9 FAM 500
immigrant visas
9 FAM 501
Immigrant visa overview
Introduction to Immigrant Visas
(CT:VISA-1901; 02-01-2024)
(Office of Origin: CA/VO)
9 FAm 501.1-1 Who IS an Immigrant?
(CT:VISA-1652; 11-22-2022)
a. An IV applicant is a foreign citizen who is seeking a visa to travel to the United States for the purpose of obtaining lawful permanent residence. Most immigrants receive visas in the family or employment based visa categories.
b. A foreign citizen seeking admission for the first time as a lawful permanent resident is generally required to have a valid, unexpired IV. See 9 FAM 201.2 for details on travel without an immigrant visa.
c. A foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. The sponsor begins the immigration process by filing a petition on the foreign citizen’s behalf with USCIS. After petition approval, NVC handles processing for certain kinds of documents, sending them onward to post. Post then reviews the visa application and supporting documents, conducts an interview to determine visa eligibility, and completes processing.
9 FAm 501.1-2 What is covered in 9 fam 500?
(CT:VISA-1901; 02-01-2024)
a. IV Classification: 9 FAM 502 provides guidance on the various IV classification, including immediate relatives, family-preference, employment based categories and diversity visas.
b. Numerical Limits: 9 FAM 503 provides guidance related to numerical limitations associated with IVs.
c. IV Processing: 9 FAM 504 provides guidance on IV processing, including pre-processing, interview requirements, issuances, and refusals.