How to Get an Immigrant Visa Number
Most U.S. immigrant visas are limited, meaning only a certain number are issued each year. Before one can apply for a visa, there must be a visa available. When a visa becomes available, the National Visa Center will alert the applicant by telling them their “visa number” which they can then use to apply for the visa.
Steps to Get an Immigrant Visa Number
1. The applicant’s relative (in case of family-based immigration) or employer (in case of employment-based immigration) files the immigration petition along with the supporting documents to USCIS.
2. USCIS will send a notice to the petitioner if the visa petition is approved.
3. USCIS then sends the approved petition to the Department of State’s National Visa Center where it will remain until an immigrant visa number becomes available for the applicant.
4. Once an immigration visa number is available, the National Visa Center notifies the applicant and they may apply for a visa.
