Legal Definitions - immigrant visa

An immigrant visa is an official document issued by the U.S. government that grants a foreign national permission to enter and reside permanently in the United States. Unlike temporary visas, which allow for short-term stays for specific purposes like tourism, work, or study, an immigrant visa is the pathway to becoming a lawful permanent resident, often referred to as a "green card" holder. The process typically involves a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative, or a U.S. employer, sponsoring the applicant. This sponsorship demonstrates a commitment to support the applicant and ensures they meet specific eligibility criteria, including financial stability and security checks, before an interview is conducted and the visa is issued.

Here are some examples of how an immigrant visa might apply:

• Family Reunification: Elena, a U.S. citizen living in California, wishes for her adult sister, Sofia, who resides in another country, to move to the United States permanently. Elena files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Sofia's behalf. Once the petition is approved and Sofia completes the necessary interviews and background checks at a U.S. embassy or consulate in her home country, she is issued an immigrant visa, allowing her to enter the U.S. and become a permanent resident.

  This illustrates an immigrant visa being used for family-sponsored immigration, where a U.S. citizen helps a close relative obtain permanent residency.

• Skilled Worker Sponsorship: A research institution in Boston needs to hire a renowned scientist from Germany with expertise in a very niche field that is difficult to find within the U.S. labor market. After demonstrating the unique qualifications required and obtaining the necessary labor certification, the institution sponsors the scientist for an employment-based immigrant visa. Upon approval, the scientist can move to the U.S. with their family to work permanently for the institution.

  This example demonstrates an immigrant visa facilitating permanent residency for foreign professionals whose specialized skills are sought after by U.S. employers.

• Diversity Visa Program: Kenji, a citizen of Japan, applies for the annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (often known as the "Green Card Lottery"), which is designed to provide immigration opportunities to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. Kenji is randomly selected in the lottery and, after successfully completing the rigorous application process, including an interview and security checks, he is issued an immigrant visa. This allows him to move to the U.S. and establish permanent residency, pursuing new life and career opportunities.

  This shows an immigrant visa being granted through a lottery system designed to diversify the immigrant population in the U.S., offering a path to permanent residency for individuals from eligible countries.