Immigrant Visas

Immigrant Visa Categories

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens - Unlimited Visas Available

According to U.S. immigration law, immediate relative visas are for the spouse (IR1 or CR1), unmarried children under age 21 (IR2), and parents (IR5) of a U.S. citizen who is age 21 or older. There are no annual limitations on the number of immigrant visas that may be issued in these categories.  

Family-Based Immigrants - Limited Number Available

Family-based immigrant visas are available for certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident aliens. These categories are:

First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their children.

Second Preference (F2A and F2B): Spouses, children, and unmarried adult sons and daughters of lawful permanent resident aliens. 

Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children under age 21.

Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of a U.S. citizen and their spouses and children under age 21, provided the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years of age.

The number of immigrants who may obtain lawful permanent resident status in these categories is limited annually. At present, all of these categories are over-subscribed, creating a statutory waiting period before an application can be considered.  Cases are processed according to the date the petition was filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The date the petition is filed is called the priority date. For current priority dates in each category, please contact the Department of State in Washington, DC at (202) 663-1541 or look up the Visa Bulletin on the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site.

More information about the IR and F categories is available on the State Department's Consular Affairs website and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Orphans Adopted by U.S. Citizens

Information about orphan visas is available at the USCIS website and the State Department's Consular Affairs website.

With any questions, you may contact the Adoption Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi by phone at (84-4) 831 4590 or via email at hanoiadoptions@state.gov.

Returning Residents

Returning resident (SB1) visas are for immigrants who have lived in the U.S. previously as lawful permanent residents and are returning to live in the U.S. after a temporary visit of more than one year abroad.

If you think you qualify as a returning resident, you must contact the Information Unit for more information.  There is a $400 fee for consideration under this category in addition to the normal immigrant visa processing fees.

Other Categories of Immigrants

The other major categories of immigrant visas are employment-based visas. Employment-based visas also require a sponsoring American individual or company to file a petition with the USCIS. If you are interested in applying for, or acting as a petitioner for, an employment-based immigrant visa, please contact a USCIS office in the U.S. for more information.

Important Notices

Please note that we cannot tell you in advance that a visa will be issued. Applicants are advised not to make any final travel arrangements, to dispose of property or give up jobs until a visa has actually been issued and is in hand.

Please keep in mind that your signature on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct.  You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you.  Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.