Step 1

A family member living in the U.S. sponsoring you must complete form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) if you are their spouse, child, parent, or sibling OR submit form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancee) if you are their fiancee or spouse, or child of their fiancee or spouse.

Requirements

Your sponsor may need to hire a lawyer at this stage. You must provide your employment history, martial information, family, address, contact information, etc.

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Step 2

Your sponsor must submit evidence of U.S. citizenship and pay $535 in filing fees.

Roadblock

If your family member’s income is too low, they may not sponsor you. They must find someone in the U.S. willing to sponsor and accept all responsibility for you.

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Step 3

A USCIS Approval Notice is sent to the sponsor.

Requirements

If there is incomplete information, the sponsor will receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS.

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Step 4

The sponsor must send an updated Affidavit of Support (I-864) for you to the USCIS office and an Online Immigrant Visa Application and Alien Registration Application (DS-260) to the USCIS online.

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Step 5

NVC forwards the case to the consular office indicated on the first form (I-130)

Requirements

You must complete a medical examination, police clearance, fingerprinting (biometrics) and a personal interview.

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Step 6

You must bring original copies of proof of family relationship with the sponsor to the interview with the consular official. Make sure you have all of the original documents and can pay for a translator if you need one.

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Step 7

You will receive a sealed envelope containing all visa materials — do not open it! The port of entry office will open it upon your arrival.

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Step 8

At the U.S. port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection agent will ask if you have any prior convictions, serious illnesses, or immigration violations.

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Step 9

A Permanent Resident Card (I-551) will be mailed to you within a couple weeks of your arrival in the U.S.