Filing an Immigrant Visa Petition

The first step in applying for an immigrant visa is for the petitioner to file an immigrant visa petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Please refer to the the following for further information.    

Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130

An I-130 petition is filed by a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident  on behalf of a close relative.  The petition is filed with the USCIS office having jurisdiction over the petitioner's place of residence.   

Immigrant Petition For Alien Worker, Form I-140

With limited exceptions, an I-140 petition is filed by the prospective employer with the USCIS in the United States.  

Petition for Alien Fiance(e), Form I-129F

An I-129F is filed by a U.S. Citizen on behalf of a fiance(e), or on behalf of a spouse who is the beneficary of immigrant visa petition and who is traveling to the United States to reside there while the immigrant visa application is being processed.  The petition is filed with the USCIS in the United States.  

Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, Form I-360

An I-360 is filed by the applicant or employer with the USCIS in the United States.  Widow(er)s of U.S. Citizens who are resident in the United Kingdom may be eligibile to file the petition with the USCIS office at the Embassy.   

Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, Form I-526

An I-526 is filed by the applicant with the USCIS in the United States.

For more information on filing an immigrant visa petition, please click here.