If you are planning to travel abroad, you might have come across different types of visas. One of the most popular types of visas is the V visa. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of V visa, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply for it.
What is a V Visa?
A V visa is a non-immigrant visa that is issued to the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents (LPR) of the United States who are waiting for their green card. The V visa allows them to live and work in the US while waiting for their green card.
The V visa was introduced in 2000 as part of the LIFE Act (Legal Immigration Family Equity Act) to address the backlog of family-based immigration applications. The V visa is valid for up to 2 years and can be extended if the applicant is still waiting for their green card.
Eligibility Criteria for V Visa
To be eligible for a V visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21 years of age) of an LPR who has filed an I-130 petition on or before December 21, 2000.
- You must have filed an I-485 application for adjustment of status.
- You must have been waiting for your green card for at least 3 years.
- You must have paid the required fees and submitted all the necessary documents.
- You must not have violated any US immigration laws.
How to Apply for a V Visa?
To apply for a V visa, you must follow these steps:
- File an I-130 petition: Your LPR spouse or parent must file an I-130 petition on your behalf.
- File an I-485 application: You must file an I-485 application for adjustment of status along with your I-130 petition.
- Pay the required fees: You must pay the required fees for both the I-130 petition and the I-485 application.
- Submit the necessary documents: You must submit all the necessary documents, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport, and other supporting documents.
- Attend the interview: You and your LPR spouse or parent must attend the interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.
Benefits of V Visa
The V visa has several benefits, including:
- Allows you to live and work in the US while waiting for your green card.
- Allows you to travel outside the US and return without jeopardizing your status.
- Allows you to apply for a work permit and a social security number.
Conclusion
The V visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the spouse and unmarried children of LPRs to live and work in the US while waiting for their green card. To be eligible for a V visa, you must meet certain criteria and follow the application process. The V visa has several benefits, including the ability to travel outside the US and apply for a work permit and social security number.
