As an Indonesian citizen, traveling to the United States of America can be a dream come true. The USA is known for being a land of opportunity and home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions. However, obtaining a visa to visit the USA can be a long and complicated process. One type of visa that you may have heard of is the V visa. In this article, we will explain what the V visa is and who is eligible to apply for it.
What Is A V Visa?
The V visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents (LPR) to enter the USA while they wait for their green card application to be processed. The V visa is commonly referred to as a “family reunification” visa because it allows families to stay together while their immigration paperwork is being processed.
The V visa was created in 2000 as part of the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act. Prior to the creation of the V visa, spouses and children of LPRs had to wait years for their green card application to be processed. During this time, they were not allowed to enter the USA, which meant that families were separated for long periods of time.
With the V visa, families can be reunited while they wait for their green card application to be processed. The V visa is valid for up to two years and can be extended if necessary. Once the green card application has been processed, the V visa holder can apply for permanent residency in the USA.
Who Is Eligible For A V Visa?
To be eligible for a V visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be the spouse or minor child (under 21 years old) of an LPR.
- Your green card application must have been pending for at least three years.
- You must have applied for a green card before December 21, 2000, or have a pending application as of that date.
- You must have maintained lawful status in the USA while waiting for your green card application to be processed.
- You must not have violated any immigration laws or committed any crimes.
If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for a V visa. However, it’s important to note that the V visa is only available to a limited number of people each year. The number of V visas available is determined by the US government each year and can vary depending on the number of applicants.
How To Apply For A V Visa
If you are eligible for a V visa, you can apply by following these steps:
- Fill out Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
- Attach supporting documents, including proof of your relationship to the LPR and evidence that your green card application has been pending for at least three years.
- Submit the application and supporting documents to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Pay the required application fee.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a notice of receipt from the USCIS. This notice will confirm that your application has been received and is being processed. You can track the status of your application online using the USCIS website.
Conclusion
The V visa is a valuable tool for families who are waiting for their green card applications to be processed. It allows spouses and minor children of LPRs to enter the USA and be reunited with their families while they wait for their green card application to be processed. If you think you may be eligible for a V visa, speak to an immigration lawyer for advice and assistance with the application process.
