US Immigration Visa: How to Apply for a Visa

The United States of America is perhaps the freest and prosperous country in the world. Hence, many people throughout the world sacrifice everything to obtain their US immigration visa and come to the United States to find their American dream. They leave behind their homes, their families, their friends – all for a chance to live here.

While some take a chance to come here illegally, the safest and most effective way to enter the country is to apply for a US immigration visa. Currently, the Immigration and Naturalization Act permits up to 675,000 legal immigrants from the entire world each year. Additionally, the US makes exceptions for close relatives of legal citizens here. 

Our goal is to help with informing you about our country’s immigration policies and about auxiliary tools like DNA testing. As a result, we feel it’s crucial to outline the process of applying for a US immigration visa. Also, it’s important to differentiate between when to apply for a visa and when to apply for a green card. Individuals already living in the country should apply for a green card. Conversely, individuals living in other countries seeking citizenship here will want to apply for a visa.

“Many people throughout the world sacrifice everything to obtain their US immigration visa and come to the United States to find their American dream. They leave behind their homes, their families, their friends – all for a chance to live here.“

Applying for a US Immigration Visa

There are several different categories of US immigration visas. There are:

  • Family-based Visas 
  • Adoption-related Visas
  • Work Visas
  • Special Immigrant Visas – For government workers, interpreters, religious workers, etc.
  • Finally, Diversity Visas

The majority of visas granted are actually family-based visas. Hence, we will be focusing on the process for those. 

  1. Firstly, an American citizen in your immediate family files a petition for you. This petition requires providing supporting documentation of a familial relationship. Also, there are certain cases where the petitioner lacks enough documentation or evidence to support claims of a biological relationship. In this case, the US Embassy will request DNA testing in NYC. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Embassy mandates that all DNA testing needs to take place at AABB-accredited labs exclusively. Be wary of third-party DNA testing sites in NYC claiming to be accredited laboratories. Ultimately, it’s worth checking the list of accredited labs here before making that call. 
  2. After approving the petition, the hopeful immigrant then completes the visa application. 
  3. The next step involves taking a medical examination to ensure the safety of American citizens. 
  4. After, you go into an interview at the US Embassy nearest to your home country. 
  5. Finally, the US sends you the results of their decision – either you’re becoming a citizen or they reject the application. 
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As a side note, many people get stuck on the first step which is petitioning for a US immigration visa. When their paperwork is not in order, the US Embassy most likely requests DNA testing for both parties. Many people don’t have access to an AABB lab or simply don’t know how to find one. Ultimately, if this describes your situation, feel free to give us a call so that we can point you in the right direction. 

We wish you the best of luck, and thanks for visiting!

USCIS - US. Citizenship and Immigration Services.