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For so many persons around the universe, the American Dream is one they can’t leave their minds. A key part of that dream is obtaining a Green Card, which grants you permanent resident status in the U.S., giving you the freedom to live and work there.
One way to get a Green Card is through the Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery. If you’re eligible to participate in this lottery, you’re probably wondering what the process involves. Let’s break it down into simple, easy-to-understand steps.
Confirming Your Eligibility
The very first step in your journey towards obtaining a Green Card through the lottery is confirming your eligibility.
The Green Card Lottery is open to natives of certain countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past five years. Additionally, you must also meet certain educational or work experience requirements.
Submitting Your Lottery Entry
Once you have confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit an entry for the Green Card Lottery. This is done online, through the official U.S.
Department of State website, during a specific registration period that usually happens once a year. When submitting your entry, you’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself, including your name, date of birth, and country of birth. It’s crucial to ensure all the information you provide is accurate and complete.
Managing Your Expectations
It’s important to understand that the Green Card Lottery is just that – a lottery. This means that submitting an entry does not guarantee that you will receive a Green Card.
Each year, millions of people from around the world submit entries, but only a limited number (usually around 50,000) are selected. The selection is random and is done by a computer.
The Selection and Follow-Up Process
If you are lucky enough to be selected in the lottery, you will be notified by the U.S. Department of State. From there, you will be guided through the process of applying for your immigrant visa, which involves submitting additional forms, paying certain fees, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The process of obtaining a visa through the American Green Card Lottery might seem complex, but by understanding each step, you can manage your expectations and navigate the process more effectively.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026
Table of Interests
Many people from all over the world want to live in the United States. They may want to find better jobs, live with their family who are already there, or go to school.
To do this, the first thing you need is a U.S. Immigrant Visa. This is a big step and the process can be hard to understand. But don’t worry, we are here to guide you through it and show you the main steps you need to take to get your U.S. Immigrant Visa.
Step 1: Understand the Different Types of U.S. Immigrant Visas
The first step in your journey to immigrating to the USA is understanding the different types of immigrant visas available.
These primarily include family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, diversity visas (through the DV Lottery), and special immigrant visas. Your circumstances, qualifications, and objectives will determine the most suitable visa category for you.
Step 2: File the Petition
With the appropriate visa category identified, the next step is filing a petition. For most categories, a sponsor (a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) is required to file the petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
However, some categories, such as certain employment-based visas, allow self-petitioning.
Step 3: Wait for Petition Approval
The USCIS will review the petition, and this can take several weeks to months. Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), marking the next phase of your immigration process.
Step 4: Apply for the Visa
When an immigrant visa number becomes available, the NVC notifies the applicant and instructs them to complete Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. This form will ask for a detailed personal and background information.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
Upon submission and review of your DS-260 form, the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country will schedule a visa interview. It’s crucial to prepare for this interview and bring all necessary documents, including passport, photographs, medical examination results, and civil documents.
Step 6: Await the Visa Decision
Following the interview, your visa application will either be approved or denied based on the information provided and the interview. If approved, you will receive your visa and can then travel to the United States.
Remember, the process of getting a U.S. Immigrant Visa is often lengthy and complicated. It requires careful planning, meticulous completion of forms, and patience during the waiting periods.
You may also need to consult with an immigration lawyer to navigate the legal complexities. However, the journey is well worth it, opening up a world of opportunities in the U.S.
The prospect of living and working in the USA is exciting, but it’s crucial to approach the immigration process with a clear understanding and preparedness. We hope this guide on the steps to obtaining a U.S. Immigrant Visa helps you on your path towards achieving your American dream.
Please note: This article provides a general overview of the process. The specific steps may vary based on the type of immigrant visa you’re applying for. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney or the official USCIS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Immigrate
Are you interested in immigrating to the United States or want to sponsor someone? The United States provides for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa. Click on the icons below to learn more.
Family Immigration
Family Based Immigration
A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:
Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
Keep in mind that U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent
• Brother or sister
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
Every fiscal year (October 1st – September 30th), approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are made available to qualified applicants under the provisions of U.S. immigration law. Employment based immigrant visas are divided into five preference categories. Certain spouses and children may accompany or follow-to-join employment-based immigrants.
The First Steps toward an Immigrant Visa: Labor Certification and Filing a Petition
To be considered for an immigrant visa under some of the employment-based categories below, the applicant’s prospective employer or agent must first obtain a labor certification approval from the Department of Labor. Once received (if required), the employer then files an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the appropriate employment-based preference category. (NOTE: Persons with extraordinary abilities in the Employment First preference category are able to file their own petitions.) When filing the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, see the detailed form instructions, as well as more detailed requirements information on the USCIS Permanent Workers webpage.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026
CATEGORIES
Employment First Preference (E1): Priority Worker and Persons of Extraordinary Ability
There are three sub-groups within this category:
- Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants in this category must have extensive documentation showing sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in their fields of expertise. Such applicants do not have to have specific job offers, so long as they are entering the U.S. to continue work in the fields in which they have extraordinary ability. Such applicants can file their own Immigrant Petitions for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
- Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years experience in teaching or research, who are recognized internationally. Applicants in this category must be coming to the U.S. to pursue tenure, tenure track teaching, or a comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education. The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
- Multinational managers or executives who have been employed for at least one of the three preceding years by the overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch of the U.S. employer. The applicant’s employment outside of the U.S. must have been in a managerial or executive capacity, and the applicant must be coming to work in a managerial or executive capacity. The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
Employment Second Preference (E2): Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability
A Second Preference applicant must generally have a labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. A job offer is required and the U.S. employer must file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, on behalf of the applicant. Applicants may apply for an exemption, known as a National Interest Waiver, from the job offer and labor certification if the exemption would be in the national interest. In this case, the applicant may self-petition by filing the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, along with evidence of the national interest. Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability receive 28.6 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas, plus any unused visas from the Employment First Preference category.
There are two subgroups within this category:
- Professionals holding an advanced degree (beyond a baccalaureate degree), or a baccalaureate degree and at least five years progressive experience in the profession.
- Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means having a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.
Employment Third Preference (E3): Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)
A Third Preference applicant must have an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, filed by the prospective employer. All such workers generally require labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) receive 28.6 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas, plus any unused visas from the Employment First Preference and Second Preference categories.
There are three subgroups within this category:
- Skilled workers are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or work experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
- Professionals are members of the professions whose jobs require at least a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. university or college or its foreign equivalent degree.
- Unskilled workers (Other workers) are persons capable of filling positions that require less than two years training or experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
Employment Fourth Preference (E4): Certain Special Immigrants
A Fourth Preference applicant must be the beneficiary of an approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, Form I-360, with the exception of Certain Employees or Former Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad (see number 3 below). Labor certification is not required for any of the Certain Special Immigrants subgroups. Special Immigrants receive 7.1 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas.
There are many subgroups within this category:
- Broadcasters in the U.S. employed by the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors or a grantee of such organization
- Ministers of Religion
- Certain Employees or Former Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad – Must use Form DS-1884, Petition To Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) As An Employee Or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad
- Certain Former Employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government
- Certain Former Employees of the U.S. Government in the Panama Canal Zone
- Certain Former Employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government on April 1st, 1979
- Iraqi and Afghan interpreters/translators who have worked directly with the United States armed forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator/interpreter for a period of at least 12 months and meet requirements. This classification has an annual numeric limitation of 50 visas. See Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters for more information.
- Iraqi and Afghan nationals who have provided faithful and valuable service while employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq for not less than one year on or after March 20th, 2003 and prior to September 30, 2013, or while employed by, or on behalf of the U.S. government, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), or a successor mission in Afghanistan for a period of not less than one year between October 7th, 2001 and December 31, 2023, and have experienced an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment. See Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqis – Worked for/on behalf of the U.S. Government and Afghans – Worked for/on behalf of the U.S. Government for more information.
- Certain Foreign Medical Graduates (Adjustments Only)
- Certain Retired International Organization Employees
- Certain Unmarried Sons and Daughters of International Organization Employees
- Certain Surviving Spouses of deceased International Organization Employees
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (no family member derivatives; Adjustments Only)
- Persons Recruited Outside of the United States Who Have Served or are Enlisted to Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Certain retired NATO-6 civilians
- Certain Unmarried Sons and Daughters of NATO-6 civilians
- Certain Surviving Spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees
- Persons who are beneficiaries of petitions or labor certification applications filed prior to September 11th, 2001, if the petition or application was rendered void due to a terrorist act on September 11th, 2001
- Certain Religious Workers
Employment Fifth Preference (E5): Immigrant Investors
Immigrant Investor visa categories are for capital investment by foreign investors in new commercial enterprises in the United States which provide job creation. Select Immigrant Investor Visas to learn more about this employment-based category.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Next Steps – Fees and Visa Application
After USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). Once received, the NVC will assign a case number for the petition. When an applicant’s priority date meets the most recent qualifying date, the NVC will instruct the applicant to complete Form DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent. (NOTE: If you already have an attorney, the NVC will not instruct you to complete Form DS-261.) The NVC will begin pre-processing the applicant’s case by providing the applicant with instructions to submit the appropriate fees. After the appropriate fees are paid, the NVC will request that the applicant submit the necessary immigrant visa documents, including application forms, civil documents, and more. Learn more about National Visa Center visa case processing.
Can My Family Members also Receive Immigrant Visas?
Based on your approved petition, your spouse and minor unmarried children, younger than 21, may apply for immigrant visas with you. Like you, they must also fill out required application forms, obtain required civil documents, pay the required fees, and undergo medical examinations. Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS. For further information, please see our FAQ’s.
Numerical Limitations
All categories of employment-based immigrant visas are issued in the chronological order in which the petitions were filed until the annual numerical limit for the category is reached. The filing date of a petition becomes the applicant’s priority date. Immigrant visas cannot be issued until an applicant’s priority date is reached. In certain heavily oversubscribed categories, there may be a waiting period of several years before a priority date is reached. Check the Visa Bulletin for the latest priority dates.
Fees
Fees are charged for the following services:
- Filing of Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, or Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, Form I-360 (this fee is charged by USCIS)
- Processing an immigrant visa application, Form DS-260 (see Note below)
- Medical examination and required vaccinations (costs vary)
- Other costs may include: translations; photocopying charges; fees for obtaining the documents you need for the immigrant visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.); and expenses for travel to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview. Costs vary from country to country and case to case.
For current fees for Department of State services, see Fees for Visa Services. For current fees for USCIS services, see Check Filing Fees on the USCIS website.
Note: Fees must be paid for each intending immigrant, regardless of age, and are not refundable.
Fees should not be paid to the NVC or paid at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you have your visa interview unless specifically requested. Applicants will be provided with instructions by the NVC on where and when to pay the appropriate fees. Do not send payments to the NVC’s address in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Required Documentation
In general, the following documents are required:
- Passport(s) valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States, unless longer validity is specifically requested by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country. Please review the instructions for guidance.
- Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
- Preview a sample DS-260 (6.4MB).
- Two (2) 2×2 photographs. See the required photo format explained in Photograph Requirements.
- Civil Documents for the applicant. See Documents the Applicant Must Submit for more specific information about documentation requirements, including information on which documents may need to be translated. The consular officer may ask for more information during your visa interview. Bring your original civil documents (or certified copies) such as birth and marriage certificates, as well as legible photocopies of the original civil documents, and any required translations to your immigrant visa interview. Original documents and translations can then be returned to you.
- Financial Support – At your immigrant visa interview, you must demonstrate to the consular officer that you are not likely to become a public charge in the United States. (NOTE: For applicants where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) relative filed the Form I-140 petition or where such a relative has a significant ownership interest in the entity that filed the petition, that relative must complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, on behalf of the applicant.)
- Completed Medical Examination Forms – These are provided by the panel physician after you have completed your medical examination and vaccinations (see below).
Visa Interview
Once the NVC determines the file is complete with all the required documents, they schedule the applicant’s interview appointment. NVC then sends the file, containing the applicant’s petition and the documents listed above, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the applicant will be interviewed for a visa. The applicant, attorney, and third-party agent, if applicable, will receive appointment emails, or letters (if no email address is available), containing the date and time of the applicant’s visa interview along with instructions, including guidance for obtaining a medical examination.
Each applicant should bring a valid passport to the interview, as well as any other documentation above not already provided to NVC. A consular officer will interview the applicant, and the consular officer will determine whether the applicant is eligible to receive an immigrant visa in accordance with U.S. immigration law. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken on the day of the interview. Generally, an applicant receives original civil documents and original translations back at the time of interview.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Medical Examinations and Vaccinations
Important Notice: In preparing for your interview, you will need to schedule and complete your medical examination and any required vaccinations before your visa interview. Before an immigrant visa can be issued, every applicant, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination which must be performed by an authorized panel physician. NVC provides applicants instructions regarding medical examinations, including information on authorized panel physicians. See Medical Examination for more information, including a list of panel physicians by country, and frequently asked questions.
Vaccination Requirements
U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of immigrant visas. See Vaccination Requirements for IV Applicants for the list of required vaccinations and additional information.
How Long Does It Take?
Employment based immigrant visa cases take additional time because they are in numerically limited visa categories. The length of time varies from case to case and cannot be predicted for individual cases with any accuracy. Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the consular officer interviews the applicant.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Visa Ineligibility
Certain conditions and activities may make an applicant ineligible for a visa. Examples of these ineligibilities include: drug trafficking; overstaying a previous visa; and submitting fraudulent documents. If you are ineligible for a visa, you will be informed by the consular officer and advised whether there is a waiver of the ineligibility available to you and what the waiver process is. Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws contains the complete list of ineligibilities.
Misrepresentation of Material Facts or Fraud
Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact or fraud may result in you becoming permanently ineligible to receive a U.S. visa or enter the United States.
When You Have Your Immigrant Visa – What You Should Know
If you are issued an immigrant visa, the consular officer will give you your passport containing the immigrant visa and a sealed packet containing the documents which you provided. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the U.S. immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States. You are required to enter the United Statesbefore the expiration date printed on your visa. When traveling, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter the United States before or at the same time as family members holding visas.
USCIS Immigrant Fee – You must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you receive your immigrant visa and before you travel to the United States. (SI-1, SI-2, SI-3, SQ-1, SQ-2, and SQ-3 visa holders will not pay the fee.) Select USCIS Immigrant Fee on the USCIS website for more information.
Important Notice: USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or Green Card) until you have paid the fee.
Entering the United States: Port-of-Entry
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Travelers should review important information about admissions and entry requirements on the CBP website under Travel.
Once you have paid the USCIS immigrant fee and have been admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident, your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551 (formerly called Alien Registration Card, also known as a (green card) will be mailed to you.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card
If you elected on your immigrant visa application form to receive your Social Security Number Card upon admission to the United States as an immigrant, your card will be sent by mail to the U.S. address you designated on your application form, and should arrive approximately six weeks following your admission. If you did not elect to receive your Social Security Number Card automatically, you will have to apply to be issued a card following your arrival in the United States. To learn about applying for a Social Security Number Card, visit the Social Security Administration website.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | When You Are a Permanent Resident
Coming to the United States to live permanently, you will want to learn more about your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. See Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants to review information on the USCIS website about living in the United States.
Additional Information
Immigrant visa applicants should not make any final travel arrangements, dispose of property, or give up jobs until and unless visas are issued. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview. An immigrant visa is generally valid for six months from the issuance date.
General Visa Questions
- Before submitting your inquiry, we request that you carefully review this website for answers to your questions. Because of the volume of inquiries, we cannot promise an immediate reply to your inquiry.
- If your inquiry concerns a visa case in progress overseas, you should first contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate to find contact information.
- You can find contact information for our Public Inquiries Division at Contact Us.
Intercountry Adoption
Intercountry adoption is one of the Department of State’s highest priorities. We believe it should be an option for children in need of permanent homes when it is in the best interest of the child and domestic solutions have been given due consideration. Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from abroad, and families habitually resident in other countries also adopt children from the United States.
Intercountry adoption is the process by which you adopt a child from a country other than your own through permanent legal means and then bring that child to your country of residence to live with you permanently. This website can give you valuable information about intercountry adoptions, from starting the process to post-adoption information.
Post Adoption Information
Important Information on Post Adoption Requirements and obtaining U.S. citizenship
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Ukraine: Clarification of Hosting Programs
This notice clarifies the Resumption of Hosting Programs in Ukraine notice published on June 13, 2022. The Ministry of Social Policy (MSP) of Ukraine has further explained that children who are orphans or deprived of parental care may only be hosted as part of organized groups of children by organizations and institutions authorized by their local state authority to provide recreation and rehabilitation for children. The National Social Service of Ukraine (NSS) makes all decisions regarding the participation of children in hosting programs, and it has informed us that it will decline invitations for children who are orphans or deprived of parental care to stay with host families.
If an orphanage has been evacuated from Ukraine, the NSS is not authorizing any further travel for children to participate in a hosting program and will not authorize any children to stay with individual host families. Evacuated children may only participate in hosting programs as part of organized groups of children at an authorized institution or organization in the country in which they are presently located.
Please refer to the published legislation outlining the current requirements hosting programs must follow during this period of martial law in Ukraine for further details.ter text here.
Department of State Designates Center for Excellence in Adoption Services as an Accrediting Entity
On June 2, 2022, the Department of State designated Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS) as an accrediting entity (AE) under the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA) in accordance with 22 CFR Part 96. The designation is for a period of five years.
CEAS is the second designated AE, joining the Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity, Inc. (IAAME), whose designation was renewed on June 2, 2022 for an additional five years. The Memoranda of Agreement between the Department and CEAS and between the Department and IAAME will be published in the Federal Register. CEAS’s responsibilities as an AE will commence upon the Department of State’s approval of systems, procedures, and a fee schedule that will be coordinated as necessary to ensure consistency in accreditation systems and procedures that both AEs will use.
AE Jurisdiction
Consistent with 22 CFR 96.4(b), the Department has identified geographic jurisdictions, based on existing federal regions, for each AE in consideration of equitable distribution of workload. Each AE will be responsible for accrediting, approving, monitoring, and overseeing ASPs whose primary offices, as reported in the public facing ASP directory as of June 2, 2022 (the date of signature on the Memoranda of Agreements), are located in the states within each AE’s assigned jurisdiction as follows:
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Judicial Adoption Hearings in Ukraine
The Office of Children’s Issues continues to engage the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the National Social Service of Ukraine to confirm the status of intercountry adoption at this time.
The National Social Service recently confirmed that courts in Ukraine are allowing some adoption cases with official referrals to move forward. They emphasized that this depends on several factors, such as the availability of the court, the local security situation, and the ability for relevant parties to attend court proceedings. Virtual hearings may occur at a judge’s discretion, and all necessary documents are still required for pending cases to be processed. Our understanding is that judges are contacting PAPs directly to provide instructions and information.
Please note that the Department’s Travel Advisory for Ukraine remains Level 4: Do Not Travel. The Department urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Ukraine and advises U.S. citizens in Ukraine to depart immediately if it is safe to do so. There are currently no in-person consular services available in Ukraine and the U.S. government will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine.
We encourage prospective adoptive parents at or nearing the judicial phase of the adoption process in Ukraine to work closely with their adoption service provider to determine the next steps in their case.
Perfect Tutorial Steps To Get A Visa To Immigrate To USA 2025/2026 | Diversity Visa
Submit an Entry
There is a limited period of time during which you can register for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program during each fiscal year. Each year, the Department of State publishes detailed instructions for entering the DV Program. These instructions include the dates of the registration period during which you will be able to enter.
All entries must be submitted electronically on the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the specified registration period. No late entries or paper entries are accepted. The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. If you submit more than one entry you will be disqualified. This website does not become active for submitting an entry until the date and time specified on the DV Instructions webpage.
Detailed guidance for completing the online entry form is included in the DV Instructions.
After you submit a complete entry, you will see a confirmation screen containing your name and a unique confirmation number. Print this confirmation screen for your records. It is extremely important that you retain your confirmation number. It is the only way you can check the status of your entry, and you will need it to obtain further instructions or schedule an interview for a visa if you are selected.
There is no cost to register for the DV Program. You are strongly encouraged to complete the entry form yourself, without a “Visa Consultant,” “Visa Agent,” or other facilitator who offers to help. If somebody else helps you, you should be present when your entry is prepared so that you can provide the correct answers to the questions and retain the confirmation page and your unique confirmation
Directory of Visa Categories
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. When you apply at a U.S embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws, whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate.
Nonimmigrant Visa Categories
The chart below contains many different purposes of temporary travel and the related nonimmigrant visa categories available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:
Purpose of Travel | Visa Category | Required: Before applying for visa* |
Athlete, amateur or professional (competing for prize money only) | B-1 | (NA) |
Au pair (exchange visitor) | J | SEVIS |
Australian professional specialty | E-3 | DOL |
Border Crossing Card: Mexico | BCC | (NA) |
Business visitor | B-1 | (NA) |
CNMI-only transitional worker | CW-1 | (USCIS) |
Crewmember | D | (NA) |
Diplomat or foreign government official | A | (NA) |
Domestic employee or nanny – must be accompanying a foreign national employer | B-1 | (NA) |
Employee of a designated international organization or NATO | G1-G5, NATO | (NA) |
Exchange visitor | J | SEVIS |
Foreign military personnel stationed in the United States | A-2 NATO1-6 |
(NA) |
Foreign national with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics | O | USCIS |
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional: Chile, Singapore |
H-1B1 – Chile H-1B1 – Singapore |
DOL |
International cultural exchange visitor | Q | USCIS |
Intra-company transferee | L | USCIS |
Medical treatment, visitor for | B-2 | (NA) |
Media, journalist | I | (NA) |
NAFTA professional worker: Mexico, Canada | TN/TD | (NA) |
Performing athlete, artist, entertainer | P | USCIS |
Physician | J , H-1B | SEVIS |
Professor, scholar, teacher (exchange visitor) | J | SEVIS |
Religious worker | R | USCIS |
Specialty occupations in fields requiring highly specialized knowledge | H-1B | DOL then USCIS |
Student: academic, vocational | F, M | SEVIS |
Temporary agricultural worker | H-2A | DOL then USCIS |
Temporary worker performing other services or labor of a temporary or seasonal nature. | H-2B | DOL then USCIS |
Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor | B-2 | (NA) |
Training in a program not primarily for employment | H-3 | USCIS |
Treaty trader/treaty investor | E | (NA) |
Transiting the United States | C | (NA) |
Victim of Criminal Activity | U | USCIS |
Victim of Human Trafficking | T | USCIS |
Nonimmigrant (V) Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) | V | (NA) |
Renewals in the U.S. – A, G, and NATO Visas | (NA) |
*What the abbreviations above mean – Before applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the following is required:
- DOL = The U.S. employer must obtain foreign labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, prior to filing a petition with USCIS.
- USCIS = U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval of a petition or application (The required petition or application depends on the visa category you plan to apply for.)
- SEVIS = Program approval entered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
- (NA) = Not Applicable – Additional approval by another U.S. government agency is not required prior to applying for a visa
Important Notes:
- About this chart – It is not a complete list of all travel purposes for the visa category. Select a visa category webpage for more information. The chart lists almost all nonimmigrant visa categories, with the exception of several not listed above. Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 402.1 for all nonimmigrant visa categories.
- Canadian NAFTA Professional workers – A visa not required; apply to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at border port of entry.
- K nonimmigrant visas – For U.S. citizen fiancé(e) and spouse for immigration related purposes. Refer to Immigrant Visa Categories.
Immigrant Visa Categories
The chart below contains different purposes for immigrating to the United States, and the related immigrant visa categories for which information is available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:
Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored | <valign=”bottom”>Visa Category</valign=”bottom”> |
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen | IR1, CR1 |
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition | K-3 * |
Fiancé(e) to marry U.S. Citizen & live in U.S. | K-1 * |
Intercountry Adoption of Orphan Children by U.S. Citizens | IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 |
Certain Family Members of U.S. Citizens | IR2, CR2, IR5, F1, F3, F4 |
Certain Family Members of Lawful Permanent Residents | F2A, F2B |
Employer Sponsored – Employment | |
Employment-Based Immigrants, including (preference group):
|
|
Religious Workers | SD, SR |
Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters | SI |
Iraqis Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government | SQ |
Afghans Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government | SQ |
Other Immigrants | |
Diversity Immigrant Visa | DV |
Returning Resident | SB |
Important Notes:
*K Visas – Listed with immigrant visas because they are for immigration related purposes.
About this chart – This chart is a list of many immigrant visa categories, but not every immigrant visa category.
**Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 502.1 for a listing of all immigrant visa categories.
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