{"id":352888,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/immigrant-visas-faq.html"},"modified":"2026-05-09T03:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T08:15:00","slug":"immigrant-visas-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/immigrant-visas-faq.html","title":{"rendered":"Immigrant Visas FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Immigrant Visas FAQ<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\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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Immigrant visas<\/span> are required for those who want to live, work, and study in the United States indefinitely. This type of visa is different from nonimmigrant and temporary options.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Securing a U.S. visa<\/span> is mandatory to enter the country, regardless of whether you aim for lawful permanent residency<\/span> (LPR<\/span>) or a temporary visit. An immigrant visa<\/span>, also called a\u00a0green card<\/span>,<\/a>\u00a0grants you the authority to reside in the United States.\u00a0Conversely, nonimmigrant or\u00a0temporary visas<\/a>\u00a0are enough for those aiming to visit the country for leisure, business, or short stays.<\/p>\n

People often have questions about the immigrant visa<\/span> process<\/span>. This FAQ<\/span> page breaks down the essentials so you can better understand your options and what each pathway requires.<\/p>\n

Find answers to the following questions:<\/p>\n