{"id":352882,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/how-do-i-get-an-immigrant-visa-number.html"},"modified":"2023-09-12T17:10:32","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T22:10:32","slug":"how-do-i-get-an-immigrant-visa-number","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/how-do-i-get-an-immigrant-visa-number.html","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Get an Immigrant Visa Number?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Do I Get an Immigrant Visa Number?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Getting an immigrant visa number is a key step in the green card process, but you cannot apply for one directly. A visa number becomes available only after USCIS approves your petition and the State Department reaches your priority date under annual and country\u2011based limits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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If you want to immigrate to the United States, you must go through a three-step process. In this process, you will fill out and submit an immigrant visa application to obtain a U.S. visa.<\/p>\n

Because wait times can vary widely, understanding how the system works helps you track your place in line and plan your next steps. Keep reading to learn how to get a visa number. You can also contact an immigration attorney<\/a> near you for legal guidance tailored to your situation.<\/p>\n

Immigrant Visa Number Process in 3 Steps<\/h2>\n

First<\/strong>, the\u00a0U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a>\u00a0(USCIS) must approve an immigrant petition for you. An employer or a relative usually files this request for you as the first step in the immigrant visa process.<\/p>\n

Second<\/strong>, a visa number through the State Department must be immediately available to you, even if you are already in the United States. If you receive an immigrant visa number, it means an immigrant visa has been assigned to you.<\/p>\n

Third<\/strong>, if you are already in the United States, you may apply to adjust to\u00a0permanent resident status<\/a>\u00a0after a visa number becomes available for you. If you are outside the United States when this happens, you must go to your local U.S. consulate or U.S. embassy to complete your processing. At a U.S. consulate, a consular official will assist in completing that processing.<\/p>\n

How Long Does It Take To Get an Immigrant Visa Number?<\/h2>\n

U.S. law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers available every year. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)\u00a0sets this number<\/a>. It’s possible that even if the USCIS approves an immigrant visa petition for you, you may not get an immigrant visa number immediately.<\/p>\n

Several years could pass before the State Department<\/a> gives you an immigrant visa number. This occurs only after USCIS approves your immigrant visa petition. U.S. law also limits the number of immigrant visas available\u00a0by country. This means you may have to wait longer if you come from a country with a high demand for U.S. immigrant visas. If you come from a country with high demand, expect longer wait times for approval and issuance of your visa.<\/p>\n

Who Is Eligible?<\/h2>\n

An immigrant<\/a>\u00a0is someone who is not a U.S. citizen but has been authorized to live and work in the United States permanently.\u00a0<\/p>\n

People who want to become immigrants are divided into categories based on a preference system<\/a>.\u00a0Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens\u00a0do not have to wait for an immigrant visa number to become available after the USCIS approves an application. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include parents, spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21.\u00a0An immigrant visa number will be immediately available for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.<\/i><\/p>\n

Under family-based classification, applications receive priority. Having a family member who is already a U.S. citizen always helps. The relatives in the remaining categories must wait for a visa to become available according to the following preferences:<\/p>\n