Immigration to the U.S.

This section provides information to help foreign citizens desiring to permanently immigrate to determine the visas, requirements, and related materials they will need to apply to immigrate to the United States. For information on who can immigrate to the U.S., click on Visa Types for Immigrants. Click on the links below for information on visa forms, the Affidavit of Support, other requirements, and related materials for immigrants.

In general there are three ways to obtain an immigrant visa:

1. Sponsorship by an immediate family member
2. Sponsorship by a prospective employer
3. Winning the Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery

What is the Embassy’s role in immigrant visas?

All family and employment based applications start with a petition, filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or with an Embassy or Consulate overseas.  Diversity visa applications start with the aspiring immigrant entering the Diversity Visa Lottery. 

General information is also available by calling the Visa Information Service.