Immigrant Visas

After the approval of the petition (form I-130) by the consular officer or by USCIS, the following documents must be presented at the Consular Section:”

First, the applicant needs to fill out the Immigrant Visa application form DS-230 Parts I and II.

Police Certificates: Each applicant age 16 or over is required to submit a police certificate from the police authorities of each locality where the applicant has resided for six months or more since the age of 16. A police certificate must also be obtained from the police authorities of any place where the applicant has been arrested for any reason, regardless of the length of residence. Police certificates from some countries are not available. The consular office will advise the applicant about the countries relevant in the applicant’s case.

Photographs: Three (3) color photographs are required. The photographs must be 2”x 2” (5cm x 5cm) on glossy paper, unretouched and unmounted, with white background. No head covering or dark glasses should be worn.

Evidence of Support: An original Form I-864, a contractual affidavit of support, must be submitted for most applicants in family-based immigrant visa categories, including biological and adopted children of U.S. citizens who are not eligible for citizenship upon admission as a legal permanent resident (LPR).  Form I-864 is not required in any case in which the visa applicant qualifies for automatic citizenship upon admission.  That would include the following categories of immigrants:

• Orphans classified IR-3, provided the child will be admitted to the United States while still under age 18 and will be in the physical custody of the adoptive U.S. citizen parent at the time of admission;
  
• Adopted children classified IR-2 who meet the requirements of INA 101(b)(1)(E), provided the child will be admitted to the United States while under age 18 and will be in the physical custody of the adoptive U.S. citizen parent at the time of admission; and
  
• Children classified IR-2 (born in or out of wedlock) to a parent who is now a U.S. citizen, provided the child will be admitted to the United States while still under age 18 and will be in the physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent at the time of admission.  

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)does not need to be notarized.  All required paperwork should be attached to the affidavit, including: 

• Petitioner’s Federal Income Tax returns for the last three tax years (Form 1040 and W2)
  
• Petitioner’s current employment letter

Military Records: A certified copy of any military record is required.

Medical Examination: Arrange for a medical examination with an Embassy approved panel physician.  You are responsible for the cost of the examination. A medical examination is also required for each child who will accompany you. For applicants 15 years of age and older the fee will not exceed 2500DA, including a chest x-ray.  The fee for applicants under 15 years of age will not exceed 1800DA.

Evidence of Relationship: You may be asked to submit proof of a petitionable relationship with your petitioner. It is useful to bring with you letters, photographs, or other evidence of your relationship.

Translations: All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Visa fee: The application fee for an immigrant visa is U.S. $ 400 or the local currency equivalent.  All applicants must pay this fee on the appointment date.

Preference Categories: (Other Family member)

These visas are divided into four preference categories, each corresponding to a classification of Family member.  You must file these petitions ( Form I-130) with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) office closest to your residence.  The preference categories and their requirements are detailed below.

• Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of U.S. citizens and their minor children, if any
• Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor unmarried children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of Lawful Permanent Residents
• Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children
• Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children provided the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years of age.

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First, the applicant needs to fill out the Immigrant Visa application form .: Each applicant age 16 or over is required to submit a police certificate from the police authorities of each locality where the applicant has resided for six months or more since the age of 16. A police certificate must also be obtained from the police authorities of any place where the applicant has been arrested for any reason, regardless of the length of residence. Police certificates from some countries are not available. The consular office will advise the applicant about the countries relevant in the applicant’s case.