Step 1 - In general, to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Immediate Relative and Family Sponsored
Family Immigration
•Marriage to a Foreign National
•Spouse or Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen
•Spouse of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) in U.S.
•Adopting a Child

Employment-Based
•Employment Visas
•Investor Visas

Special Immigrants
•Employment: Iraqi or Afghan Translators/Interpreters
•Employment: Iraqis - Worked for/on behalf of U.S. Government
•Employment: Afghans - Worked for/on behalf of U.S. Government
•Employment: Religious Workers

Diversity Visa Program - Visas provided are drawn from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Unlike other immigrant types, Diversity Visas (DV) do not require a U.S. sponsor, and therefore a petition is not needed.

Step 2 -  After the immigrant petition has been approved (excluding DV applicants) by USCIS, then the next step is preliminary processing for a visa with the Department of State, National Visa Center.
•Affidavit of Support
•Required applicant documents (i.e. birth certificates, police reports, marriage/divorce certificates, etc.)
•Medical Exam/Panel physician information
•Interviews