United States

USA Immigrant Visa (IV)

Permanent immigration routes. Fees include IV processing and other steps.

About this visa

Immigrant visas (IV) are for permanent immigration categories. The process is multi‑step and more formal than nonimmigrant cases: petition → National Visa Center (NVC) case creation → fee payments → DS‑260 → document collection → medical exam → interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate.

Documents: immigrant cases are typically document‑heavy (civil documents, police certificates, translations, and category‑specific evidence). Many cases also require a financial sponsorship package (Affidavit of Support) if applicable to your category.

Fees: fees can include an IV application processing fee and (in many cases) an Affidavit of Support fee. NVC fee payment is handled through CEAC and processed sequentially. Fees are often non‑refundable even if the outcome is negative, so confirm current amounts and steps before paying.

Varies (multi-step)

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport

Accurate application form (DS-160 or DS-260, as applicable)

Approved petition and NVC case

DS-260 (as applicable)

💰Financial Documents

Financial sponsorship package (Affidavit of Support, if required)

optional

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Civil documents and evidence per category

Police certificates (as required)

📋Other Documents

Appointment/interview preparation (where applicable)

optional

Medical exam results (as instructed)

Translations (if documents are not in English)

optional

Application Process

Confirm visa category

Choose the correct category (B/F/J/H/K/IV) based on your purpose.

Prepare core documents

Prepare identity, program/sponsor documents (if applicable), and supporting evidence.

Complete form

Complete DS-160 (nonimmigrant) or DS-260 (immigrant) with consistent facts.

Pay fees

Pay official fees (MRV / SEVIS / IV fees as applicable) and keep receipts.

Interview (if required)

Attend interview and answer clearly and honestly based on your documents.

Decision and next steps

Track the outcome and follow instructions for passport pickup / next steps.

Important Tips & Advice

Keep your story consistent (purpose, finances, ties) across DS forms and answers.

Prepare simple, clear explanations you can deliver in 30–60 seconds.

Avoid contradictions in employment history and travel dates.

Bring key documents in a clean structure even if not always requested.

Do not buy non-refundable tickets until you have a decision.

Processing Fees

Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee

Department of State IV application processing fee (per person) for many immigrant categories; other fees may apply based on case. Fees may change; confirm on travel.state.gov.

$325

Affidavit of Support fee (NVC, if required)

NVC states there are two processing fees (IV fee and Affidavit of Support fee) paid through CEAC; confirm your exact amounts in your case. See NVC pay fees guidance.