The following provides information on visa requirements for travelers to the United States who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travel. Many travelers seeking to enter the U.S. for business or tourism for less than 90 days will be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.
Routine visa applications take approximately 5 workdays to process after the visa interview. Applicants who tick yes to box 38 should be aware that it is difficult to predict how long the application will take to process, but can expect to wait a minimum of 14 to 16 weeks before being advised of the outcome of their application. Applicants who are advised at the time of the visa interview that their application will require additional administrative processing should allow at least 60 days for this stage of the application to be completed. Please note that the processing times quoted are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
Immigrant Visas
An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States. U.S. immigration law provides for the issuance of immigrant visas in four general categories: immediate relatives, family based, employment based and Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, known as the "green card" lottery.
Immediate Relatives
The following immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are eligible to qualify for immigration in the immediate relative category.
Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.
Spouse or Minor Child of a U.S. Citizen |
An immigrant visa may only be processed for a child if he/she has no claim to U.S. citizenship. |
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Parent of a U.S. Citizen |
U.S. citizen must be 21 or over |
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Step-parent or child of a U.S. Citizen |
Step-parent, step-child relationship must occur before the child’s 18th birthday |
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Spouse of a deceased U.S. citizen |
Petition must be filed within 2 years of the death of the U.S. citizen |
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Family Based Immigration
Persons seeking to immigrate in one of the family based preference categories will qualify for immigrant status only if they have the necessary relationship to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident as described below.
Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.
Employment Based Immigration
In general, a specific offer of employment from a U.S. based employer is required to qualify for immigration in the employment based preference categories.
