For spouses and children of Lawful Permanent Residents waiting for immigrant visa processing
The V visa is a nonimmigrant visa created to allow families to stay together while waiting for the processing of immigrant visas.
If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), your spouse, child (unmarried and under 21), or the child of your spouse (your step-child) may be eligible for a V visa if:
Note: The V visa program has a specific cutoff date. Form I-130 petitions must have been filed on or before December 21, 2000 to be eligible for V visa benefits.
You file:
You can find these forms and detailed instructions in the links to the right.
He or she must go through consular processing. For more information, see the "Nonimmigrant (V) Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent Resident" link to the right. For more information on consular processing overseas, see the "Consular Processing" link to the right.
Spouse of a Lawful Permanent Resident
Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident
Child of V-1 Visa Holder (Step-child of LPR)
The V visa program only applies to Form I-130 petitions filed on or before December 21, 2000. This means that families who filed petitions after this date are not eligible for V visas.
Family members must have been waiting at least 3 years since the Form I-130 was filed before they can apply for a V visa.
V visas are temporary nonimmigrant visas. They do not provide permanent residence status and are only valid while waiting for the immigrant visa to become available.
Application to Change Nonimmigrant Status
This form is used to apply for a change of status to V-1, V-2, or V-3 classification. Supplement A must also be completed.
Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status
A medical examination performed by a designated civil surgeon is required as part of the V visa application process.