An immigrant visa, also known as a green card, allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. But the process is not always simple. Many applicants feel confused about where to start, which category to choose, and how long the process may take.
The 2026 U.S. immigrant visa process includes several steps, strict documentation requirements, and updated visa bulletin movements that can affect your timeline. Understanding how to apply for an immigrant visa USA the right way can help you avoid delays, mistakes, and unnecessary stress.
In this guide, we explain the complete green card process in clear and simple terms. You will learn about family-based and employment-based immigrant visas, the Diversity Visa lottery, and options for refugees and asylees. We also cover required documents, application steps, visa bulletin updates, wait times, interview and medical exam requirements, current backlogs, policy changes, and what happens after your immigrant visa is approved.
At every stage, knowing what to expect can make the difference between a smooth process and costly setbacks. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the immigrant visa process in 2026.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas: Green Cards Through Relatives
Family-based immigrant visas let U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor certain relatives for a green card. These visas are divided into immediate relative visas and family preference categories, each with its own rules, availability, and wait times.
What Are Immediate Relative Visas?
Immediate relatives include:
✔ Spouses of U.S. citizens
✔ Unmarried children under age 21 of U.S. citizens
✔ Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is at least 21)
These visas do not have an annual limit, so they are generally available as soon as the petition is approved, without waiting for a visa number.
To qualify, the sponsor must prove a valid family relationship for example, a genuine marriage in spouse cases and have an approved Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative before the beneficiary can move forward in the immigrant visa process.
Family Preference Categories and Wait Times
Family preference visas are available for other relatives but have yearly limits. This means applicants must wait for their priority dates to become current before they can receive a green card.
The main preference groups are:
✔ F1: Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
✔ F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
✔ F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters of green card holders
✔ F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
✔ F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (sponsor must be at least 21)
Because these categories are numerically limited each year, many applicants face long waits. For example, F4 sibling visas can take more than a decade for the priority date to become current due to high global demand. The exact wait time depends on the applicant’s country of chargeability and the visa bulletin movement.
You can view the most current family visa wait times on the official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin here.
How Sponsorship Works
To sponsor a relative, the petitioner must:
✔ File a Form I-130 on behalf of the relative
✔ Provide proof of the qualifying relationship
✔ Submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) showing sufficient income or assets
The beneficiary must also meet admissibility requirements, including:
✔ No serious criminal history
✔ No disqualifying health issues
✔ No past immigration violations
In 2026, demand for family preference visas, especially F4 and F2B categories remains high, contributing to extended waits for visa availability.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas: Work and Investor Green Cards
Employment-based immigrant visas allow foreign professionals, skilled workers, executives, and investors to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. These visas are divided into five preference categories, each with specific eligibility rules and annual limits.
Under U.S. immigration law, approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are made available each fiscal year. Because demand often exceeds this limit, many applicants must wait for their priority date to become current before receiving a green card.
EB-1 Visa: Priority Workers
The EB-1 category is for high-level professionals and leaders in their fields. It includes:
✔ Individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics
✔ Outstanding professors and researchers
✔ Multinational executives and managers
EB-1 applicants must show strong evidence of national or international recognition. Some extraordinary ability applicants can self-petition without a job offer.
This category is often faster than others, but backlogs can still occur for certain countries.
EB-2 Visa: Advanced Degree and Exceptional Ability
The EB-2 category is for:
✔ Professionals with advanced degrees such as a master’s or higher
✔ Individuals with exceptional ability in their field
Most EB-2 applicants need a U.S. employer sponsor and a labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. The labor certification confirms that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position.
However, applicants may qualify for a National Interest Waiver if their work benefits the United States. In those cases, they can self-petition without a job offer.
High-demand countries may face multi-year wait times in EB-2.
EB-3 Visa: Skilled Workers and Professionals
The EB-3 category includes:
✔ Skilled workers with at least two years of experience
✔ Professionals with a bachelor’s degree
✔ Other workers in certain positions
Most EB-3 cases require both a job offer and labor certification. Because this category receives heavy demand, visa backlogs are common, especially for applicants from countries with high filing volumes.
EB-4 Visa: Special Immigrants
EB-4 covers specific groups, including:
✔ Religious workers
✔ Certain U.S. government employees abroad
✔ Special immigrant juveniles
✔ Interpreters and certain service members
Each subcategory has unique eligibility requirements. Some religious workers must show at least two years of prior experience in their vocation.
Availability depends on annual limits and visa bulletin movement.
EB-5 Visa: Immigrant Investors
The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs.
Key requirements include:
✔ Minimum investment of 800,000 dollars in targeted employment areas or 1,050,000 dollars in standard areas
✔ Creation of at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs
In 2026, a portion of EB-5 visas remains reserved for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects. Approved investors and their immediate family members receive conditional permanent residence, which can later become permanent if investment and job requirements are met.
How the Employment-Based Green Card Process Works
Most employment-based immigrants follow these steps:
✔ Employer files labor certification if required
✔ Employer files Form I-140 Immigrant Petition
✔ Applicant waits for priority date to become current
✔ Applicant completes adjustment of status or consular processing
Some categories, such as EB-1 extraordinary ability and EB-2 National Interest Waiver, allow self-petitioning without employer sponsorship.
Because each category has annual numeric limits and per-country caps, visa bulletin updates play a critical role in determining wait times. Applicants from oversubscribed countries may experience longer processing queues.
Understanding your correct category and preparing a strong petition can significantly improve your chances of approval and reduce delays in the employment-based immigrant visa process.
Diversity Visa Lottery 2026: How the DV Program Works
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the green card lottery, allows individuals from countries with historically low immigration to the United States to apply for permanent residence through a random selection process.
Each fiscal year, up to 55,000 Diversity Visas are made available under U.S. law.
Because the program is limited and regionally allocated, not all selected applicants ultimately receive a visa.
Who Is Eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
To qualify for the DV program, applicants must:
✔ Be born in an eligible country listed by the U.S. Department of State
✔ Have at least a high school education or equivalent
✔ Or have two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years
Unlike family-based or employment-based immigrant visas, the Diversity Visa lottery does not require a sponsor. Applicants file independently.
Eligibility rules may change slightly each year depending on immigration trends and country participation.
How to Apply for the DV Lottery
The Diversity Visa entry period typically opens in October each year. Applications must be submitted online through the official U.S. Department of State website.
Key application details:
✔ The entry is completely free
✔ Only one entry per person is allowed
✔ A digital passport-style photo is required
✔ Confirmation number must be saved after submission
There are no paper applications. Any website requesting payment to enter the lottery is not official.
How DV Selection and Processing Works
Winners are selected randomly by a computer system. Results are usually announced the following May.
However, selection does not guarantee a green card. Selected applicants must still:
✔ Submit Form DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application
✔ Provide required civil and background documents
✔ Complete a medical examination
✔ Pass security and admissibility checks
✔ Attend a consular interview
Visas are issued based on rank number order within each region. Monthly Visa Bulletin updates show which case numbers are eligible for interview scheduling.
If an applicant’s case number is not reached before the fiscal year ends on September 30, the opportunity is lost.
Important DV 2026 Process Updates
DV-2026 refers to the fiscal year 2026 cycle. Applicants selected in this cycle must complete processing during fiscal year 2026.
Because visa numbers are distributed across geographic regions, availability can vary significantly. Some regions reach their numerical limits faster than others.
Applicants should monitor official visa bulletin updates regularly to track their case progress.
Understanding the Diversity Visa process, deadlines, and documentation requirements is essential. Even minor errors or missed deadlines can result in disqualification.
Refugee and Asylee Green Cards: Humanitarian Immigration Pathways
Refugees and asylees are individuals who seek protection in the United States due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. These humanitarian immigration pathways do not require a family member or employer sponsor.
Unlike other immigrant visa categories, refugee and asylum-based green cards are not subject to the regular employment or family preference quota system.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the Presidential Determination for Fiscal Year 2024 authorized the admission of up to 125,000 refugees worldwide.
Refugee Status and Green Card Eligibility
Refugees are individuals approved for protection while outside the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Key points include:
✔ Refugees are admitted into the United States after security screening and background checks
✔ They receive lawful status upon entry
✔ After one year of physical presence in the U.S., they are required by law to apply for permanent residence
Refugees file Form I-485 to adjust status to lawful permanent resident. This process is mandatory after their first year in the country.
Refugee admissions levels are determined annually by presidential authority and may change based on humanitarian needs and policy decisions.
Asylum Status and Permanent Residency
Asylees are individuals who are granted protection while already inside the United States or at a port of entry.
Important points:
✔ Asylum may be granted by USCIS or an immigration judge
✔ After one year in asylee status, individuals become eligible to apply for a green card
✔ Filing for permanent residence is optional but strongly recommended
Asylees also use Form I-485 to apply for lawful permanent residence.
How the Adjustment Process Works
Both refugees and asylees must:
✔ Complete background and security checks
✔ Submit medical examination results
✔ Provide identity and immigration documentation
✔ Attend biometrics appointments
These humanitarian categories are not limited by visa bulletin priority dates. Once the one-year requirement is met, eligible individuals may apply without waiting for a visa number to become available.
However, USCIS processing times can vary, and administrative backlogs may affect how quickly permanent residence is granted.
Understanding the refugee and asylum green card process is essential. Even though these pathways are humanitarian, applicants must still meet admissibility standards and complete the required documentation carefully.
How to Apply for an Immigrant Visa in 2026: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for a U.S. immigrant visa involves multiple stages. The exact procedure depends on your category, but most applicants follow a structured path from petition filing to receiving a green card.
Below is a clear step-by-step guide to the immigrant visa process in 2026, designed to help you understand each stage and avoid delays.
According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 10 million immigrant visa applications are processed annually worldwide through consular systems.
1. Petition Filing with USCIS
The process usually begins when a sponsor files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
✔ Family cases require Form I-130
✔ Employment cases require Form I-140
✔ Some categories may allow self-petitioning
✔ Diversity Visa selectees skip this petition stage
Refugees and asylees move directly to adjustment of status when eligible.
2. Petition Approval
USCIS reviews the petition and issues an approval notice if the case qualifies.
Processing times vary depending on the visa category and service center. Some employment petitions may qualify for premium processing.
Approval does not automatically mean a visa is immediately available.
3. Waiting for a Visa Number
If you are in a numerically limited category, you must wait for your priority date to become current.
✔ Family preference and most employment categories require visa availability
✔ Immediate relatives are not subject to annual caps
✔ Visa Bulletin updates determine eligibility to proceed
Applicants in uncapped categories can move forward once the petition is approved.
4. Case Transfer to the National Visa Center
Once a visa number becomes available, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center for consular processing.
The NVC assigns a case number and provides instructions for the next steps.
Applicants legally inside the United States may instead apply for adjustment of status.
5. Submit Immigrant Visa Application and Pay Fees
Through the Consular Electronic Application Center, applicants must:
✔ Pay required visa and processing fees
✔ Complete Form DS-260 online
✔ Review and confirm all information before submission
Accuracy at this stage is critical.
6. Upload Civil and Financial Documents
Applicants must gather and upload required supporting documents, including:
✔ Birth and marriage certificates if applicable
✔ Police clearance certificates
✔ Financial support documents
✔ Passport identification pages
✔ Court or military records if required
Once all documents are reviewed and accepted, the case becomes documentarily qualified.
7. Interview Scheduling at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
After document qualification and visa availability, the interview is scheduled.
The applicant receives an appointment notice with date and location details.
Backlogs may affect scheduling times depending on country and category.
8. Complete the Medical Examination
Before the interview, applicants must undergo a medical exam with an authorized panel physician.
✔ Required vaccinations must be updated
✔ Medical results are submitted to the embassy
✔ Tuberculosis and other health screenings are conducted
The medical exam must be completed before the interview date.
9. Attend the Immigrant Visa Interview
At the interview, a consular officer will:
✔ Verify original documents
✔ Review background and eligibility
✔ Take fingerprints
✔ Ask questions related to the petition
Honest and clear answers are essential.
If additional review is required, administrative processing may occur before final approval.
10. Visa Decision and USCIS Immigrant Fee
If approved, the immigrant visa is placed in the applicant’s passport.
Before traveling to the United States, the USCIS Immigrant Fee must be paid online. This fee covers production of the physical green card.
Instructions are provided by the embassy after approval.
11. Travel to the United States
The immigrant visa is typically valid for up to six months.
The applicant must enter the United States before the visa expires.
At the U.S. port of entry, Customs and Border Protection officers review documents and admit the individual as a lawful permanent resident.
12. Receive the Green Card
After entry, USCIS mails the physical Permanent Resident Card to the U.S. address provided.
The passport admission stamp serves as temporary proof of permanent residence until the card arrives.
2026 Policy Changes and Updates in U.S. Immigration
U.S. immigration rules can shift quickly due to executive actions, agency policy updates, or congressional changes. In 2026, several developments are affecting immigrant visa processing, green card applications, and overall immigration procedures.
Staying informed about these updates is critical. Policy changes can directly impact wait times, eligibility, filing costs, and processing methods.
According to USCIS official reporting, the agency reduced its overall case backlog by approximately 15% through efficiency measures and staffing increases.
Below are the most important immigration policy updates to understand in 2026.
1. Immigrant Visa Processing Suspensions for Certain Countries
In early 2026, enhanced security reviews led to temporary pauses in immigrant visa processing for nationals of certain countries.
Key points include:
✔ Suspensions apply to immigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies abroad
✔ Nonimmigrant visas are generally not included
✔ Adjustment of status within the United States is not directly affected
✔ No fixed end date has been announced
Applicants from affected countries may experience interview delays and uncertainty. These developments highlight how consular processing policies can change due to national security considerations.
2. USCIS Fee Adjustments and Premium Processing Updates
USCIS remains largely fee-funded. Filing fees and premium processing costs have increased to support operations and backlog reduction efforts.
Important updates include:
✔ Premium processing fees have increased in 2026
✔ Certain employment petitions now require higher expedited processing fees
✔ Fee changes may impact employer-sponsored cases
Applicants and employers should confirm current filing fees directly on the USCIS website before submitting any petition.
3. USCIS Modernization and Online Filing Expansion
USCIS continues expanding digital services and electronic processing systems.
Recent modernization efforts include:
✔ Online filing options for more immigration forms
✔ Improved digital case tracking tools
✔ Electronic communication for responding to Requests for Evidence
✔ Increased automation of internal workflows
The goal is to reduce paper-based processing and improve transparency. Applicants in 2026 are encouraged to create online USCIS accounts to monitor case updates more efficiently.
4. Increased Focus on Employment-Based and Merit Immigration
Current administrative priorities emphasize high-skilled and employment-based immigration pathways.
This includes:
✔ Continued support for extraordinary ability and national interest waiver cases
✔ Efficiency improvements in employment petition adjudications
✔ Greater scrutiny of documentation quality
While no major new immigration legislation has been passed increasing visa numbers, policy emphasis continues to support workforce-driven immigration categories.
5. Adjustment of Status Flexibility for Certain Applicants
Policy clarifications now allow some individuals, including certain Temporary Protected Status holders, to adjust status within the United States if eligible through family or employment categories.
This change reduces the need for some applicants to travel abroad for consular processing, depending on their circumstances.
Applicants should consult official USCIS guidance to confirm eligibility requirements.
6. Humanitarian Program Reviews
Refugee admissions levels and parole programs remain under ongoing review.
Changes to Temporary Protected Status designations for certain countries may affect long-term residents who must explore alternative legal pathways.
Humanitarian policies continue to evolve based on global conditions and administrative priorities.
7. Continued Backlog Reduction Efforts
Although USCIS has reported measurable backlog reductions, demand remains high. Increased filings in recent years continue to challenge processing times.
Current efforts include:
✔ Hiring additional adjudicators
✔ Expanding premium processing eligibility
✔ Improving internal case management systems
✔ Publishing more transparency data
While progress is gradual, technology upgrades and staffing expansions are designed to improve efficiency over time.
Stay Updated Through Official Sources
Immigration policies can change quickly. Applicants should monitor official announcements from:
✔ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
✔ U.S. Department of State
✔ Federal Register updates
Understanding current immigration policy developments in 2026 can help applicants make informed decisions and avoid unexpected delays.
Legal Help and Next Steps for Your Immigrant Visa Case
The immigrant visa process in 2026 can feel overwhelming. One missed document, one wrong category, or one delay in the visa bulletin can slow everything down. If you are unsure which green card path fits your situation, or you are stuck at NVC, waiting for an interview, or worried about new policy changes, you do not have to handle it alone.
At The Chidolue Law Firm, we help clients choose the right immigrant visa category, prepare strong petitions, avoid costly filing errors, respond to requests for evidence, and move delayed cases forward. Our team understands USCIS and consular processing requirements, documentation rules, and the steps that matter most for approval.
📞 Call The Chidolue Law Firm today at:
➡ 407-995-6567
➡ 678-325-1037
💬 For WhatsApp inquiries, contact us at:
➡ 404-333-8751
Your future in the United States should not be delayed by avoidable mistakes. Reach out today so we can help you move your immigrant visa case forward with confidence and legal protection.
