1. Passport: A valid passport is usually required for visa applications. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the country.
2. Visa application form: You will typically need to complete a visa application form, which may be available online or at the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to.
3. Photographs: You may be required to provide recent passport-size photographs as part of your visa application.
4. Proof of travel arrangements: You may need to provide documentation such as flight tickets or hotel reservations to prove your travel plans.
5. Financial documents: You may need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the country.
6. Invitation letter: If you are visiting someone or attending an event, you may need to provide an invitation letter from the person or organization hosting you.

It’s important to note that visa requirements can change, so it’s always best to hire a visa agency to work that out for you.

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A US work permit can be of two types:

• Permanent US work permit
• Nonimmigrant visa US permit

This article will go through the nonimmigrant visa work permit and its details.

What is an EAD Card?

The EAD card, otherwise known as a work permit, is a document issued by USCIS that grants temporary employment authorization to foreigners in the United States. When you get an approved EAD, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sends you thea card. The card looks like a regular ID card as in the sample below, but gives you permission to legally work in the US

The EAD is like a driver’s license for work. When you show your driver’s license, the authorities know you have permission to drive. With the EAD employers know you have permission to work in the US.

If you already have a nonimmigrant visa but do not have an EAD, then any employer will not let you start working. Working without a valid EAD could lead to USCIS revoking your visa or you could get deported.

What Are the Requirements for an Employment Authorization Document?

To be eligible to get an EAD, you must fulfill a few criteria. The requirements and criteria are in the EAD Instructions in the USCIS website. As an overview, you must be in these categories to apply for the EAD:

• Asylee or Refugee and their dependents (spouse and children)
• Certain nationalities
• International students (such as F-1 visa or M-1 visa student)
• Eligible Dependents of Employees from International Organizations, Diplomatic Missions, or NATO
• Employment-Based Nonimmigrant (such as spouses of L-1 visa, or E-1 visa)
• Family Based Nonimmigrant (such as fiancé visa, or K-3 visa dependent)
• EAD applicant who has filed for an Adjustment of Status (you have applied for a Green Card)

The EAD instruction form has an in-depth description of each category. You must read the instructions to see which category you are in. Making mistakes on the category might lead to a rejection of your EAD.

The EAD is only for those who have a US nonimmigrant visa. If you have an immigrant visa or Green Card, you do not need an EAD. Your Green Card serves as a work permit and allows you to work.

How to Apply for an EAD?

To complete the EAD application, there are a few steps which you must follow, as outlined below.

Step 1: File Form I-765

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization is the main form for the EAD. It is available on the USCIS website and you must download it to start filling it out. Download the form right before you start applying because USCIS frequently makes changes.

The form will have space for you to provide your personal information and answer questions for your category. These questions will also determine the documents you will have to provide.

Step 2: Attach supporting documents

The documents you will attach will be proof that you are eligible for an EAD. Each one of the categories will need extensive documentation. Through them you must prove your status in the US, qualifications, and other evidence. You must attach them to the original Form I-765 which you will submit to USCIS. Examples of documents you must attach are as follows:

• A copy of the front and back of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
• A copy of your last EAD. If you did not have an EAD before, you must submit a copy of a government issued ID such as a passport. The document must have your name, date of birth, and picture.
• Two identical passport-style photos of yourself. The photos must be within the last 30 days of you applying. You must print your name and Alien Receipt Number lightly on the back of each photo.

USCIS will ask for other documents based on your category. You do not need to attach supporting documents if you are applying for an adjustment of status. USCIS will already have the information on their system if you are in that situation. Otherwise, supporting documents are mandatory.

Step 3: Attach the fee receipts

In the sections below on the cost of the EAD, we will go through how much the work permit costs and how to pay the fee. Regardless of that, you must attach proof of payment to the application. USCIS will not process your EAD if you do not prove you have paid their fees for filing and biometrics.

Step 4: Submit the application

After you have compiled your whole file, you can submit the EAD application to USCIS. There are two ways to file it:

• By mail
• Online through e-filing

If you submit by mail, you must check the address carefully. Different states and categories have different USCIS locations so make sure to send it to the right one.

If you submit through e-filing, then you can fill in Form I-765 online and send it to USCIS. But, even if you apply online, you must mail your supporting documents.

Before you submit, remember to make a copy of the documents for yourself. You might need them later if you apply for a renewal or if you lose any of the information.

What is the EAD Card Processing Time?

EAD processing usually takes around 60 to 90 days. USCIS will then send a notice whether they approved your EAD or not.

If they approve your application, then they will mail the EAD card to you. If they deny your EAD, you will get a notice telling you the reasons why you were not an eligible candidate.

How Much Does the EAD Cost?

The EAD application fees are in two parts:

• The filing fee which is $410
• The biometrics fee which is $85

So together, the EAD application will cost you $495. You can pay this fee through money order or check if applying by mail. If you apply online, they will also accept debit or credit cards. You cannot pay by cash though.

There are some categories which are exempt from the filing fee. These are:

• Asylees, Refugees or those Paroled as Refugees
• N-8 or N-9 nonimmigrants
• Citizens of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands
• Those Granted Withholding of Deportation
• Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking
• U-1 Nonimmigrants
• Those dependent of an international organization, foreign government, or NATO personnel
• Applicants for Asylum
• VAWA Self-petitioners

Also, if you are not in one of these categories, you can request a fee waiver from USCIS. You can file a waiver if you are in this situation:

• If you are eligible to file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. You can check the instructions in the USCIS website to see if you qualify.
• You have supporting documentation to attach to the form that proves the following:
  • You or someone living with you is currently receiving a means-tested benefit
  • Your annual household income is below the 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of your filing
  • You are experiencing financial hardships which do not allow you to pay the fees. Financial hardships can be if you have unexpected medical bills or emergencies.

You can prove you are in a means-tested benefit program if you are in programs such as:

• Medicaid
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Some examples of programs that do not qualify as means-tested are:

• Medicare
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Student financial aid/grants/loans
• Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI)

As for the biometrics fee, there are only three categories of people who must pay it. These are:

• Those requesting consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Those who have approval for an employment based immigrant petition and have compelling circumstances
• Spouses or unmarried dependent children of beneficiaries who have approval for an employment based immigrant petition with compelling circumstances

Other categories are not required to pay the biometrics fee.

How Long is the EAD Valid?

After you get your EAD and start working, it is valid usually for 1 year. When the EAD is close to expiring, you must file a renewal within 180 days of it expiry. Depending on the type of visa you have, you can renew the EAD only one time or many times.

What if the EAD Has Incorrect Information On It?

If USCIS has issued your EAD but it has some incorrect information on it, you can file to have it corrected.

If the mistake was not due to a USCIS error, you must submit these documents:

• A new Form I-765
• The filing fees
• Supporting documents
• The card which has the mistake

If the mistake was due to USCIS error, then you do not need to submit a new Form I-765 or pay any new filing fees. You must submit:

• The card which has the mistake
• An explanation of the mistake
• Supporting documents which prove the correct information

What Kind of Health Insurance Am I Eligible For?

The type of  health insurance you are eligible for as a temporary worker in the United States depends on how long you will be staying in the US. Here are the types of plans available to foreign workers:

• Short-term insurance
• Long-term (domestic) insurance

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The program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and was created to improve security for the people who visit the United States and also so that US citizens can travel to the other 40 countries freely. It brings mutual benefits and most importantly, makes traveling a lot safer.

If you fulfill the necessary criteria and you are from countries with which the US has good relationships with, you will not need to apply for a visa. The only document you will need to go into the US is the stamp on your passport which states that you are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

What Are the 40 Visa Waiver Countries?

The 40 Visa Waiver Countries are the following:

Do I Qualify to Travel to the United States Under the Visa Waiver Program?

In order to qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of the 40 allowed countries.
• Have a visa waiver ESTA approval.
• Have an e-passport.
• Prove that you will return to your home country after your VWP stamp expires.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an electronic program that the US has developed to make applying for the Visa Waiver much faster. The only step you need to take is go to its website and enter your personal information and you will get a response on whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver or not

The e-passport is a document which you need in order to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the VWP. The e-passport is different from regular passports in two ways:

• It is Machine Readable, which means that in the page with your personal information, there are also various number at the bottom (See Picture 1 below)
• It has chip and it is distinguished by a symbol in the front cover (See Picture 2 below)

IMPORTANT: Changes to the Visa Waiver Program in 2016

In 2016, the US Department of Homeland Security started implementing a change in the Visa Waiver Program under the “Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015”. Since then, certain travelers would no longer be eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

The following groups of people are affected by that change:

• Nationals of visa waiver countries who have been in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 01, 2011. It should be noted that there are some exceptions for diplomats and military personnel.
• Nationals of visa waiver countries who also hold a nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Starting on August 06, 2019, travelers who have visited North Korea after March 01, 2011 will not be eligible for to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

What Documents Do I Need to Travel under the Visa Waiver USA?

The only documents you need to have to get the Visa Waiver stamp on your passport is the ESTA approval and the e-Passport. Your e-Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the US.

After you get the Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval, you can start making travel arrangements to the United States.

Benefits and Limitations of Travelling Under the VWP

The benefits of the Visa Waiver Program are many. You will not be required to apply for a visa, which takes time, effort, and a lot of documents. With minimal effort on a computer, you can get approved for the VWP and be on your way to making your travel arrangements for the US. You will avoid the long processing times too, so if you are travelling for business and need to be in the US as soon as possible, you can do so with the VWP.

Additionally, if you enter the United States with a VWP, you can also visit Canada, Mexico and other nearby islands for the time that your VWP is valid. So if you reenter the United States during the timeframe that the VWP is valid, you will not have any problems. You are not allowed to do so with other visas.

Things you are allowed to do with the Visa Waiver Program

With the VWP you are allowed to go into the US for these activities only:

• Negotiate contracts
• Consult with business associates in the United States
• Settle estates
• Attend conferences, educational, professional, or business events
• Have a vacation in the US
• Tour various cities in the US
• Visit friends or family
• Participate in social events hosted by various organizations
• Visit the country for medical treatments
• Participate in events or contests related to music or sports, for which you will not receive payment
• Enroll in short study courses for which you will not receive credit (ex. cooking classes)

Things you are not allowed to do with a Visa Waiver Program

However, you are not allowed to travel with these activities in mind:

• Become a full or part time student
• Perform and get paid for it
• Work in press or journalism
• Engage in any form of employment
• Enter as a crewmember on an aircraft or ship
• Seek permanent residence in the United States

What if I cannot get a Visa Waiver?

If for any reason, you are not eligible for a Visa Waiver or have had you Electronic System for Travel Authorization application denied, then you have one other option. You can apply for a regular US visa, such as the B1/B2 visa. If you are denied the visa too, then you have to check your eligibility and make sure that you qualify for a visa to the US. You will save much more time by applying for the B1 visa or the B2 visa.

Another instance where you cannot get a Visa Waiver is if you are travelling on a non-VWP approved air or sea carrier or a private aircraft.

Can I get a Green Card on an American Visa Waiver?

The Visa Waiver only gives you the right to enter the United States for tourism or business and stay for a maximum of 90 days. Additionally, you have to prove that you will return to your home country. Because of this, it is very difficult, if not impossible to get a Green Card while on a Visa Waiver.

The only possible ways to get permanent residence is if you have family in the United States and you apply to join them, or if you marry a US citizen. Even if you find a job in the US, you will not be able to change your status to a different visa which allows you dual intent.

Can I bring my dependents with a USA Visa Waiver?

Each Visa Waiver that is given is individual and does not apply to a group of people. So if you and your family, such as spouse and children want to travel to the United States together, you must each be eligible for the Visa Waiver and get one for each member.

Even toddlers must fulfill the criteria for the Visa Waiver and must have a valid passport to be able to get the Visa Waiver. Therefore, you cannot bring your dependents to the United States with only one Visa Waiver, but must get one for each individual.

Do I Need to Obtain Health Insurance as a Visitor in the United States?

No. Purchasing health insurance is not a requirement of the  authorities to visit the United States . However, due to the high costs of the American healthcare system you are strongly advised to get health insurance before traveling to the United States.

For instance, the treatment of a broken leg or broken arm will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital for one night may cost over $10,000, on average.

How Does a Country Join the Visa Waiver Program?

To become part of the Visa Waiver Program, a country must meet these conditions:

• Issue e-passports.
• Have enhanced law enforcement and security data sharing with the United States.
• Report stolen and lost passports.
• Have a less than 3% refusal rate of B visas.
• Have good counterterrorism, border control, law enforcement, and other security standards.

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You must pay fees for US nonimmigrant visas, US immigrant visas, as well as for the US diversity visa. These are application fees, while other costs include reciprocity fees. Reciprocity fees are costs that other countries have to pay depending on the relationship they have with the US, and vice versa when someone applies for visas.

US Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fees

There are many types of US nonimmigrant visas and this means that there are also different fees for it. To have a better sense of how much these visa application fees are, they could be divided into non-petition based visas and petition based visas.

The costs for a non-immigrant visa are as follows:

Fees for non-petition and petition based visas

Non-petition based visas are those that do not require an employer or someone from the US to petition for a person who wants to temporarily live in the US. The applicant can simply submit Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and follow the usual steps of paying the fees, scheduling the interview, submitting supporting documents, and attending their interview.

Petition-based visas are those that require an employer or someone from the US to petition for the applicant who wants to temporarily live and work in the US. Before the applicant can submit their Form DS-160, the employer must first submit a petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the US Department of State, or the US Homeland Department. The petitioner must also pay a fee for the petition, which can vary depending on the visa.

Here are the application fees for each US nonimmigrant visa:

Besides the petition and non-petition based non-immigrant visas, there also other categories and fees that must be paid such as:

• For the Border Crossing Card for Mexican Citizens, the application fee for applicants over 15 years old is 160.00 USD, while for those under 15 years old, it is 16.00 USD.
• For petitioners for the L visas, there is also a fee of 500.00 USD for fraud detection and prevention
• For petitioners for H visas, there is a fee of 4,500.00 USD for petitioning to the US institutions to bring a foreign temporary worker to the US.

How to Pay a US Visa Fee?

Usually, you’re required to pay a US visa fee when you visit the embassy or consulate for your interview in your home country. Each foreign embassy and consulate may have its own guidelines on how to proceed with the payment of your visa, but you can usually pay the fee in cash or with a debit or credit card. In most cases, personal checks are not accepted.

When are fees not necessary for US nonimmigrant visas?

There are also instances where you do not have to pay a fee and that is in these situations:

• When you apply for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas.
• For a J visa applicant sponsored by the US government.
• To replace a machine-readable visa when the original visa was not well stamped and it was not the applicant’s fault.
• For applicants who are part of international agreements such as members of staff of the UN Headquarters and their families.
• For applicants traveling for charity purposes.
• For US government employees traveling for official business.
• For parents, siblings, spouse, and children of a US government employee who was killed in the line of duty, and the family is traveling to attend the funeral or burial.

US Nonimmigrant Visa Reciprocity Fees

Another factor which determines how much is a visa to the USA for the nonimmigrant category are the reciprocity fees. These fees are for issuing the visa and for border crossing cards. However, immigrant visas do not have reciprocity fees, but only non-immigrant visas do.

Reciprocity fees depend on the country you are currently residing and applying from, as well as the passport that you have. This fee must be paid before you get your passport back from the US Embassy.

There are situations when an applicant does not have to pay a reciprocity fee and that happens if the applicant is:

• Part of international agreements such as members of staff of the UN Headquarters or the UN General Assembly, and their families.
• Transiting to the UN Headquarters.
• Part of a US government sponsored program and their spouse and children.
• Traveling for charity purposes.

US Immigrant Visa Fees

The US immigrant visas are those that allow a person to stay permanently in the US where they can live and work. The fees for the immigrant visas are for petitions as well as processing fees.

The fees for the petitions are as follows:

• Form I-130, Immigrant Petition for Relative costs 535.00 USD
• Form I-600 or Form I-800, Orphan Immediate Relative Petition costs 775.00 USD

As for processing fees, they depend on the type of visa which you are applying for, and are as follows:

• Immediate Relative or Family Preference Immigration Applications cost 325.00 USD in addition to the petition
• Employment-Based Immigration Applications cost 345.00 USD in addition to the petition
• Other immigration applications (such as self-petitioning) cost 205.00 USD
• K visa for a fiancé or spouse of a US citizen costs 265.00 USD
• Certain Afghan or Iraqi special immigrant applications have no fee

Another common fee for most immigrant visas is the Affidavit of Support, which costs 120.00 USD. The fee is paid from US citizen sponsors who can guarantee that they will support the applicant financially until they settle down and can work within the US.

US Diversity Visa Fees

The US Diversity Visa or Lottery is for those who want to try out their luck and see if they can get selected for a US immigrant visa by chance. The applicants sign up each period and the US institutions decide on how many winners of the visa to select annually. The usual period for signing up is during November and applications are then reviewed during the year.

There are not many fees for the diversity visa except for the application or sign-up fee. This fee is 330.00 USD and must be paid before submitting the application online.

Note: These fees are as of January 2018 and are subject to change. For more accurate information on updated, please consult with the US Department of State, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the US Homeland Department. Additionally, please review any instructions you obtain from the US Embassy or Consulate you are applying from.

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• Family-Based Immigrant Visas to reunite with close family members;
• Employment-Based Immigrant Visas to work in the US without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
• Diversity Visas for those with low rates of immigration to the US;
• Returning Resident Visas for those who have once held a US immigrant visa and want to return to the country again.

This article will go through the relevant information for Family Based Immigrant Visas.

What are Family Based Immigration Visas?

Family immigrant visas are for those who want to join their family members in the US. The US government though allows only close family members to unite. Close family members are considered spouses, children, parents and siblings. Other relatives such as grandparents or cousins do not qualify.

The family members in the US must have legal status in the country. If they are in the US illegally, they cannot petition to bring their family members to the US. For these visas they must at least be Legal Permanent Residents (LPR), which means they have a Green Card. Those who are US citizens can unite with family members through the Immediate Relative (IR) Visas too.

The family based immigrant visas will allow you to live in the US. You can work and go to school or university. You can also own property and get a driver’s license. Finally, you can travel in and out of the US for short periods of time.

These visas have many benefits, but they are also limited. Each visa has a yearly limit and applicants get processing on a first come first serve basis. The earlier you apply, the higher the chances for processing. Once applications reach the yearly limit, the rest get processing in the next years.

What are the Types of Family Visas?

There are different types of family visas based on which family member is coming to the US. The visa types are:

• F-1 visas for unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens and their minor children;
• F-2 visas for spouses and children of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR). They are of two categories:
  • F-2A visas for spouses and minor children under 21 years old;
  • F-2B visas for adult children over 21 years old;
• F-3 visas for married children of US citizens and their families (spouses and minor children);
• F-4 visas for siblings of US citizens and their families (spouses and minor children). To petition for siblings, the US citizen must be at least 21 years old.

Because of the numerical limits on these visas, they get a specific amount each year, such as:

• 23,400 people get the F-1 visa each year;
• 79,940 people get the F-2A visa each year;
• 34,260 people get the F-2B visa each year;
• 23,400 people get the F-3 visa each year;
• 65,000 people get the F-4 visa each year.

If there any leftover visas from one of the categories, the category after it gets them. For example, any unused F-1 visas go to F-2A visas and so on.

What are the Requirements for Family Immigration?

Each of these types of visas has their own requirements. The list below goes through them one by one.

For the F-1 visa, the requirements are:

• The US citizen must have birth or adoption certificates to prove relationship with sons/daughters
• The US citizen must have a valid US address;
• Sons/daughters must have birth or adoption certificates of their minor children to prove relationships. The children must be under 21 years old to qualify.
• The sons and daughters must be unmarried.

For the F-2A visa, the requirements are:

• The LPR must be at least 18 years old;
• The LPR must have a valid US address;
• The LPR’s children must be under 21 years old and unmarried;
• The LPR must have valid birth or adoption certificates to prove relationship with the children.

For the F-2B visa, the requirements are:

• The LPR must prove the relationship through a valid birth or adoption certificate;
• The LPR must have a valid US address;
• The adult child must be over 21 years old and unmarried.

For the F-3 visa, the requirements are:

• The US citizen must prove relationship through a valid birth or adoption certificate;
• The US citizen must have a valid US address;
• The US citizen’s child must be over 21 years old;
• The US citizen’s child must prove they are married through a valid marriage certificate;
• If the US citizen’s child also has minor children, they must prove relationship through a valid birth or adoption certificate.

For the F-4 visa, the requirements are:

• The US citizen must be at least 21 years old;
• The US citizen must have a valid US address;
• The US citizen must prove relationship with siblings through valid birth or adoption certificates;
• Siblings with minor children must prove relationship through valid birth or adoption certificates;
• Married siblings must prove relationship through valid marriage certificate.

All applicants must meet the requirements for their visa. If you do not fulfill them, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could deny your visa.

How to Apply for US Family Visas?

The application process for family based immigrant visas is very similar. The process must start from the US citizen or LPR and then the person in the foreign country must apply. The steps for the application are as follows.

File the petition

The US citizen or LPR must file the petition for the family member at USCIS. They must send in Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. USCIS reviews the petition and makes a decision to approve or deny. If approved, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC).

When the case gets its turn for processing, the NVC sends a package to the applicant. The package has instructions for application. This means that the priority date became current for that applicant. The NVC also assigns a case number and an invoice ID to the applicant.

File Form DS-260

After the applicant gets the instructions, they have to apply for the visa. They must file Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application online and get the confirmation letter.

Complete medical exam and vaccination

The US requires certain medical exams and vaccines for those who want immigrant visas. The applicant must go to a licensed doctor or hospital to complete them and keep the records.

Compile supporting documents file

The applicant must also have other supporting documents. These documents will prove the applicant meets the criteria for the visa. These documents can be different depending on the type of family visa. Examples of documents in the file are:

• A valid passport for more than 6 months after your intended departure to the US;
• A signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from the US petitioner or LPR;
• Form DS-260 confirmation page;
• Medical exam and vaccination documents;
• Two US Visa photographs that follow the Photo Requirements;
• Marriage certificates for those who are married;
• Birth or adoption certificates to prove relationships with children or siblings;
• Court and criminal records and/or police certificate;
• Those who were married before must bring divorce or death certificates to prove the marriage ended;
• If the applicant was in the military, they must bring military records.

Attend the interview

After processing, the US Embassy will invite the applicant for an interview. The questions will be on the background and the application. At the end, the officials will make a decision whether to give the visa or not.

Receive NVC packet and travel to the US

If the Embassy approves the visa, the NVC will send another package to the applicant. The applicant must not open this package. At the US port of entry, the border official will open the package and decide whether to let the person in the country or not.

What are the US Family Based Immigrant Visa Fees?

There are several fees to pay for family immigration visas. The petitioner and the applicant pay different fees. These fees are:

• Form I-130 filing fee – $535;
• Processing fee for the Form DS-260 – $230;
• Medical exam and vaccination fees;
• Fees to get and translate all supporting documents;
• USCIS Immigrant Fee – $220.

How Long is the Processing Time for Family Immigration Visas?

Since the family visas have numerical limits, processing times can be long. The time it takes for processing depends on when you apply. Applying earlier is better since you can get processing much faster.

The processing times for family based immigrant visas can range from a few months to a few years. In extreme cases, some visas can take up to 7 or 10 years before they reach processing. This is more common for F-2B, F-3, and F-4 visas. They have longer wait times because there are too many applicants in line for processing.

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This article will go through the details of US immediate relative visas, its types, and application processes.

What are Immediate Relative Visas?

The immediate relative visas are for US citizens to unite with family members who live out of the country. This only includes spouses, children, and parents. Other family members such as siblings, grandparents, or cousins do not qualify and cannot apply for these visas.

With an immediate relative visa, the family member gets a Green Card. This means that they can move to the US permanently and live there. They can enroll in school or find a job without needing an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). They can also own property in the US, get a driver’s license, and travel in and out of the country for short periods of time.

The biggest benefit of the immediate relative visas is that they do not have a yearly limit. Other visas such as family and employment ones have the yearly caps. This increases processing and wait times for applicants. The immediate family visas do not have this disadvantage and they are better if you are looking to unite with your family in the US.

Once you qualify for an immediate family visa, you do not need to wait for your turn to get processed. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will give as many visas as necessary for immediate family members without a yearly quota.

What are the Types of Immediate Relative Visas?

As with other categories of US immigrant visas, this category also has different types. The types of immediate relative visas are:

• IR1 visa for the spouse of a US citizen;
• IR2 visa for the unmarried children under 21 years old of a US citizen;
• IR3 visa for children adopted abroad by a US citizen;
• IR4 visa for children adopted within the US by a US citizen;
• IR5 visa for parents of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.

What are the Requirements of Immediate Family Visas?

Each one of the 5 visas has their own requirements. Those who apply must meet these requirements or USCIS could deny their visa.

IR-1 visa requirements

The requirements for the IR-1 visa are:

• The couple must be legally married and have a valid marriage certificate;
• The couple must have been married for at least 2 years (those who are married less than 2 years get a Conditional Residence Visa (CR-1); See: Green Card through Marriage);
• The US citizen must have a valid US address;
• The US citizen must be able to financially support the spouse until the spouse can find a job.

IR-2 visa requirements

The requirements for the IR-2 visa are:

• The US citizen must have a valid birth or adoption certificate for their child;
• The US citizen must have a valid US address;
• The US citizen must be able to financially support the child;
• The child must be under 21 years old and unmarried.
• If the US citizens have already adopted the child, they must have been living with the child in a foreign country for at least 2 years to qualify for this visa.

IR-3 and IR-4 visa requirements

The requirements for the IR-3 and IR-4 visas are:

• The child must be eligible for adoption under the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA);
• The child must be under 21 years old and unmarried;
• The child must be from a Hague or Non-Hague Convention Country;
• The US citizen parent must pass an eligibility test by USCIS;
• The US citizen must plan to bring the child to live in the US;
• The US citizen must have a valid US address.

More detailed information on the requirements of these visas can be found in their articles.

IR-5 visa requirements

The requirements for the IR-5 visa are:

• The US citizen must prove relationship to their parent with a valid birth certificate;
• The US citizen’s parent must be living in a foreign country;
• The US citizen must be at least 21 years old;
• The US citizen must be financially stable to support the parent until they find a job;
• The US citizen must have a valid US address.

How to apply for these visas?

Since these visas are quite different, they also have different application procedures. Despite the differences, they all start from the petition of the US citizen. The applicant in the foreign country cannot start applying on their own. Based on the five types of visas, there are two more similar application procedures. The process for IR-1, IR-2, and IR-5 visas is similar and the process for IR-3 and IR-4 visas is similar. The outline below will go through the general overview of the processes.

Application process for IR-1, IR-2, and IR-5 visas

This process has a few steps that applicants must follow for a successful application. The steps are as follows.

Step 1: File the petition

The first step is for the US citizen to petition USCIS for the family member. The US citizen petitions for the spouse, the child, or the parent. They must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relatives to USCIS.

USCIS will process the application and if they approve it, the case will go to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will assign a case number and an invoice ID number. They will then send a package with instructions to the applicant (spouse, child, parent). Then the application process begins.

Step 2: File Form DS-260

The applicant (spouse, child, or parent) must apply by filing Form DS-260 online. This is the official immigrant visa application form. If the child is a minor, someone can help them complete the form. At the end, the applicant must have the confirmation page of the form.

Step 3: Complete medical exam and vaccination

The applicant must follow the NVC instructions on what medical exams and vaccines they need to have. Then they can go to a licensed doctor or hospital and complete them.

Step 4: Compile supporting documents file

To show that the applicant meets the visa requirements, they must also submit supporting documents. These can include:

• A valid passport for more than 6 months after entry in the US;
• A signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from the US petitioner/citizen;
• Form DS-260 confirmation page;
• Medical examination and vaccination documents;
• Two photographs per individual according to the Photograph Requirements;
• Court and criminal records and/or police certificate;
• Birth, adoption, or marriage certificate;
• If the applicant served in the military, they must bring their military records.

Step 5: Attend the interview

After the US Embassy reviews the case, they will invite the applicant for an interview. They will ask questions about the application and the background. At the end, they will make a decision whether to give the visa or not.

Step 6: Receive NVC packet and travel to the US.

If the Embassy approves the visa, the applicant will receive another package from the NVC. The applicant must not open the package but bring it with them when they travel to the US.

The official at the US port of entry will open it and decide whether to let the applicant in the country or not.

Application process for IR-3 and IR-4 visas

The process of applying for the IR-3 and IR-4 visas is more complicated. It depends on whether the US citizen is adopting a child in a Hague or Non-Hague country. Also, to start the application process, USCIS must approve the US citizen for adoption. `

After getting approval from USCIS, the US citizen must submit Form DS-260 for the adopted child. If the Embassy approves the form, the US citizen may adopt the child. For those adopting a foreign child outside the US, they get an IR-3 visa. Adopting a foreign child within the US means that the child gets an IR-4 visa.

What are the Immediate Family Visa fees?

Because their application processes are different, the fees for immediate family visas are also different. The fees for the IR-1, IR-2, and IR-5 visas are:

• Form I-130 filing fee – $535;
• Processing fee for the Form DS-260 – $230;
• USCIS Immigrant Fee – $220;
• Medical examination and vaccination fees;
• Fees to get and translate all the supporting documents.

The fees for the IR-3 and IR-4 visas are:

• Form I-800/I-800A filing fee – $775;
• Form DS-260 processing fees – $230;
• Form I-600/I-600A filing fee – $725;
• Translation fees;
• Fees to get supporting documents.

What is the processing time for Immediate Family Visas?

The immediate family visas do not have any limits per year so the processing time is quite fast. USCIS reviews the cases as they come, but does not take long to make a decision. The processing times for each one of the visas are:

• 8 to 10 months for the IR-1 visa;
• 3 to 12 months for the IR-2 visa;
• 6 months to 1 year for the IR-3, IR-4, and IR-5 visas.

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What are the Differences Between the K1 Visa and the K3 Visa?

The main difference between a finance (K1) visa and a spouse (K3) visa is that a fiance visa is issued to a foreign citizen who is not yet married to a US national, while the spouse visa is for legally married couples (a US citizen plus a foreign citizen).

Additionally, there are several differences between the K1 and the K3 visa: 

Difference in Requirements Between the K1 Visa and the K3 Visa

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the eligibility criteria for the K1 and K3 visa: 

Diference in Fees: Fiance Visa VS Spouse Visa

Depending on which K visa you apply for, there are some fees you must submit:

For both these types of visas your spouse is required to submit an affidavit of support after you enter the US, for which the fee is $120.  Also, it’s important to keep in mind that the fees can go up to $2,000 or more if you and your spouse decide to hire an immigration lawyer. 

See the fees required for US visas.

Which Visa Should I Apply for: Fiance or Spouse Visa?

The visa you need depends on your personal situation— if you are not yet married, you don’t qualify for a spouse visa (K3), in which case you are automatically required to apply for a fiance visa (K1). However, don’t forget: you must marry in the US while your fiance visa is still valid. 

What Happens if I Don’t Get Married?

If you don’t get married to your fiance after receiving a K1 visa, you must leave the United States and go to your home country. You won’t be able to extend your stay, and if you stay illegally, you will be fined and deported. 

Getting a Green Card With a Fiance Visa VS Spouse Visa

After you get married with a fiance visa (K1), your spouse can sponsor you for a Green Card based on marriage. On the other hand, with a spouse visa, you are automatically qualified for a Green Card once you enter the country— all you need to do is apply with the USCIS. 

Working With a Fiance Visa VS Spouse Visa

Under a fiance (K1) visa, you cannot work unless you apply for permission after you enter the US. To obtain permission for employment, you must submit Form I-765 for Employment Authorization, after which the permit is valid for only 90 days. Additionally, you have the option to apply for an Employment authorization the same time you apply for your Green Card— in this case, your work permit is valid for a year, and you can renew it yearly. 

Compared to the K1 visa, your spouse visa allows you to work immediately after entering the US. But, you are still advised to file an employment authorization to provide evidence that you are allowed to work. 

Can My Fiance Sponsor Me for the K1 Visa if They Hold a Green Card?

If your fiance is a Green card holder but not a US citizen, they cannot sponsor you for a fiance visa. However, if they applied for citizenship, you may be eligible for the K1 visa. Still, in this case, you need to consult with a legal counselor to help you with your application, as it can be very complicated. 

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K1 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To get the K1 visa you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Be engaged to a US citizen.
• Have the intention to marry within 90 days of them entering the US.
• Have proof of your relationship before the engagement.
• Get married according to the US lawswhile you are in the United States on a K1 visa.
• You and the US citizen must have met in person at least once in the past two years.
  • Exceptions to this requirement will be granted if you can prove that the US citizen faced extreme hardship to come and visit the foreign citizen fiancé. Extreme hardship can be proved on conditions of culture, customs, or other factors.
• Any previous marriages that the either of you have had are legally terminated.

Here are the differences between the K1 visa and the K3 visa.

What Are the Documents Required for a K1 Visa Application?

Here are the documents that you should submit when applying for a K1 visa:

• Valid passport for more than 6 months after your intended stay in the US.
• Two recent US visa photographs according to the Photo Requirements.
• Form DS-160 confirmation page and code.
• Interview schedule letter.
• Approved Form I-129F.
• Criminal background documents.
• Divorce or death certificates in case of a previous marriage.
• Evidence of the relationship with the US citizen.
• Medical examination documents (and optional for vaccination documents).
• Proof of payments of fees.
• Proof of health insurance coverage

How to Apply for the K1 Visa?

The fiancé visa application has a few steps that both fiances must follow. It must be first initiated by the US citizen. The US citizen must obtain permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bring and sponsor their foreign citizen fiancé to the US.

If USCIS grants this permission, then the foreign citizen fiancé must apply for the actual K1 visa.

File Petition for Alien Fiance

To get a petition approved from USCIS, you must go through these steps:

1. File Form I-129F. The US citizen will first need permission from USCIS for the foreign citizen fiancé to visit in the US. This permission is obtained by filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance to USCIS. The petition must be filed from within the US and cannot be filed from abroad.
2. Send the petition to USCIS. When the petition arrives at USCIS, the officials will go through it and review the evidence of the relationship, whether the parties intend to get married, and whether they fulfill the eligibility criteria. If both the US citizen and the foreign citizen fiancé fulfill the requirements, then USCIS will approve the petition and send it to the National Visa Center (NVC).
3. Wait for an answer from the NVC. The NVC will then inform the couple and will forward the documents to the US Embassy or Consulate where the foreign citizen will apply for the K1 visa. The approved petition is identified with its NVC case number. The foreign citizen is not allowed to apply for the K1 visa without obtaining the approval of the Form I-129F.

K1 Visa Application Process

After the approval of Form I-129F, you can start your K1 visa application. This must be completed by the foreign citizen in a US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, by following these steps:

1. Complete Form DS-160.
2. Schedule the US Fiance visa interview.
3. Complete medical examinations.
4. Compile your document file.
5. Attend visa interview.

Complete Form DS-160

Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is used for US nonimmigrant visas and in this case for the K1 visa too. The form will inquire on your personal information as well as reasons why you are planning to go to the US. When you submit it, you will get a confirmation page and code.

Schedule the US Fiance visa interview

Your visa interview will be conducted if you are between 14 and 79 years old. To complete the interview, you must first schedule it. You must schedule it as soon as possible due to the fact that you might have to wait too long if the Embassy or Consulate you are applying from has a high workload. When you schedule the interview, you will get an interview schedule letter.

Complete medical examinations

No matter your age, if you are traveling to the US and especially planning to apply for a US immigrant visa in the future, you must have a licensed physician conduct the necessary medical examination. The doctor must write the report stating any health issues. Since the fiancé will get married soon and apply for permanent residence, it is also advisable to get the necessary US required vaccination so as to complete that requirement.

Compile your document file

When you go in for your interview at the US Embassy, you must present the K1 visa required documents.

Attend visa interview

During the interview, you will have to show your documents as well as answer any questions that the interview officials will have. The interviewer will also ask questions about your relationship with the US citizen as well as other details about your background.

Why Does a K1 Visa Application Get Rejected?

There are various reasons that this could happen, and some of them might be:

• Involvement in criminal activities in the past (ex. drug trafficking).
• You have submitted falsified documents.
• You have overstayed in the US on a previous visa or broken other visa rules.

If you do not fulfill these conditions, you could be notified that you are ineligible for the K1 visa.

How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a K1 Visa?

It costs $265 to apply for a K1 visa. The amounts vary by year as well as by country due to different relationships that the US has with other countries, but the main categories for which you will be asked to pay fees are as follows:

• Petition fee for the Form I-129F.
• Form DS-160 submission fee.
• Medical examination fees.
• Other costs related to filing documentation and translation.

What is the Visa K1 Processing Time?

The K1 visa processing time may vary from weeks to months. It does not have a definite length of processing time. It is most likely that it will take a few months, so plan ahead for any delays if you are planning the wedding in the US.

Only after you get your K1 visa can you start making travelling plans, since if your visa is denied, you might end up not using any tickets purchased up to that point.

How Long is the K1 Visa Valid?

The K1 visa is valid for 4 months but you can extend for up to 6 months. Despite the fact that the K1 visa might be valid for this length, the couple is expected to be married within 90 days of the foreign citizen’s entrance in the US.

Can I Work With a Valid K1 Visa?

While you are in the US with a K1 visa, your US citizen fiancé must prove that they can support you. However, since you will get married and will start your process to adjust your status to a permanent one, you can plan ahead to work.

Initially, you must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 to USCIS. If approved, you are allowed to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and even work for the period of time that your K1 visa is valid.

Can my Children Accompany me to the US With a K1 Visa?

If the foreign citizen has unmarried children under 21 years old, they can accompany the foreign citizen to go to the US for the marriage. The children of the K1 visa holder can travel to the US with a valid K-2 visa.

The US citizen does not need to file petitions to USCIS for the children of the fiancé, but they must be mentioned in the Form I-129F. Upon approval of the petition, each one of the children must apply for the K-2 visa individually. The children will then have the opportunity to also obtain permanent residence after the marriage by filing for adjustment of status.

What Are the Next Steps After Marriage?

If the foreign citizen obtains a K1 visa and the couple gets married in the US within 90 days, then the process to adjust status to a permanent one begins. This means that the foreign citizen will become a Legal Permanent Resident of the US by getting a spouse visa.

This process begins by filing Form I-485. Within the first two years of marriage, the foreign citizen will have conditional status with the CR-1 visa and afterwards can obtain unconditional status with the IR-1 visa.

What if the Couple Does Not Marry After 90 Days?

If the K1 visa holder enters the US and does not marry, then they cannot extend their fiance visa. The K1 visa holder should then leave the US and return to their home country. If the K1 visa holder does not return, they could face deportation and legal consequences.

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The US State Department has approved a proposal of March 2018, which suggested that travelers to the US should submit these details in addition to the standard required documents.

“National security is our top priority when adjudicating visa applications, and every prospective traveler and immigrant to the United States undergoes extensive security screening,” the department said, adding that they are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve the screening processes to protect US citizens.

This measure comes as a result of the ‘extreme vetting’ that the US State Department wants to start applying, which has also been one of the biggest electoral promises of President Trump as a way to combat terrorism.

Among the social media platforms required are also the US-based entities such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit and YouTube.

According to a notice posted by the Federal Register, in April 2018 the platforms listed may be updated by the Department by adding or removing platforms. Additional platforms will be added only if the collection is consistent with the uses described in the Supporting Statement and after the Office of Management and Budget approval.

In fact, the requirement had started to apply to some specific categories of travelers since 2016, during the Obama presidency, after the shootings in 2015 in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 people dead. Since then, it is estimated that around 65 thousand people per year are required to submit such information, including travelers that have previously traveled to areas controlled by terrorist organizations.

The new measure will affect around 15 million people per year, both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants. Exempt from this requirement may be only certain state officials and diplomats.

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The FDW Work Permit is only one of the different types of work passes and permits that Singapore offers to foreign workers. However, not everyone can apply to become an FDW in Singapore. Only nationals from certain countries qualify. In addition, there are requirements that prospective employers have to meet as well.

Eligibility Criteria for FDW in Singapore

Both the foreign domestic worker and the employer have to meet certain criteria to be eligible to get a Work Permit.

Eligibility criteria for the employer

• The employer has to be at least 21 years old.
• The employer cannot be an un-discharged bankrupt.
• The employer cannot have any mental disorder/disability which can impair their ability to supervise the FDW, and be in charge of their well-being.

Eligibility criteria for the Foreign Domestic Worker

• The FDW must be female.
• She has to be over 23 years of age and below 50 when applying.
  • Applicants over 50 cannot apply for the first time. They can only renew their Work Permit.
• She must be from one of the following countries:
  • Bangladesh
  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
• She must have at least 8 years of formal education.

Conditions for employing a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore

When an employer hires a foreign domestic worker, they must be aware that the FDW:

• Needs to have a valid Work Permit.
• Can only work for one employer.
• Only does domestic/household chores.
• Only works in the address where the employer lives.
  • The exemption is if she is taking care of the employer’s children or elderly parents at another place during the day.
• Has to live in the same household as their employer.
• Is not allowed to take up any other work, not even part-time.
• Is entitled to have one paid rest day a week.

In addition, there are certain conditions and requirements that both the FDW and the employer have to comply with. These include:

Health insurance

The employer has to get foreign domestic worker medical insurance covering:

• At least $15,000 per year during her stay in Singapore.
• Hospitalization, medical emergencies, and surgeries.

In addition, the employer must also get the employer Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) which:

• Is a minimum of S$60,000.
• Covers sudden and unexpected accidents which could result in the helper becoming permanently injured or dying.

Medical examination

Within two weeks of the foreign domestic worker arriving in Singapore, the employer has to send her to get a medical examination at a Singapore-registered doctor. The employer and the FDW must have the Medical Examination Form, which can be downloaded from MOM’s website when they go for the examination.

The doctor will check if the FDW is fit for working and if she tests positive for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis or malaria.

The FDW will not get a Work Permit if she does not pass the medical examination.

She will also have to undergo a medical examination every six months for the duration of her work permit.

Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)

Employers who are applying to get a Work Permit for an FDW for the first time(as well as employers who have changed FDWs repeatedly) will need to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP).

They must attend the program, which lasts three hours, at least two days before they apply for the Work Permit for the FDW.

It can be taken in a classroom or online.

Settling-In Programme (SIP) for the FDW

A foreign domestic worker coming to work in Singapore for the first time has to attend a Settling-In Programme. She must attend the program within the first three days of entering Singapore. The program only lasts one day, and it covers the following topics:

• Introduces the FDW to Singapore.
• Home safety.
• The conditions of employment.
• Managing stress and management.

The FDW cannot start to work until she has attended the program.

Security bond

Employers have to buy security bonds for every FDW they have unless she is Malaysian. The security bond works like insurance that the employer will pay a fee of up to S$5,000 to the government if they break the rules regarding employing a foreign helper.

The employer has to pay the security bond if:

• The employer or the worker violates any of the Work Permit or security bond rules.
• The employer does not pay the FDW her salary on time.
• If the employer does not make sure the FDW has returned home after the end of the Work Permit.
• If the FDW goes missing.
  • If the employer makes effort to find her, such as going to the police, they will only have to pay half of the bond.

FDW levy

The employer has to pay a monthly levy for any foreign domestic workers that they have. The employer has to pay a levy as follows:

• For a first-time FDW: S$300 per month
• For a subsequent FDW: S$450 per month
• In case of levy concession (if the employer has a child, a person with a disability, or elderly person in the household): S$60 per month.

Documents Needed for a Work Permit for a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore

When the Singapore employer submits the Foreign Domestic Worker Permit application, they must attach several supporting documents. These include:

• If the employer is a Singapore citizen: Copy of their ID card.
• If the employer is not a Singapore citizen: Copy of their Employment/Dependent’s Pass.
• If the employer is an LTVP holder:
  • Copy of their LTVP Pass
  • Copy of their child’s birth certificate or Student Pass (if applicable)
• Documents proving the employer’s income, as well as the income of their spouse.
• Copy of the FDW’s passport.
• If the FDW is from Malaysia:
  • A copy of her ID Card.
  • A copy of her SPM certificate (The Malaysian Certificate of Education)
• Copies of the birth certificates of the employer’s children (if applicable)
• Copy of the ID Cards of the employer’s parents or parents in law.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of the documents. The Ministry of Manpower reserves the right to as for any additional documents they see fit.

All the submitted documents have to be in English. If they are not, they must be translated by an official translator.

How to Apply for a Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers?

It is the employer who is in charge of submitting the application to hire a foreign domestic worker in Singapore. They could also appoint an employment agency to submit the application on their behalf.

There are two ways of submitting the application: online and manually.

Applying online

The online application process for a work permit for a FDW is as follows:

• FDW gives a letter of consent to the employer, stating she agrees to be employed.
• The employer logs in to the Ministry of Manpower’s Online Application Tool, and completes the application.
• They attach the required documents (see below).
• The employer pays the application processing fee (S$35).
• If the application is approved: They will receive an in-principle approval (IPA) letter/letter of notification, which they must give to the FDW. The letter allows her to enter Singapore.
  • The FDW Work Permit online application processing time is about 1 week.

Applying manually

The manual application process for a work permit for a FDW is as follows:

• FDW gives a letter of consent to the employer, stating she agrees to be employed.
• Employer downloads the Work Permit application form MOM’s website.
• They attach all the required documents (see below).
• They pay the S$35 processing fee and keep the receipt.
• They submit the application at a SingPost branch so they can mail it to the Ministry of Manpower.
• If the application is approved: The MOM mails the employer the in-principle approval (IPA) letter/letter of notification, which they must give to the FDW. The letter allows her to enter Singapore.
  • The FDW Work Permit manual application processing time is about 3 weeks.

After the application (either online or manually) has been approved and the foreign worker has traveled to Singapore, the employer has to request to get the Work Permit issued.

Requesting to issue the Work Permit

The foreign domestic worker has to attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) and medical examination before the employer requests to get the Permit issued.

The process of requesting to issue the work permit is as follows:

• The employer logs in and makes the requests at MOM’s Online Application Tool.
• They give the address where MOM can deliver the card.
• They pay the S$35 fee.
• They print the Temporary Work Permit, which:
  • Allows the FDW to enter and leave Singapore until they get their Card.
  • Allows the FDW to start working.
  • Notifies the FDW if she needs to register her fingerprints and photo.

Registering the fingerprints and photo

If the Temporary Work Permit states that the FDW needs to register her photo and fingerprints, she must do it within one week at the MOM Services Center.

She needs to have her passport, appointment letter, and Temporary Work Permit with her.

The MOM will send the Work Permit Card at the address of the employer within four working days of registering.

Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Worker Renewal

A Work Permit for a foreign domestic worker is valid for a maximum of up to 2 years, and it can be renewed. Once renewed, it is valid for another two years.

The Ministry of Manpower sends the employer a renewal letter eight weeks before the foreign domestic worker’s Permit expires.

After receiving the FDW renewal letter, the employer can submit the application to renew it online.

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