Are you a foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States with your family? Alright, here is how to go about. What you need is a Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa. Kindly read this article and get all you need to know how you can apply for your Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa in Nigeria.
Types of Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa
There are two types of Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa:
- immediate relatives and
- family preference.
Immediate Relative
This type of visa is based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in this category is not limited each fiscal year.
Family Preference
The family preference visa is for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
Both the immediate relatives and family preference visas are regulated by the provisions of the United States immigration law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
How to apply for a Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa
To apply for an immediate relative or family preference immigrant visa, follow the steps on the U.S. Immigrant Visa Application Process. After completing those steps, review the instructions given to you by the National Visa Center (NVC), along with the information presented on the visa website, for further guidance and instructions.
Required Documents for Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa Application
The following documents are to be submitted during your Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa and you should go with them on your appointment day of interview.
- Biographic Data Questionnaire (DS-260)
- Documentation of Marriages and Divorces
- Birth Certificates
- Valid Nigerian Passport
- 2 Passport-Size Photos
- Medical Report
- Police Report
- Affidavit of Support and Tax Documents
Your Visa Application Interview
On the day of your interview, ensure that you have the documents listed in the “Required Documents” section. All applicants over the age of 14 will have their fingerprints taken at the interview. An accompanying adult will submit his or her own fingerprint in lieu of those for minor children under the age of 14.
What happens after the Interview?
After the interview, if your visa is approved, the Consular officer will provide you with instructions on how to pick up your visa. You are required to create a profile on www.ustraveldocs.com/ng in order to receive information on the status of your visa. Most visas are processed and printed within ten (10) business days of the interview.
On the other hand, if your visa application is denied after the interview, you will be informed by the consular officer why you are ineligible to receive a visa. Based on U.S. law, not everyone who applies is qualified or eligible for a Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa.
Where can I collect my Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa in Nigeria?
You can collect your Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa in Nigeria at:
GSS Document Collection Center
DHL. Plot 230 Muri Okunola Street
Victoria Island, Lagos.
We strongly advise that: you should not make permanent financial commitments, such as selling your house, car or property, resigning from your job, or making other travel arrangements, until you have received your Family-Based U.S. Immigration Visa
We wish you good luck and successful visa application.