There are some documents that the embassy or consulate of the US requires from every applicant no matter what kind of visa they wish to obtain. Be careful to have all these documents when you hand in your visa application.

US Visa Requirements

Here are the required documents for a US visa:

• An online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form. You can file the form DS-160 here.
• Your valid passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States. However, there are some countries that are exempt from this requirement only needing a passport that is valid during their period of stay in the United States. Your passport must have at least one blank page to be able to affix visa.
• One photograph. The US visa photo requirement is one of the main requirements for every visa you apply for. Upload the photo while you apply online through the DS-160 form. If the upload fails, you can submit the photo on the appointment day. However, we advise you that, even if you upload the photo online, to still bring it with you in case you need it during the interview.
• Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. Differently from the European visa policy where you pay the fee at on the appointment day, for a US visa you need to pay the fee in order to be able to schedule an interview. Keep in mind that the US visa fee is non-refundable if you decide to cancel your appointment or if your visa application is rejected.
• Social media details. A list of the social media that you use, and the name
  of your account in each, phone number, email and social media history of the five previous years.

Every document not written in either English or the official language of the country in which the interview will take place must be translated. Translations must be certified by a competent translator.

Form DS-160

If you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa you should complete the online application form DS-160. You can fill the DS-160 form online via the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Aside from the main documents, there are others you will have to submit in order to support the answers you have given in your application form, such as:

Previous USA visas

If you have visited the US before with an older passport, then you should take it with you on the day of the interview at the embassy or consulate. The US authorities require previously held visas are able to prove that you have entered the country before.

Invitation letter

An invitation letter for US visa is a letter written by a United States citizen or legal resident, confirming that they are willing to admit an international with whom they have family ties or friendship, and also that they have enough room for the visitor for the entire period of their stay in the US.

Travel itinerary

The travel itinerary is a travel plan that shows what you are planning to do while you are in the US. It includes documents as a purchased flight reservation that shows your planned date of entry and exit in the US. If applicable, it can also show inner flight reservations.

Also, you will have to submit some proof of accommodation. It should show where you are planning to stay in the US (hotel, a rented house, a friend’s or relative’s house, etc.). However, it can just show that you have enough financial means to book a hotel once in the US.

Sponsorship documents

If you are planning to come to the United States sponsored by another person who is a US resident then you will have to show proof of that. The sponsor must submit these documents:

• Letter for Affidavit – which is a letter that confirms the sponsor is capable of financially supporting you during your whole stay
• Employment Letter – that shows the sponsor is employed and shows the salary he is paid.
• Payslips – three to four recent payslips
• Bank Letter – that shows the days when the account was opened, the total amount of money deposited during the past year and the present balance.

Property Documents

If you have a property in your home country or somewhere else you should show proof for that. Having property is a huge plus if you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa since that shows you have stronger ties with your home country and you do not intend to remain in the US. If you do, bring proof on the appointment day as:

• Original ownership papers
• Photographs of that property
• Personal affidavit regarding the property

Employment / Professional Documents

• Bring a letter from an employer that gives details of your position, salary, length of employment, the period of authorized vacation and purpose of the trip to the US – If employed.
• Pension book – If retired.
• Company registration certificate and income details – If self-employed.

Family Documents

Anything like: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, close family photographs, adoption certificate (if you are adopted or have adopted a child), divorce certificate, spouse’s death certificate, etc.

Letter from a physician

You are required to schedule a medical appointment with an authorized physician in the country where you will be interviewed. You must complete your medical examination with an embassy-approved doctor. Exams conducted by other physicians will not be accepted.

Requirements for Specific US Visa Types

Extra documents might be required for a US visa depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Requirements for USA Study Visas

If you are applying for a US student and exchange visa, then the consular officer will require from you to submit proof you have been admitted at a US educational institution. This educational institution has to be under the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You will also have to pay SEVIS I-901 fee aside of the normal visa fee and submit proof of payment during the interview.

Requirements for USA Work Visas

Depending on the US work visa type you apply for, you might have to submit some of the following documents:

• Proof you meet the qualifications (diplomas and certifications)
• Proof of professional degree (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate)
• Job offer from a US employer
• Resume or CV
• Letter from previous employers
• State License (if applicable)
• Proof that you have extraordinary abilities
• Additional Fees, etc.

Fingerprint Collection

Fingerprints are a mandatory requirement for all those who wish to obtain a US visa. Depending on the consulate or embassy, you will have your fingerprints taken either before or just after the interview.

Only the following categories are exempt from fingerprint collection:

• Children under 14.
• Elders over 79.
• A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, C-3.
• NATO applicants.
• People who physically are not able of giving their fingerprints.

Once you collect all your required documents for a US visa, you can look at health insurance options in the United States. You can find the best plan that meets your needs and compare health insurance plans.

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US Visa Photo Requirements

Your US visa photos must be:

• The US visa photo size should be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The photo should be positioned in a way that the head is between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of your chin to the top of the head.
• In color.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• With no shadows.
• With a plain white background.
• You must face the camera in the photo.
• Have a neutral expression.
• Have both eyes open.
• You cannot wear a uniform. However, the clothes that they wear normally every day. Religious clothing that the person wears daily is allowed. The head must not be covered and the hairline has to be visible unless the person wears a headdress for religious purposes. The headdress must not cover the face.
• Without any worn electronic devices. Unless you need a hearing device or something similar.
• You must not wear eyeglasses except for medical reasons. If for example, the person has had an eye surgery lately, they need a statement from a doctor must be provided to justify them. If eyeglasses have to be worn, the frames must not cover the eyes and there must be no glare or shadows in the face from the glasses.

US visa photo do’s and don’t’s

Digital Photo Requirements

If the US Embassy wants you to submit a digital photo online, it must meet these requirements:

• The photo must be square and 1200×1200 pixels.
• The photo must be in color such as the sRGB color space.
• The format of the photo must be in JPEG.
• The size of the photo must be less or equal to 240 kilobytes (kB).
• If your photo is bigger than that size, it can be compressed to a ratio of less than or equal to a 20:1 ratio.

If you already have a physical photo which meets the physical photo requirements, you can scan it and make it as follows:

• The photo has to be in dimensions of 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
• The resolution of the scanned photo must be 300 pixels per inch or 12 pixels per millimeter.

Nonimmigrant Visa Photo Requirements

In addition to the standard requirements, there are also requirements for the types of visas. Some of the requirements related to US nonimmigrant visa pictures include:

• Applicants using Form DS-160, might need to submit a digital photo which must meet the digital photo requirements.
• In addition to the digital photo, you might also have to submit 1 physical photo as per their requirements

Immigrant Visa Photo Requirements

For those who are applying for a US immigrant visa to permanently stay in the US, you must submit two physical photos in photo quality paper that comply with the standard US visa photo requirements

Diversity Visa Photo Requirements

For those who are entering the Diversity Visa (DV) program or lottery, the photo has to meet these requirements:

• You should upload a digital photo.
• The photo must be in JPEG format.
• The photo must be square and its dimensions must be 600×600 pixels.
• The size of the photo must be 240 kilobytes (kB).

If you scan an existing photo, it must meet these requirements:

• The resolution of the photo must be 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter).

If you get selected for the Diversity Visa Program, you should bring more photos that comply with the photo requirements for US visa.

Where to Take US visa Photos?

The US visa photo requirements are quite extensive, so it is difficult to fulfill them all by yourself. That is why it is better to seek professional photo services to take the photos and submit them to the US Embassy you are applying to.

There are many professional services that will take photos of you which fulfill the requirements and send you a digital copy as well as provide physical photos. They are more expensive than taking photos of yourself, you will have a greater chance that the photos will be accepted by the Embassy.

On the other hand, if you submit photos taken with bad quality cameras, the US Embassy might reject them and you will have to submit them again. This will increase your processing time and it will take longer for you to get your visa. So, the best way to go about submitting your photos is to take them to professional stores.

However, if you take the photos yourself, then you must make sure that your camera is of high quality, that all requirements are fulfilled, and that you do not change your appearance using computer software, except to remove the red-eye effect.

How to Get a US Visa Photo for Your Baby or Toddler?

If you are also applying for your baby or toddler to have a US visa, you must also submit photos of them. This can be tricky as babies and toddlers do not sit still for long, so you can either try to take the photos yourself or seek professional services. The requirements and tips for baby and toddler visa photos are as follows:

• The photo must be of the baby or toddler and no one else must be in the picture.
• The baby must have the eyes open for the photo.
• You can lay the baby down on a white sheet and take the photo, but make sure there are no shadows on the baby’s face.
• You can put the baby in a car seat, but cover the car seat with a white sheet to provide a blank background.

What if I Changed my Appearance Significantly in the Last Months?

If your photo is not older than 6 months, but your appearance has changed significantly then you might have to submit a new photo. This would be necessary if you have done the following:

• Went through extensive facial plastic surgery.
• Added or removed piercings or tattoos on your face.
• Gained or lost a significant amount of weight.
• Transitioned to a different gender.

You will not have to submit a new photo if you dyed your hair or grew a beard. Teenagers will also not need to submit new photos if they had a change in appearance due to a normal growth process. As long as you are recognizable in the photos, they will be acceptable. However, the US Embassy is the one which decides whether your photos are acceptable or not.

(Photos source: https://travel.state.gov)

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Where Can US Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of January 2023, US passport holders can travel visa free to 143 countries and territories:

• Albania
• American Samoa
• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chile
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Curaçao
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Estonia
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Kazakhstan
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kyrgyzstan
• Latvia
• Lesotho
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritius
• Mayotte
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Namibia
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Palestine
• Panama
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Qatar
• Réunion
• Romania
• San Marino
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Eswatini

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

What Countries Issue eVisa to US Citizens?

The following 10 countries issue eVisas for US passport holders:

• Angola
• Azerbaijan
• Benin
• Djibouti
• India
• Kenya
• Myanmar
• Suriname
• Türkiye
• Vietnam

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to US Passport Holders?

If you are an US citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 43 countries listed below:

• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cabo Verde
• Comoros
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Guinea-Bissau
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• Saint Helena
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Gambia
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• United Arab Emirates
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Which Countries Are US Passport Holders Not Allowed to Enter?

US passport holders are not allowed to enter Cuba, North Korea, Syria.

Countries With Visa Requirements for US Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 27 countries with an US passport:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Belarus
• Bhutan
• Cameroon
• Chad
• China
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Republic of the Congo
• Ivory Coast
• Eritrea
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Iran
• Japan
• Liberia
• Libya
• Mali
• Nauru
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Russia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
• Yemen

The application for a visa goes as follows:

1. Make an appointment at the visa center in United States. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do US Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

US citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

• Your valid US passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
• A filled visa application form.
• Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
• Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
• Proof of paid visa fee.
• Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
• Letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
• Proof of booked accommodation.
• Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
• Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)

Important: Please note that your visa will most likely be rejected if you have a previous criminal history.

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Am I Eligible to Renew My US Visa?

You can apply for US visa renewal if:

• You want to renew a visa you previously had. So, if you had a B2 visa, you can only apply for B2 visa renewal.
• The US Embassy did not deny a recent visa application from you. If, after your visa expired, you applied for another US visa and that application was rejected, you cannot apply for renewal.
• You will renew a US visa with multiple entries, and with a validity of more than 1 year.
• You still fulfil the requirements for the visa you are trying to renew. See the US visa types and their requirements.
• You are applying for US visa renewal from your home country. You cannot apply for renewal if you are still in the US.
• Your visa expired between less than 48 months ago. Sometimes visas that expired more than 48 months ago are also eligible.

Required Documents for US Visa Renewal

When renewing your US visa, you will have to submit similar documents to your initial visa application:

• Your passport. It has to be valid for at least another six months from the time you plan to leave the US.
• Any previous passports that have an expired US visa in them.
• Two passport-size pictures, in line with the US visa photo requirements. Not the same ones you used in your original application.
• The printout of Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Proof you have paid the US visa fee (the receipt).
• Any other documents based on the US visa you want to renew.

Note: Although it is not exactly a visa requirement, it is highly recommended to get travel health insurance for any trips to the US, because of the high costs of medical care.

Applying for US Visa Renewal

The process to renew a US visa is nearly the same as when you first applied for it. You have to:

1. Complete the online application form (Form DS-160).
2. Schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate.
3. Pay the US Visa Renewal Fee.
4. Submit the required documents for US visa renewal.
5. Enter the visa renewal interview.

Please note: Some aspects of the application procedure may differ in chronology depending on which country you are renewing your US visa. For example, for US visa renewal in the Philippines, you pay the fee first, then, you complete the application form and make an appointment, whereas in India you only pay the fee after scheduling an appointment.

Complete Form DS-160 for US Visa Renewal

The application form for US visas is called Form DS-160, and it is the same online form for all non-immigrant visas and US visa renewals. You can complete Form DS-160 in one of the following methods:

• Through the Consular Electronic Application Center. You have to complete the application yourself, although someone may help you if you need help with the language. The application must be completed in English, using only English language characters.
• By using the services of a third-party company such as VisaExpress.They guide and help you through the application process. If you are nervous about completing the DS-160, such companies are beneficial because they are used to dealing with Embassies and Consulates, and are well-informed regarding the application process and required documents.

When you complete the application, you will be redirected to a confirmation page. You should print this page and bring it with you to the interview and when you submit the documents. Basically, you need the confirmation page at any stage of the US visa renewal process.

Schedule an Interview Appointment

In order to schedule an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate in your country, you must visit their website. They should have their phone number listed along with instructions on how exactly you should proceed.

The US Department of State also has an online server for scheduling interviews (here). If you already registered there the first time you applied for a visa, you don’t have to re-register. Your log-in information is saved.

The procedure for scheduling an interview appointment can change depending on the country, however, so before anything, make sure you contact the Embassy and get all the relevant information. You can find a list of the US Embassies and Consulates around the world here.

Pay the US Visa Renewal Fee

Before you enter the US visa renewal interview and submit your completed application, you have to pay the US visa fee. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application, and you can pay it in one of the following methods:

• At a bank in cash, using a receipt that you download online
• By debit card (online)
• When you appear for your interview at the Embassy, you pay the fee in cash

The method of payment will depend on the country you are applying from. The timing of the payment will also depend on the country you are from. In some cases, you have to pay the fee before anything else because you need the fee receipt to complete the DS-160 application.

Submit the Documents/Enter the Interview

There are usually three options regarding document submission and the US visa renewal interview:

• You submit the documents and enter the interview at the US Embassy, but on different days.
• You submit the documents at the US Embassy on the day of your interview.
• You submit the documents at a Visa Application Center, and then enter the visa interview at the US Embassy.

This means you may need two different appointments, one for documentation and the other for the interview. The US Embassy in your country should provide you with this information. Sometimes, when you renew a US visa, you don’t have to enter an interview.

US Visa Renewal Interview

After you submit your documents for visa renewal, you have to go to the US embassy and sit for an interview with a visa officer. They will ask you questions about your trip, the reason you are applying for the visa, as well as more personal information, such as your salary and relationships. They will ask you anything that will help them make a decision.

US Visa Renewal Interview Waiver

If you are applying for the renewal of a B-1/B-2, C-1/D, F, J, M, or O visa, you may qualify for the interview waiver. This means you simply submit the documents at the Embassy or Visa Application Center, and wait to be notified about the outcome.

Inquire with the Visa Application Center or the US Embassy about the possibility of an interview waiver.

How Long Does the US Visa Renewal Process Take?

The processing time for a US visa depends on the specific visa you’re applying for. It can take anywhere from a few days, to a few months. Another thing that affects visa processing time is the time of year when you apply (i.e. the Embassy’s workload), and whether or not you enter an interview.

Sometimes, the visa officers will inform you about the outcome of your application as soon as your visa interview ends. Other times, you go home after the interview and wait to be notified.

What Is the Validity of a Renewed US Visa?

In most cases, you will receive a new visa with the same validity and conditions as your expired visa.

What if Your US Visa Renewal Application Is Denied?

If your renewal application is denied, the US consular services will inform you about the reason for denial. Most often, applications for US visas are rejected because of incomplete documentation or because they are suspicious of the applicant’s intent in the US.

When your US visa application is denied, you have the option to apply for an Ineligibility Waiver.

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TIP: To highly increase your chances of having your US visa application approved we recommend you apply for a US visa with VisaExpress. VisaExpress is a specialized company in processing US visa applications and has helped over 65,000 people enter the United States. They provide end-to-end visa assistance to help you successfully enter the United States.

However, the US has a very clear law regarding visa policy where each visa type, requirements and US visa application process, are explained in a detailed way. The Immigration & Nationality Act also has special sections explaining the reasons why an application might get rejected.

Common Reasons for US Visa Denials – Ineligibilities

Under US immigration law section 104(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, consular officers at US. Embassies and Consulates have the sole authority to approve or deny visa application. Usually, each embassy or consulate of the US around the globe, in case of visa denial, shows to the applicant the section of law based on which his / her application has been rejected.

Often, applicants are advised by the consular officer to apply for a waiver of their ineligibility, if applicable in their case. The ineligibilities (reasons for visa denials) might be temporary or permanent. Those with temporary ineligibilities can re-apply for a visa in case they overcome them. Whereas, those with permanent ineligibility can only re-apply in case a waiver of that ineligibility is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security.

The most common reasons behind visa application denials are as follows:

• Incomplete Application or Supporting Documentation
• Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent
• Public Charge
• Fraud and Misrepresentation
• Unlawful Presence in the United States

Incomplete Application or Supporting Documentation

A visa denial under INA section 221(g) means that the applicant did not present to the consul a complete application with all the necessary information, or that supporting documentation was missing. This actually does not mean that your application has been totally rejected, since you still have the chance to correct your mistake and provide the embassy with the missing information or supporting documents before a final decision on your case is taken.

Upon getting informed that your application is incomplete, you will receive a letter that will tell you the exact reason for being found ineligible and what document or information is missing. You will have a one year period of time to submit them, since if not, your case will be dismissed and you will have to apply again from the beginning, including paying a new visa fee.

Under this section, the embassy or consulate might also decide to process your application further, which means they will conduct further security checks or investigation, often through another agency. Most of the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days after the visa interview. However, if the case is forwarded to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or some other agency, it might take several months to complete.

Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent

Only applicants of nonimmigrant visa categories can be rejected under this section of visa law. The denial of a visa application under INA section 214(b) means that the applicant failed to convince the consular officer that he or she qualifies for the nonimmigrant visa he or she applied for, and also that the applicant has strong ties with his or her home country and does not intend to immigrate to the US.

When it comes to strong ties, the applicant can best prove that he / she does not intend to stay in the US if he / she:

• has a job
• is married / engaged / in a relationship
• has property (house, land, etc.) in his / her home country
• has children (to whom the applicant is the legal tutor)
• has good relations with family members and friends

The applicant cannot appeal for this ineligibility. However, since it is not permanent, the applicant might reapply if he / she considers that there are significant changes in their circumstances. In case of reapplication the visa fee should be paid again, and another appointment for a new interview must be scheduled.

Public Charge

A visa application rejected under section 212(a)(4) of the INA means that the consular officer decided you were very likely to become dependent on the US government for your existence and financial support once in the US, which is else called a “Public Charge”.

Since this is not a permanent ineligibility, it can be overcome in certain circumstances.

Persons who apply for an Immigrant Visa

Immigrant visa applicants who were denied entry to the US under INA section 212(a)(4), can still re-apply for a visa if they are able to submit an Affidavit of Support from a qualifying sponsor. This is a document through which a US resident takes over the responsibility to financially maintain an immigrant during his or her stay in the US. The Affidavit of Support should be accompanied by bank statements or pay slips of the sponsor that show he / she is capable of financially supporting you.

Some visa categories do not require an Affidavit of Support, therefore you will have to prove that you will not become a financial burden to the US government, through:

• Your own funds (you will have to prove you have enough money through a bank statement, pay slips and other ways.)
• A job offer in the US

However the submission of the above mentioned will not guarantee you the issuance of a visa, since the consular official will decide whether the financial support evidence you submit is sufficient to overcome your ineligibility.

Persons who apply for a non-Immigrant Visa

Whereas, the nonimmigrant visa applicants who were denied entry to the US under INA section 212(a)(4) have to prove that they are capable of financing themselves during their stay in the US. The consular officer will again check your documents and decide whether you have sufficient funds to overcome your ineligibility or not.

Fraud and Misrepresentation

If you try to obtain a visa by falsely representing facts or committing a fraud, then your visa application will be rejected under INA section 212(a)(6)(C)(i). If you try to hide the fact you have relatives in the US, or you have been convicted of committing crimes in the past, this is considered fraud. This is a permanent ineligibility, therefore you will not be issued a visa no matter how many times you apply.

If there is a possibility to apply for an ineligibility waiver, then the consular officer will advise you to do so.

Unlawful Presence in the United States

If you were refused permission to enter the US under INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) then this means that the reason behind the visa denial is because you were considered to have been unlawfully present in the US.

You have either:

• Stayed in the US after your authorized period of stay expired and you did not extend your stay, or
• You entered and stayed in the US without obtaining the required authorization from the Customs and Border Protection

If you have been unlawfully present in the US for more than 180 days but less than a year, then you will not be able to get a visa for three years after your departure. On the other hand, if you have illegally stayed in the US for more than a year, then you will be unable to obtain a visa for a period of full 10 years after your departure from the US.

Other ineligibilities

Aside of the aforementioned reasons for being found ineligible for a visa to the US there are also other ineligibilities as follows:

Health-related grounds

The following categories of people that have health-related issues are ineligible to obtain a visa to the US:

• An applicant who is determined to have a communicable disease of public health significance,
• An applicant who has a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the himself/ herself or others, and which behavior is likely to happen again or to lead to other harmful behavior,
• An applicant who is determined to be a drug abuser or addict.

Criminal and related grounds

Any foreigner who has ever been committed for criminal activity, murder, drug trafficking, human trafficking, genocide, money laundering etc., is considered as ineligible to enter the United States.

Security and related grounds

Any foreigner considered by a consular officer or the Attorney General, as a risk to the security of the United States will be refused entry. If the authorities suspect that the applicant is trying to get to the US to perform illegal activities as violating the law, trying to control or overthrow the government or involve in terrorist activities.

Miscellaneous

The below categories are also ineligible:

• Foreigners coming to the US to practice polygamy,
• A guardian accompanying an inadmissible person,
• A foreigner who supports Abductors,
• As well as former citizens who renounced citizenship to avoid taxation.

Ineligibility Waivers

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows applicants who were denied a visa for a particular ineligibility, to apply for a waiver of that ineligibility. If approved, the applicant might obtain the US visa. However, it is up to the Department of Homeland Security to decide whether to approve a waiver for each particular visa applicant or not.

Each applicant is informed about their ineligibility and whether they can apply for a waiver, upon their visa refusal. The consular officer will also give directions how to apply for a waiver. In general, in order to get the waiver approved one must fulfill the following conditions:

• Have an ineligibility for which there is a waiver.
• Have only one particular ineligibility, aside of which be fully qualified for the visa.
• Applicants for a nonimmigrant visa should also be recommended by the consular officer to the DHS for a waiver.
• Applicants for migrant visas should make sure that the waiver applies particularly to their situation.

Reapplying for a US Visa in Case of a Rejection

In case your ineligibility that was found during your first application is considered to be temporary, then you can re-apply for a visa if you consider that your circumstances have changed. The consular officer will decide whether you are eligible for the visa or not.

If your ineligibility is found permanent, but the consular officer considers that everything else is okay with your application and advises you to apply for a visa waiver then you still have a chance to get a visa.

Visa Fee Refunding

When the visa application of the foreigner wishing to obtain a visa to enter the US is refused, the applicant will not get back the money he or she paid for his application fee. In case of reapplication then the fee has to be repaid, too.

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The K3 visa allows the spouse from a foreign country to move to the US and reside there while they wait for the immigrant visa petition to be approved. This applies for married couples when one spouse is a US citizen and the other is from a foreign country.

Other Types of US Spouse visas

There are different types of spouse visas for the US, depending on the situation of the couple. Which one fits your family better depends on the requirements and whether you can fulfill them. The visas below are the US spouse visas:

• K3 Visa – Spouse of a US Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition
• Conditional Resident (CR-1) Visa – means that you have just been married and for 2 years you will maintain conditional status. This is to prevent marriages from happening only for obtaining permanent residence in the US.
• Immediate Relative (IR-1) Visa – after you have been married for 2 years, you will gain permanent status without the conditions of the CR-1 visa.

Differences between the K3 visa and the K1 fiance visa

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the K3 Visa?

There are a few criteria for the spouse from a foreign country to qualify for the K3 visa. The K3 visa applicant must fulfill them, as follows:

• Be married to a US citizen – the US does not recognize living together as being married. The couple must present valid documents that the marriage is legal.
• The US citizen must have filed a Form I-130 for the spouse from a foreign country

These conditions must be fulfilled, otherwise the spouse from a foreign country does not qualify to get the K3 visa.

How to Apply for the K3 Visa?

The application process for the K3 visa has these two steps:

1. The US citizen spouse must file Form I-130 and then Form I-129F and have them approved by USCIS
2. The spouse from a foreign country must apply for a K3 visa at a US Embassy in the country of residence

Filing petitions

To fulfill the requirements for the K3 visa, the US citizen must first have filed the Form I-130 to USCIS for their spouse. If after getting the K3 visa, the spouse from a foreign country wants to change status to a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, they can use the same petition for them and there will be no need for a new one. When the form is filed, the US citizen spouse will get Form I-797, Notice of Action from USCIS, which they can use as proof that the Form I-130 is in processing.

After filing the Form I-130 petition, the US citizen spouse must then file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Attached to this form must also be the Form I-797 and other supporting documents proving marriage. The Form I-129F must also include any dependents of the spouse from a foreign country such as children. There is no fee for this form for the purposes of a K3 visa.

USCIS will process the Form I-129F and upon approval, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will issue a case number and invoice ID number for the applicant and will send a package to the K3 applicant. The package will contain information and instructions about how to apply for the K3 visa and the required documents.

If USCIS processes both Form I-130 and Form I-129F and approves them, sending them to the NVC, then the applicant cannot get a K3 visa, but must apply for a CR-1 visa. That is because the K3 visa is only for those whose Form I-130 is still processing and has not been approved yet.

Applying for a K3 visa

The spouse from the foreign country must then apply for the K3 visa. The applicant must apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country using the instructions sent by the NVC.

The process for the K3 visa application is as follows:

File Form DS-160

Form DS-160, Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application is an online form which you as the applicant must fill out and submit with the relevant information. You can access it by using your NVC case number. The questions will be related to your background and reasons for going to the US. After the form is complete, you must submit and get the confirmation page which you will need later.

Complete medical examination and vaccination

The US has certain medical and vaccination requirements which its citizens and immigrants must fulfill. Anyone who wants to immigrate to the US must get the necessary medical check-ups and vaccines. The NVC package which you received after the approval of the petition will specify what medical procedures you must complete and the vaccines you need to get. A licensed doctor must complete the documents and the check-ups. You should attach these documents to your supporting file which you will then send to the NVC.

Compile documents file

Complete the file with the documents that the US Embassy/Consulate requires for a K3 visa application. Besides the application form, you must also attach various supporting documents such as:

• Your valid passport for more than 6 months after your planned entry into the US
• Form DS-260 confirmation page
• Medical examination and vaccination documents
• Two US visa photographs per individual according to the Photo Requirements
• Birth certificate and marriage certificate
• Court and criminal records and/or police certificate
• Evidence that you have financial support for the initial period in the US (US citizen spouse must provide you with the Form I-134, Affidavit of Support)
• Receipts for the payment of fees

Attend interview

The NVC will first make sure that you have submitted all the necessary documents and then will schedule the interview at the US Embassy where you have applied. The interview will be on your background and reasons for going to the US, as well as asking for any additional documents.

Receive NVC packet and travel to the US

If your K3 visa is approved, the officials at the US Embassy where you applied will give you a packet from the NVC. Do not open this packet under any circumstances. Instead, bring it with you when you travel to the US for the first time with your K3 visa and give it to an immigration official at any US port of entry. They have the authority to open it and will determine whether you can get into the country or not.

K3 Visa Validity

The K3 visa is valid for only 2 years. It can be renewed in 2 year increments, but will be revoked in case the US Department of State rejects Form I-130, the application for Lawful Permanent Residence, or if the couple gets divorced.

What are the K3 visa fees?

The K3 visa fees that your US citizen spouse and you will incur are as follows:

• Form I-130 filing fee
• Form DS-160 processing fee
• Medical examination and vaccination fees
• Other administrative costs for obtaining, translating, and shipping documents

How Long is the K3 Visa Processing Time?

K3 visa processing time varies from case to case and it takes 5-8 months to process.

On average USCIS takes 3-5 months to process and the US Embassy in your home country may take 2-3 months. Additionally, the US Embassies in different countries have different working times, which then might speed up or delay the processing of your K3 visa.

How to become a Lawful Permanent Resident after getting a K3 visa?

The next step after you have gotten your K3 visa is to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US by getting a Marriage Green Card. To change your status from your immigrant visa to an LPR, you must first have an approved petition from USCIS and the visa, as well as live in the US.

Afterwards, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to USCIS. This form will be processed and if approved you will be a legal resident in the US. If this form is rejected, then your K3 visa will be revoked or not renewed for the next term.

Lawful Permanent Residents in the United States are treated similarly to US citizens in terms of healthcare and health insurance. You obtain a health insurance policy as a green card holder in the United States through private companies. 

Can my spouse bring their children to the US with a K3 visa?

After the spouse from a foreign country gets an the K3 visa, they can bring their children to the US with them. The children which qualify must be unmarried and under 21 years old.

The children will get a K-4 visa, but if the K3 visa holder gets their CR-1 visa, the child will also have to switch to the appropriate derivative visa. The child can live in the US, attend school and higher education, and apply for naturalization after they qualify and get their US citizenship.

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• 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 to be adopted within the US by a US citizen
• IR5 visa for parents of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.

As can be seen, immediate relatives are only spouses, biological or adopted children, and parents. Grandparents, uncles, or aunts do not qualify as immediate relatives and therefore cannot get these visas.

This article will go through the IR-4 visa, what it is, its requirements, application process, and other relevant details.

What is the IR-4 visa?

There are many US citizens who want to adopt children from foreign countries. To be able to do that, the child must have a valid immigrant visa to come and live in the US with the adoptive parents. There are different types of US immigrant visas which allow US citizens to adopt in this way, but the main ones are the IR-4 and the IR-3 visa.

The IR-4 visa allows parents to obtain guardianship of the child in the foreign country and then bring the child to the US to complete the adoption. With the IR-3 visa, the parents from the US must complete the adoption process in the foreign country before the child can get the visa.

The IR-4 visa allows the parents to bring the child to the US, complete adoption and then the child can remain in the US legally. The child can attend school and when able, can also start working without needing an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Additionally, when eligible, the child can also apply for a US citizenship.

The IR-4 visa is beneficial because it does not have an annual limit or cap on the number of visas issued. That is why, those who apply for it can complete processing much faster and be able to live in the US as a family.

What are the types of adoption that qualify for the IR-4 visa?

There are two types of adoption recognized by the US government and they depend upon the country from where the child was adopted. These are:

• Hague country convention adoptions
• Non-Hague country adoptions

The Hague Adoption Convention was signed in 1993 and specified rules and regulations about intercountry adoption. Depending on whether the US citizen adopts the child from a Hague Convention Country or from a Non-Hague Convention Country, the application procedures change.

The following countries are part of The Hague Convention Countries; however, US citizens are not allowed to adopt children from the countries in bold due to other political reasons.

Adopting from any other countries than those above means that the US citizen is adopting outside the Hague Convention rules and other regulations and application procedures will apply.

What are the requirements of the IR-4 visa?

To be eligible for the IR-4 visa, there are requirements for both the child from the foreign country being adopted and the adoptive parents who are US citizens. These requirements are as follows:

• The child must meet the adoption criteria from the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
• The child must be under 21 years old and unmarried
• The child must be from either a Hague or Non-Hague Convention Country
• The US citizens must be willing to obtain guardianship of the child in the foreign country and then adopt in the US
• The US citizens must pass an eligibility test by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• The US citizens must plan to bring the child to the US to live with them
• The US citizens must have a valid US address

If the US citizens plan to adopt the child while in the foreign country, then they must apply for the IR-3 visa. Also, if the US citizens have adopted the child and lived in the foreign country with the child for at least 2 years, then they are eligible to apply for an IR-2 visa.

How to apply for the IR-4 visa?

Taking into account that there are two types of intercountry adoptions for the IR-4 visa, the application procedures and steps that applicants need to take are different. Below will be the process for both the Hague and Non-Hague Country Conventions.

Hague Country Convention Application Procedures

To adopt from the Hague Convention Countries, you must choose a US Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider in the foreign country in which you want to adopt. This rule allows you to adopt from an agency which is within applicable laws and regulations.

1. File Form I-800A, Determination on Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country to USCIS. This form, if approved will make you eligible for adoption. USCIS will check your filled form, perform a background check, fingerprint check, and a home study. Based on this, they will send recommendations on the age range and number of children that you are allowed to adopt. Additionally, they will also specify whether you are allowed to adopt children with special needs.
2. Apply to be matched with a child in your preferred foreign country which is part of the Hague Convention. The authorities of the country will review your documents and you must check with them for a list of what you need to provide. They will also require your USCIS approval and then recommend children who meet the eligibility criteria. Each child will have a file which contains their background information, medical and special needs, and consent forms from the necessary parties (biological parents, adoption center, etc).
3. File Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative to USCIS. This form, if approved will mean that the child you want to adopt is eligible to immigrate to the US. Also, you must show that you have not yet gained guardianship of the child. This is to prevent US citizens from gaining guardianship or adopting children who are not eligible to immigrate.
4. After all the forms have been approved, you can start the visa application for the child you intend to adopt in the US. Submit Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application to the US Embassy or Consulate of the foreign country from where the child will be adopted. The DS-260 will require the background information of the child and other details. The form is submitted online and afterwards you will get a confirmation letter and number.
5. If all your documents are in order, the US Embassy or Consulate will issue a letter called Article 5/17 Letter which means that the child you want to adopt is eligible to immigrate to the US. Only at this point when you get this letter, you are then allowed to get a guardianship order for the child. For the IR-4 visa, you cannot adopt the child in the foreign country but must bring them to the US to do so. If you want to adopt the child in their country of residence, you must apply for the IR-3 visa.
6. When you obtain the guardianship order, submit the supporting documents to the US Embassy or Consulate. This includes the child’s birth certificate, passport, medical documents, etc. Also, schedule an interview at the US Embassy and attend it. During the interview, you will submit your final guardianship order to the officials to have the application completed. At this point, after the processing, the US Embassy will decide whether to give the IR-4 visa to the child or not.

Non-Hague Convention Application Procedures

For the Non-Hague Convention countries, there are other application procedures as follows:

1. Choose an adoption center in the country where you want to adopt the child. Since the country is not part of the Hague Convention Countries, you will not get recommendations on US approved centers, but must make the decision yourself.
2. File Form I-600A, Application for Advanced Processing of an Orphan Petition to USCIS. This form as well as the background and fingerprint check, and the home study will determine your eligibility to adopt a child from a foreign country. USCIS will not make any recommendations on the child’s classification however, which is different from the procedures of the Hague Convention.
3. Obtain a guardianship order from the country where you plan to adopt the child. This means that you must meet the requirements of that particular country regarding supporting documents and the procedures you must follow.
4. File Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative to USCIS in order to determine whether the child you want to adopt is eligible for immigration to the US. The following supporting documents must be submitted:
   • Child’s birth certificate or written explanation about the identity and age of the child if the birth certificate is not available
   • Evidence that the child does not have parents or that the biological parents are unable to provide proper care and have consented to giving up their child for adoption
   • Evidence that you have obtained guardianship of the child and you intend to complete adoption procedures once the child arrives in the US
   • Next, USCIS or a Consular Officer in the country you are adopting the child from will complete Form I-604. If the form has been approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will notify you on the next steps you must take.
   • Submit the IR-4 visa application by filing Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application as well as schedule your visa interview. At the interview, provide your complete file of documents for the child’s adoption.

What are the IR-4 visa fees?

Depending on which application procedure you will follow, you must pay the fees associated with filing the forms as well as other supporting fees. The amounts are determined by USCIS, but in general, these are the fees that apply:

• Form I-800A filing fee
• Form I-800 filing fee
• Form DS-260 processing fees
• Form I-600A filing fee
• Form I-600 filing fee
• Translation fees
• Fees to obtain supporting documents

How long is the IR-4 visa processing time?

USCIS does not provide a specific time which will take to process the application for an IR-4 visa. In general, this depends also from the length of time it takes for you to gain guardianship of the child in the foreign country where you intend to adopt. However, an estimate of the IR-4 visa processing time is 6 months to 1 year, after which you will be allowed to bring the child to the US. When in the US, you must then follow other procedures to complete the adoption as per US laws and regulations.

Do I Get Access to American Healthcare With an IR4 Visa?

Yes, you will have access to healthcare in the United States as an IR4 visa holder, however, the costs of getting medical treatment in the US are one of the highest in the world.

The treatment of a broken leg or broken arm will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital may cost over $10,000, on average. You should pick a health insurance plan that fits you best, which overall is also affordable and covers your needs.

The post IR4 Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

• 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 to be adopted within the US by a US citizen
• IR5 visa for parents of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.

As can be seen, immediate relatives are only spouses, biological or adopted children, and parents. Grandparents, uncles, or aunts do not qualify as immediate relatives and therefore cannot get these visas.

What is the IR-3 visa?

Many US citizens want to adopt children from foreign countries and then bring them to the US to live together as a family. To be able to do so, the adopted child must have a valid US visa and be allowed to enter the US. When US citizens complete adoption procedures outside of the US, in the child’s home country, then the child is eligible to get the IR-3 visa.

The IR-3 visa allows the child to come and live in the US with the adopted parents, attend school, continue into higher education studies, work without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and ultimately obtain US citizenship when eligible.

The IR-3 visa as all the visas in the Immediate Family group, does not have a cap, so any child eligible to get the IR-3 visa will be processed upon application and does not need to wait for their priority date to become current.

What are the types of adoption that qualify for the IR-3 visa?

There are two types of adoption recognized by the US government and they depend upon the country from where the child was adopted. These are:

• Hague country convention adoptions
• Non-Hague country adoptions

The Hague Adoption Convention was signed in 1993 and specified rules and regulations about intercountry adoption. Depending on whether the US citizen adopts the child from a Hague Convention Country or from a Non-Hague Convention Country, the application procedures change.

The following countries are part of The Hague Convention Countries; however, US citizens are not allowed to adopt children from the countries in bold due to other political reasons.

Adopting from any other countries than those above means that the US citizen is adopting outside the Hague Convention rules and other regulations and application procedures will apply.

What are the requirements of the IR-3 visa?

The IR-3 visa has requirements for both the child being adopted as well as the US citizens. These requirements determine the eligibility of the child for the IR-3 visa and are as follows:

• The child must be eligible based on the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
• The child must be under 21 years old
• The child must be from either a Hague or Non-Hague Convention Country
• The US citizen parent must be willing to adopt the child and pass an eligibility test by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• The US citizen must plan to bring the child to the US to reside with them
• The US citizen must have a valid US address

If the US citizen has already adopted the child and has resided with them in a foreign country for at least 2 years, then the child is eligible for an IR-2 visa and does not need to go through the IR-3 visa application process.

How to apply for the IR-3 visa?

Since there are different procedures for getting the IR-3 visa based on the country that the adoption is being completed, below will be the application procedures both for The Hague and Non-Hague Country Conventions.

Hague Country Convention Application Procedures

1. Choose your preferred Adoption Service Provider which also must be US Accredited or Approved. This will ensure that you will follow the rules and your adoption provider is also within applicable laws and regulations.
2. Get approval for Adoption Eligibility. You must file Form I-800A, Determination on Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country to USCIS. To file this form, you must complete a background check, fingerprint check, as well as a home study. If approved, USCIS will determine the age range and number of children you are allowed to adopt as well as if you are allowed to adopt a child with special needs.
3. Apply to adopt and become matched with a child in your preferred Hague Convention Country. The authorities of the adoption country will review your documents and approval from USCIS and find an eligible child which you can adopt. Each Hague country might have different requirements, so make sure to check what you need to submit. When the authorities of that country have found children, which meet the eligibility criteria, they will send referral documents to you. The documents will contain the background of the child, family history, medical history, as well as any other special needs. The file will also have the signed consent by the necessary parties (adoption center, biological parents’ consent, etc).
4. Ensure that the child is eligible for immigration by submitting a petition to USCIS by filing Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative. All of these steps must be completed and you must show that you have not yet obtained adoption or guardianship of the child. The reason for that is to prevent US citizens adopting children who might be found ineligible to immigrate according to US laws. If USCIS approves your petition, then you may move on to the next step.
5. Submit Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application to the US Embassy or Consulate of the country in which you are adopting the child. The DS-260 will require information about the child’s background and other details. You must submit the form online and obtain a confirmation letter of submission.
6. If all the procedures are approved an in order, the US Embassy or Consulate in the country in which you are adopting will issue a letter called Article 5/17 Letter which establishes that the child is eligible to immigrate in the US. Only after receiving this letter can you obtain an adoption or guardianship order.
7. Complete the IR-3 visa application process for your child by submitting the supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate and passport. Additionally, schedule an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy and attend the interview. During this interview, make sure to submit your final adoption or guardianship order to the officials.

Non-Hague Convention Application Procedures

1. Choose a preferred adoption center in the country you want to adopt the child.
2. File Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition to USCIS to determine your suitability as an adoptive parent. USCIS will conduct a background check, fingerprint check, and a home study to determine whether you are eligible to adopt children. However, in comparison to The Hague Convention Country adoption process, it will not evaluate a child’s classification as an orphan.
3. Obtain an adoption or guardianship order from the authorities of the country in which you are adopting the child.
4. File Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative to USCIS so that you can get approval on whether the child is eligible for immigration under US law. Attach supporting documents to the petition too such as:
   • Child’s birth certificate or written explanation about the identity and age of the child if the birth certificate is not available
   • Evidence that the child does not have parents or that the biological parents are unable to provide proper care and have consented to giving up their child for adoption
   • Evidence that the adoption has been completed or that you intend to adopt the child
   • Next, USCIS or a Consular Officer in the country you are adopting the child from will complete Form I-604. If the form has been approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will notify you on the next steps you must take.
   • Submit the IR-3 visa application by filing Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application as well as schedule your visa interview. At the interview, provide your complete file of documents for the child’s adoption.

What are the IR-3 visa fees?

Depending on which application procedure you will follow, you must pay the fees associated with filing the forms as well as other supporting fees. The amounts are determined by USCIS, but in general, these are the fees that apply:

• Form I-800A filing fee
• Form I-800 filing fee
• Form DS-260 processing fees
• Form I-600A filing fee
• Form I-600 filing fee
• Translation fees
• Fees to obtain supporting documents

How long is the IR-3 visa processing time?

The IR-3 visa processing time varies from situation to situation. Depending on the rules and regulations you are following and how long it takes to get adoption approval from the foreign countries, it can take from 6 months to more than 1 year for you to be able to bring your adopted child to the US.

Do I Get Access to American Healthcare With an IR-3 Visa?

Yes, you will have access to healthcare in the United States as an IR-3 visa holder, however, the costs of getting medical treatment in the US are one of the highest in the world.

The treatment of a broken leg or broken arm will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital may cost over $10,000, on average. You should pick a health insurance plan that fits Ir3 visa holders best, which overall is also affordable and covers your needs.

The post IR3 Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

To be eligible for the F4 visa, the US citizen must be at least 21 years old and qualify to bring their siblings to the US. The F4 visa gives them the opportunity to live in the US, work without the need for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) but only with their Social Security Number, as well as enroll in studies.

The F4 visa has a cap of 65,000 visas issued each year which limits the number of applications that are accepted and processed by the US government.

What are the requirements of the F4 visa?

The requirements for the F4 visa include eligibility conditions for both the siblings of the US citizen who are living in a foreign country, but also for the US citizen who wants to reunite with them.

However, the only requirement for the F4 visa is that you have a sibling in the US who is a US citizen. You can be married and have children and they would qualify for the F4 visa too, but it is not a requirement.

As for the US citizen who wants to bring their siblings in the US permanently, you must fulfill these conditions:

• You must be a US citizen
• You must be at least 21 years old
• You must have siblings in a foreign country and prove it through birth certificates or adoption documents
• You must be living in the US and have a valid US address

How to apply for the F4 visa?

The F4 visa application process must start with the US citizen petitioning for his siblings to join in the US. The petition must be approved so that the siblings and their families can start to apply for the F4 visa. The siblings cannot start their application and will not be eligible if they apply for a F4 visa without an approved petition. This means that application is divided in two parts:

• The US Citizen petitions for their adult child, spouse, and minor children to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• When the petition is approved, the adult child and their family must apply to a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country

Filing the Petition

The US citizen must petition to USCIS by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The petition must include the sibling as the main person and if the sibling is married and has minor children, it must also list the spouse and the children. This makes it easier for the whole family to get F4 visas if the petition is approved.

The petition is sent through the Department of Homeland Security and is processed within a few months. USCIS will then inform the petitioner whether it was approved or denied. If denied, they will specify the reason and the petitioner can correct the mistakes and send another petition. If the petition is approved, then the documents are sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).

The NVC then sends a package of instructions and documents to the applicants in the foreign country. The documents contain the case number and the invoice ID number. These will be used when the application procedure starts and for the applicants to pay the fees.

However, due to the cap on the number of F4 visas available each year, the applicants cannot start their application process until their priority date is current. What this means is that you can only apply for the F4 visa when it is your turn in the chronological order of all applications for F4 visas. For example, If there are so many applications that they exceed two years of limits, then your application will be processed in the third year.

Applying for the F-2A visa

When your priority date becomes current, the NVC will inform you that you can start the application process for the F4 visa. If you as the sibling of a US citizen are married and have minor children, then all of you individually must submit F4 visa applications. This is completed at a US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

File Form DS-260

Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application is the form which all applicants for immigrant visas must submit. You, your spouse, and children must each submit a DS-260 Form. This is an online form in which you must state your background information and reasons for immigration. To access it, you must enter your NVC case number so that it can link to your approved petition. When you submit the DS-260 form, you will get a confirmation page and number which you must save to send to the NVC with your other supporting documents.

Complete medical examination and vaccination

All immigrant applicants for the US must comply with the medical and vaccination requirements if they want to live permanently in the country. That is why, the NVC will inform you on what medical check-ups and vaccines you and your family need to go through to complete the requirements for the F4 visa. You must visit licensed doctors and get the vaccines as well as fill out the documents signed by the doctor. These documents will be attached as supporting ones when you send them to the NVC.

Compile documents file

Your documents file must contain all the necessary documentation which supports your case. You must convince the NVC and US Embassy or Consulate that you and your family fulfill all the requirements and are eligible to get the F4 visa. The file must contain the following:

• Your valid passports for more than 6 months after your planned entry into the US (your passport, your spouse’s, and minor children’s if applicable)
• A signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from the US petitioner (applicant’s sibling)
• Form DS-260 confirmation page
• Medical examination and vaccination documents
• Two photographs per individual according to the Photo Requirements for an American Visa
• Your valid marriage certificate to prove your marriage
• Birth certificates or adoption documents of your children
• Court and criminal records and/or police certificate
• If you have been previously married, you must bring divorce or certificates of death to prove the marriage was officially terminated
• If you served in the military, you must bring your military records

Attend interview

All immigrant applicants must go through an interview with an official at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. After the NVC makes sure that you have sent all the necessary documents, they will schedule this interview for you and you must attend it on time. If your spouse and minor children are also applying with you, they also must accompany you to the interview. The interviewer will ask questions about your background and determine whether you should get the F4 visa.

Receive NVC packet and travel to the US.

If the Embassy approves your visa then it will be stamped on your passport. With that, the Embassy will also give you a package which you must bring with you when you first enter the US. You are not allowed to open the package under any circumstances. An immigration official at the US port of entry will open it and determine whether you are allowed to enter the country or not.

How much does the F4 visa cost?

There are various fees that the petitioner and the applicant must pay throughout the application process for the F4 visa. The amounts vary and are set by USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security and the individual US Embassy or Consulate where you are applying. The main categories of fees that must be paid are as follows:

• Form I-130 filing fee
• Processing fee for the Form DS-260
• Medical examination and vaccination fees
• Fees to get and translate all the supporting documents
• USCIS Immigrant Fee which you must pay after you receive your visa and before you travel to the US. USCIS will not issue you a Green Card without you paying this fee.

How long is the F4 visa processing time?

Since the F4 visa has a cap on the number of visas issued each yet, the processing time can be very long. An F4 visa estimated time can range from 1 year to extremes of 10 years, which means that it will take long for you to be able to join your sibling in the US.

Do I Get Access to American Healthcare With an F4 Visa?

Yes, you will have access to healthcare in the United States as an F4 visa holder, however, the costs of getting medical treatment in the US are one of the highest in the world.

The treatment of a broken leg or broken arm will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital may cost over $10,000, on average. You should pick a health insurance plan that fits you best, which overall is also affordable and covers your needs.

Other Types of US Family Based Immigrant Visas

The Family Green Cards are denoted with the prefix F. There are four types of these visas:

• F-1 visa is given to unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens and their minor children
• F-2 visa is given to the spouse and minor children (F-2A visa), or adult children (F-2B visa) of US Lawful Permanent Residents
• F-3 visa is given to married children of US citizens who will go to the US with their spouses and minor children
• F4 visa is given to siblings of US citizens who will go to the US with their spouses and minor children. For this visa to apply, the US citizen must be at least 21 years old.

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The Family Green Cards are highly beneficial to unite families, but they all have a set number of visas that can be given within a year. The US has determined the cap for each visa and they are given in chronological order. So if your application exceeds the number of visas that are given for that year, your visa will be processed in the next periods.

What Is the F-3 Visa?

The F-3 visa is given to the children of US citizens who are in foreign countries. This visa does not apply to the children who are not married, but is only given to married children of US citizens. Additionally, the spouse and minor children (unmarried and under 21 years old) qualify to get the F-3 visa too.

Since the Family Green Card Visas have a limited number of visas per year, the F-3 visa is only given to 23,400 people in one year. If the limit for one year is reached, then the other visas will be given in chronological order in the next years.

With an F-3 visa, the married children of US citizens can live in the US permanently with their spouse and minor children. They can work legally without a need for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and with only needing a Social Security Number, they can enroll in studies, as well as travel abroad and enter the US anytime they need to.

What Are the Requirements For the F-3 Visa?

The F-3 visa as with many other family visas does not have extensive requirements. In order to be eligible for the F-3 visa, you must fulfill these conditions:

• You must have a parent who is a US citizen and prove it through valid birth certificates or adoption documents
• You must be over 21 years old
• You must be married and prove it through a valid marriage certificate

As for the US citizen who wants to bring their adult child in the US permanently, you must fulfill these conditions:

• You must be a US citizen
• You must have an adult child in a foreign country and prove it through birth certificates or adoption documents
• You must be living in the US and have a valid US address

How to Apply For the F-3 Visa?

The application process for the F-3 visa is long and has many steps. The process is initiated by the US citizen who must petition to the US authorities to obtain permission to have their adult child, the spouse, and minor children to come to the US. If the petition is approved, then the child and their family in the foreign country can start the application process. This means that the application is divided in two parts:

• The US Citizen petitions for their adult child, spouse, and minor children to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• When the petition is approved, the adult child and their family must apply to a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country

You cannot get the F-3 visa if the petition to USCIS has not been approved. You will not be allowed to apply and cannot be eligible for this type of Green Card.

Filing the Petition

The US citizen starts the application process by filing the petition to USCIS. The petition is filed by sending a complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative to USCIS. The petition goes through the US Department of Homeland Security and is processed after the US citizen has paid the fee. It is important that the US citizen list their adult child’s spouse and minor children (if applicable) in the petition too. This will ensure that the whole family of the US citizen’s child will be eligible to get the F-3 visa and go to the US.

The petition is then processed by USCIS and they respond within a few months, depending on the workload. If the petition is denied, the reasons for denial will be given so that the US citizen can then adjust the petition and file it again. If the petition is approved, then the documents will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).

The NVC sends a package of documents and instructions to the applicants in the foreign country. The documents contain your case number and invoice ID number which will be used to apply for the actual visa at the US Embassy as well as pay all the necessary fees.

However, due to the cap in the number of F-3 visas, you will not be able to apply for the visa even if your petition is approved if your priority date is not current. This means that if there are many other applications before you which pass the limit of the F-3 visas, then you will have to wait for your turn. When your date is current, you will be notified by the NVC and can start step two of the application process.

Applying for the F3 visa

When the NVC notifies you that your priority date has become current, then you can use the instructions in the document package you received from them to begin your application process to get the F-3 visa. Since the petition lists you as the adult child of the US citizen as well as your spouse and minor children, each individual must submit a visa application. The application is done at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

File Form DS-260

Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application is the form which all applicants for immigrant visas must submit. You, your spouse, and children must each submit a DS-260 Form. The form is completed online and you will need to give detailed information about your background and reasons for immigration. You can access your DS-260 Form by entering the NVC case number that you got in the instructional package. When you submit the form, you will get a confirmation page and number which you must then later send to the NVC as part of your documents file.

Complete medical examination and vaccination

Anyone who is planning to immigrate and live in the US must go through a medical examination and get the necessary vaccines. In this case, you, your spouse, and minor children must get the required check-ups at a licensed doctor and the vaccines. The documents must be signed by the licensed doctor and you must submit them as part of your documents file to the NVC.

Compile documents file

Your documents file must contain all the necessary documentation which supports your case. You must convince the NVC and US Embassy or Consulate that you and your family fulfill all the requirements and are eligible to get the F-3 visa. The file must contain the following:

• Your valid passports for more than 6 months after your planned entry into the US (your passport, your spouse’s, and minor children’s)
• A signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from the US petitioner (applicant’s parent)
• Form DS-260 confirmation page
• Medical examination and vaccination documents
• Two US visa photos per individual according to the Photo Requirements
• Your valid marriage certificate to prove your marriage
• Birth certificates or adoption documents of your children
• Court and criminal records and/or police certificate
• If you have been previously married, you must bring divorce or certificates of death to prove the marriage was officially terminated
• If you served in the military, you must bring your military records

Attend interview

After processing your supporting documents and determining that you fulfill all the requirements, the NVC will schedule your interview with the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You, your spouse, and minor children must attend the interview. You will be asked about your background and the official will determine whether you can get the F-3 visa to join your parent in the US.

Receive NVC packet and travel to the US.

If your visa is approved and you and your family get the F-3 visa, it will be stamped on your passports. You will also receive a package which you must bring with you when you travel to the US to enter for the first time with your immigrant visas. You must not open the package under any circumstances. Only the immigration officials at the US port of entry are allowed to open it and determine whether you are eligible to enter the US or not.

How Much Does the F-3 Visa Cost?

There are various fees that the petitioner and the applicant must pay throughout the application process for the F-3 visa. The amounts vary and are set by USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security and the individual US Embassy or Consulate where you are applying. The main categories of fees that must be paid are as follows:

• Form I-130 filing fee
• Processing fee for the Form DS-260
• Medical examination and vaccination fees
• Fees to get and translate all the supporting documents
• USCIS Immigrant Fee which you must pay after you receive your visa and before you travel to the US. USCIS will not issue you a Green Card without you paying this fee.

How Long Is the F-3 visa Processing Time?

Because there are caps for the Family Green Cards, the processing times may be quite long. For the F-3 visa, the processing time can range from 1 year up to extreme cases of 10 years. This is because there are so many people applying that they cannot all be processed at the same time.

Other Types of Family Based Green Cards

The Family Green Cards are denoted with the prefix F. There are four types of these visas:

• F-1 visa is given to unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens and their minor children (Not to be confused with the F-1 Student Visa)
• F-2 visa is given to the spouse and minor children (F-2A visa), or adult children (F-2B visa) of US Lawful Permanent Residents
• F-3 visa is given to married children of US citizens who will go to the US with their spouses and minor children
• F-4 visa is given to siblings of US citizens who will go to the US with their spouses and minor children. For this visa to apply, the US citizen must be at least 21 years old.

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