United States· Join familyImmigrant visa
How it works and how to prepare
Immigrant visa · United States
After the petition and NVC referral, follow civil and financial document instructions. Visa availability depends on the category.
What to check before applying
Guides to the main routes, not a list of every existing visa. Nationality, residence, age, family and consulate can change the required evidence.
Route forms and references
- DS-260 · CEAC / NVC
Documents to organise
Prepare these documents and confirm your personalized checklist with the official source. Conditional items apply only when required for your case.
What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Identity document used for international travel.
How to obtain it and what to check
Apply or renew with your country of nationality’s issuing authority or consulate. Check the required validity and pages to submit.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Official application containing your details and intended category.
How to obtain it and what to check
Open the form on the route’s official portal. Use the current version, complete applicable fields and follow signing and submission instructions.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Evidence of the family tie or relationship in the application.
How to obtain it and what to check
Request certificates from the civil registry. Where further relationship evidence is needed, follow the official checklist and organize the requested history and documents.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Family member’s identity and citizenship or immigration status.
How to obtain it and what to check
Ask the family member for the official documents required by the category. Check validity and whether their status permits the intended reunification.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Birth, marriage, parentage or name-change records as requested.
How to obtain it and what to check
Request them from the registry that recorded the event. Check required version, recency, matching names and translation or authentication requirements.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗
Depending on your case and the official checklist
What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Criminal-record certificate from the competent authority of each requested country.
How to obtain it and what to check
Use the official country instructions to find the issuing authority. Confirm required countries and residence periods, validity, translation and any legalization.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Health assessment or certificate required for certain applications.
How to obtain it and what to check
Check whether and when an exam is needed. Book with an accepted practitioner or clinic; some routes require panel physicians. Retain the evidence specified in the instructions.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Evidence that the family member meets support and housing requirements.
How to obtain it and what to check
The family member should obtain required income and housing documents. Check amounts, evidence periods and possible exceptions in the official checklist.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗What it is and how to get it＋
What it is
Translations and authentication required for documents issued in another language or country.
How to obtain it and what to check
Check the accepted translator type before hiring. If an apostille or legalization is required, consult the issuing country’s competent authority. Translation and apostille are different procedures.
Read this route’s official instructions ↗
How to proceed
Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.
Fees, processing and validity
Check the authority’s current fee schedule before paying. Separate the application fee from translation, examination, insurance and optional service costs. Processing may depend on location, category and requests for further evidence. Validity is stated in the decision or issued document.
Check official requirements ↗Official sources
U.S. Department of State
Check fees, minimum income, document validity and timing with the route source. Confirm translations and legalisation with the responsible consulate. Visa, entry, residence and permission to work are different steps; approval is not guaranteed.
Information for lawful migration. PassyGo does not issue visas or replace individual advice from a qualified professional.