An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf. The application is later forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas for continued processing and issuance of the immigrant visa to the intending immigrant, if eligible.

An intending immigrant must present the immigrant visa at a U.S. port-of-entry prior to the expiration of the immigrant visa. An intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident once the immigrant visa and accompanying paperwork is reviewed and endorsed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. For specific information regarding immigrant visa classifications and requirements, refer to the USCIS website or the Department of State website.

In New York, as in all states, the process for obtaining an immigrant visa to live and work permanently in the United States is governed by federal law, not state statutes. The process typically involves a sponsor, such as a relative or employer, filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some applicants, like those with extraordinary abilities, investors, or certain special immigrants, may self-petition. Once USCIS approves the application, it is forwarded to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad where the immigrant visa can be issued. The visa recipient must enter the United States before the visa expires and will become a lawful permanent resident after being admitted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at a port-of-entry. For detailed information on immigrant visa classifications and requirements, individuals should consult the USCIS or the Department of State website. An attorney specializing in immigration law can provide personalized guidance throughout this process.