Subjects
Immigrant Visa
An immigrant visa is a visa issued at a U.S. consulate abroad for a person intending to live permanently in the United States, leading to lawful permanent residence.
Related articles
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Family-Based Immigration: Immediate Relatives and Preference Categories
U.S. citizens and green-card holders can petition for family. The difference between uncapped immediate relatives and the capped preference categories — and why the wait varies so much.
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The H-1B Visa: What Counts as a Specialty Occupation
The H-1B is the main work visa for professional jobs. What the law means by 'specialty occupation,' the degree requirement, and why the definition decides whether a job qualifies.
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The U Visa: Protection for Victims of Crime Who Help Police
The U visa offers status to certain crime victims who assist law enforcement. The four requirements the law sets, the qualifying crimes, and why it exists.
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Employment-Based Green Cards: The EB Preference Categories
A green card through work runs through five employment-based categories. What EB-1 through EB-5 cover, from extraordinary ability to investment, and how the law divides them.
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The T Visa: Immigration Protection for Trafficking Survivors
The T visa offers status to survivors of human trafficking. The four requirements the law sets, the exceptions for trauma and minors, and how it differs from the U visa.
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Consular Processing: Getting an Immigrant Visa Abroad
When someone gets a green card from outside the U.S., it runs through a consulate. How consular processing works, the consular officer's role, and how it differs from adjustment of status.
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Parole and Advance Parole: Entry and Travel Without a Visa
Parole lets certain people enter or travel without a visa in specific situations. What the law authorizes, why parole is not an 'admission,' and how advance parole protects a pending case.
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The Diversity Visa Lottery: A Green Card by Chance and Merit
The green card lottery gives immigrants from certain countries a chance at permanent residence. How the diversity visa works, who's eligible, and the education or work requirement.
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The Affidavit of Support: A Sponsor's Binding Promise
Most family green cards require a sponsor to sign an Affidavit of Support. What it commits the sponsor to, the 125%-of-poverty income rule, and why it's a legally enforceable contract.
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The Public Charge Rule: What It Is and What It Considers
The public charge ground can block a green card if someone is 'likely to become a public charge.' The factors the law requires, how the affidavit of support fits, and common misconceptions.
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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status: Protection for Vulnerable Children
SIJS offers a green card path to children who've been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The three requirements the law sets, the role of a juvenile court, and why timing matters.
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No Court Review of Spouse Visa Denial
In Dept. of State v. Munoz, the Supreme Court held courts generally can't review a consular visa denial. What it means for couples.
