Visa Information: Immigrant Categories

Immigrant visas are issued to persons who wish to reside in the U.S. permanently. The most common categories of immigrant visas are family-based (certain relatives of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents) and employment-based (for certain employment opportunities in the U.S.). Some foreign nationals, however, may obtain immigrant visas as refugees, asylees, or winners of the annual “diversity lottery.” Other may qualify in accordance with one of many unique government programs.

Please see the Visas How to apply section for further information.