What is Immigrant Visa? Meaning, Process & US Green Card Guide 2026

An immigrant visa is the key to starting a new permanent life in the United States, but the process is not always straightforward. Many applicants assume that once a petition is approved, everything else is routine, only to face missing documents, fee issues, interview delays, or visa number backlogs. 

Each year, the State Department issues hundreds of thousands of immigrant visas through U.S. embassies and consulates. In Fiscal Year 2024, consular officers issued 612,258 immigrant visas across all categories. Even minor errors can slow a case before the interview or after the interview. 

So, understanding immigrant visa meaning and the immigrant visa process can help you plan timelines and avoid unnecessary setbacks. 

At The Chidolue Law Firm, we have helped countless families understand consular processing and prepare strong visa packages.

Let’s break down what an immigrant visa is, who needs it, and how it relates to a green card.

Immigrant visa meaning

U.S. law defines an immigrant visa as an immigrant visa required by immigration law and properly issued by a consular officer at his office outside of the United States. That definition is the core of immigrant visa meaning.

This is why many guides describe the immigrant visa process as consular processing. Your case is prepared and documented, then decided by a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate. One key part of that preparation is the work done by the National Visa Center after the petition is approved.

Green card vs immigrant visa is an important distinction. The immigrant visa is placed in your passport and is used to travel and seek admission. After approval, the State Department says you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before travel, and a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, is then produced and mailed to the U.S. address you provided.

Who needs an immigrant visa?

Most people who are outside the United States and want to live in the U.S. permanently need an immigrant visa because the immigrant visa is issued outside the country.

A different path exists for some people who are already inside the United States. That path is adjustment of status, explained later in this article.

According to the Visa Office annual report, immigrant visas are grouped into five major categories. The table below shows the official Fiscal Year 2024 issuance figures.

Immigrant visa process and consular processing

The State Department describes the immigrant visa process as a step by step path that usually starts with a petition and ends with an interview, a visa, and travel. 

A simplified consular processing overview looks like this:

• Petition filed and approved. The State Department notes that many family cases start with Form I-130, and the petition must be approved before the case proceeds. 
• Case moves to the National Visa Center for document processing and scheduling. 
• Fees paid in CEAC. The State Department says there are two processing fees, the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee and the Affidavit of Support Fee. It also instructs applicants to allow 10 calendar days for the National Visa Center to process the fees before moving to the next step. 
• Online visa application and document upload. The State Department describes electronic processing as doing three main things: pay fees, complete the online visa application, and upload scanned documents. 
• Interview and decision at the U.S. embassy or consulate. 
• After approval, pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee and travel before the visa expires. The State Department explains that an immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance, unless the medical exam expires sooner. 

The State Department fee table lists these common immigrant visa costs.

Adjustment of status alternative

Adjustment of status is the main alternative to consular processing. It is used when a person is already inside the United States and is seeking lawful permanent resident status without an immigrant visa issued abroad.

The adjustment of status rule in immigration law says that a person who was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States may apply to adjust status to lawful permanent resident if they apply, are eligible to receive an immigrant visa, are admissible, and an immigrant visa is immediately available when they file.

This is why adjustment of status cases can still depend on immigrant visa availability, especially in capped categories. The State Department also notes that priority dates becoming current affect when a consular officer can adjudicate and issue an immigrant visa, which reflects the same underlying idea of visa availability.

Why is Legal Guidance Important?

The immigrant visa process can feel complex, and small mistakes can lead to delays before the interview or after the interview. Understanding the immigrant visa meaning and the difference between consular processing and adjustment of status is a helpful first step, but the paperwork and timing rules can still be technical. 

Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help you:
✔ Confirm whether consular processing or adjustment of status fits your case
✔ Prepare complete documents before submission in CEAC
✔ Respond clearly if more documents are requested
✔ Avoid timing problems related to travel deadlines and visa availability 

At The Chidolue Law Firm, we specialize in family based, employment based, and humanitarian immigration cases. We have helped many clients prepare for immigrant visa interviews and plan their path to lawful permanent resident status.

Start Your Immigration Journey with Confidence

📌 Don’t let avoidable mistakes stand in the way of your green card approval. Get the expert guidance you need to avoid delays and denials.

📞 Call The Chidolue Law Firm today at:
➡ 407-995-6567
➡ 678-325-1037

💬 For WhatsApp inquiries, contact us at:
➡ 404-333-8751

Let us help you secure your future in the U.S. with confidence. Your immigration success starts here.