Embassy of the United States

Immigrant Visas

What is an immigrant visa?

An immigrant visa is a document issued by a U.S. consular officer abroad that allows you to travel to the United States and apply for admission as a legal permanent resident (LPR).

An immigration inspector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security makes the final decision as to whether or not to admit you as an LPR.

Once you are admitted as an LPR, you generally have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security will mail your permanent resident card (often called a “green card”) to your new address in the United States, usually within three months of your entry into the United States. 

Common Types of Family Immigrant Visas 

 

Immediate Relative
IR1	Spouse of a  U.S. Citizen
IR2	Child of a U.S. Citizen
IR5	Parent of a U.S. Citizen at least 21 years of age
CR1	Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (Conditional Status)
CR2	Child of a U.S. Citizen (Conditional Status)
Family Sponsored
FX1	Spouse of a Lawful Permanent Resident
FX2	Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident
FX3	Child of  an FX2
F24 or F2B	Unmarried son or daughter (over 21 years of age)of a Lawful Permanent Resident
F25	Child of an  F2B or F24
F1	Unmarried son or daughter  (over 21 years of age) of an American citizen
F3	Married  son or daughter of an American citizen
F4	Brother or sister of an American citizen
Fiancé	These are  really  non immigrant visas, but the immigrant visa section processes these because they are similar to immigrant visas
K1	Fiancé wishing to marry a US. Citizen in the U.S. and then become legal permanent resident
K2	Child of a K1
K3	Spouses of U.S. citizens who have an I-130 on file, which is still being processed by USCIS
K4	Child of a K3

 Complete list of types of immigrant visas.