categories:
- Special immigrant visas: The documentation requirements for special immigrant visas vary depending on the specific category, such as religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi translators, or U.S. government employees abroad. It’s advisable to consult the specific requirements for each category.
It’s important to note that the documentation requirements can be complex and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific visa category. Consulting with an immigration attorney or visiting the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is highly recommended for detailed and up-to-date information on the PR application process, including specific documents required for each pathway
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There are several pathways to obtain residency (permanent residency or a green card) in the United States from India. Here is a list of common pathways:
1. Family-Sponsored Visas: a. Immediate Relative (IR) Visas: For close relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 years old. b. Family Preference (F) Visas: For certain relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including unmarried sons/daughters over 21, married children of any age, and siblings of U.S. citizens.
2. Employment-Based Immigrant Visas: a. EB-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational managers/executives. b. EB-2 Visa: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. c. EB-3 Visa: For skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers. d. EB-4 Visa: For special immigrant categories, including religious workers, certain broadcasters, and employees of international organizations. e. EB-5 Visa: For immigrant investors who make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs.
3. Diversity Visa Program:
- DV Lottery Program: Provides an opportunity for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a green card through a random lottery selection.
4. Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas:
- Some nonimmigrant visas, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, or TN visas, can serve as a pathway to permanent residency if the visa holder meets certain criteria and their employer sponsors them for an employment-based immigrant visa.
5. Refugee or Asylum Status:
- Asylum or Refugee status: Individuals who qualify for asylum or refugee status due to persecution or fear of persecution in their home country may be eligible to apply for residency after a certain period.
6. Special Immigrant Visas:
- Special immigrant visas are available for specific categories, including religious workers, certain Afghan or Iraqi translators, and employees of U.S. government abroad.
7. Humanitarian Programs:
- Certain humanitarian programs, such as the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) or the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), may provide pathways to residency for qualifying individuals.
It’s important to note that each pathway has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and documentation requirements. Consulting with an immigration attorney or visiting the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is recommended for detailed and up-to-date information on the residency application process for each specific pathway.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
For USA Immigrant Visas (also known as Green Cards), the specific application forms can vary depending on the immigrant visa category you are applying for. Here are some common forms that may be required:
Immigrant Visa Petition: The petitioner (sponsor) typically needs to file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf. The specific form varies based on the category, such as Form I-130 for family-based immigration or Form I-140 for employment-based immigration.
Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration: This form is generally known as Form DS-260. It is the main application form for immigrant visas and is used to collect biographic information and details about your background.
Affidavit of Support: The sponsor or petitioner may need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate that they can financially support you during your immigration process and that you will not become a public charge.
Medical Examination Forms: You will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician, and the results will be documented on specific forms, such as Form I-693.
Biographic Information Forms: You may be required to complete additional biographic information forms, such as Form DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) or Form DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) depending on the specific visa category and instructions from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
It’s important to note that the specific forms and documentation requirements can vary depending on the immigrant visa category and individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult the U.S. Department of State’s official website or seek legal advice for the most accurate and up-to-date information related to your particular situation.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
- Determine Eligibility: Determine the appropriate immigrant visa category based on your eligibility, such as family-sponsored, employment-based, diversity visa, or refugee/asylum status.
- Petition by Sponsor: If applicable, have your sponsor (family member or employer) file the immigrant visa petition on your behalf with the appropriate U.S. government agency, such as Form I-130 or Form I-140.
- Wait for Visa Number: Depending on the visa category and annual limits, wait for an available visa number. This step may involve a waiting period as determined by the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once a visa number is available, the NVC will process your case, collect required fees, and request necessary documents such as civil documents, financial support evidence, and immigrant visa application forms.
- Submit Documents: Submit the requested documents to the NVC within the specified timeframe. This may include forms like the DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
- Attend Visa Interview: Once the NVC completes the processing, you will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. Pay any required fees and prepare for the interview by gathering all relevant documents.
- Complete Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician and carry the completed medical examination forms (such as Form I-693) to the visa interview.
- Visa Approval and Immigrant Fee Payment: If approved, you will receive an immigrant visa packet. Pay the immigrant visa fee as instructed by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Travel to the USA: Once the visa is issued, make travel arrangements to the United States. The visa packet should be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon arrival.
- Receive the Green Card: After entering the United States, the Green Card, serving as evidence of your lawful permanent resident status, will be mailed to your U.S. address within a few weeks.
Please note that this is a general overview of the process, and each individual case may have unique circumstances or requirements. It is advisable to consult the official website of the U.S. Department of State and seek legal advice to ensure accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific situation.
Family-Sponsored Immigration: If you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for immigration to the United States through the Family Preference or Immediate Relative categories. This includes sponsoring spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
Employment-Based Immigration: If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, you may be eligible for employment-based immigrant visas such as the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories, which are based on your qualifications, skills, or work experience. Your employer may need to obtain a labor certification through the PERM process for certain categories.
Diversity Visa Lottery Program: The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, allows individuals from eligible countries, including India, to apply for a chance to receive a green card and permanently live and work in the United States. This program is administered annually by the U.S. Department of State.
Investment-Based Immigration: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a path to permanent residency in the United States for individuals who invest a certain amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs. This program requires meeting specific investment and job creation requirements.
Refugee or Asylum Status: If you have fled your home country due to persecution or fear of persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may be eligible to apply for refugee or asylum status in the United States.
Special Immigrant Categories: There are various special immigrant categories available, such as the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for children, Religious Worker Visa for religious workers, or the U Visa for victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
Adoption: If you have legally adopted a child from another country, you may be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa for the child to come to the United States.
Humanitarian Programs: The United States offers humanitarian programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for individuals from designated countries facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
Citizenship Through Naturalization: If you have been a lawful permanent resident in the United States for a certain period of time and meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.
It is important to note that each pathway has its own eligibility requirements and application processes. It is recommended to consult the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or seek assistance from an immigration attorney to determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.