Planning to live permanently in the United States? Whether you’re a family member, an employer, or a future immigrant, understanding the process is essential to ensure a smooth application. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide for both petitioners and visa applicants, based on the official U.S. Department of State procedures.

Petitioners

Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a green card holder sponsoring a relative, or an employer sponsoring a worker, your role is to initiate the visa process by filing a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Filing this means you are willing to support the immigrant if necessary.

1. Create an account on the official United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to begin the immigration petition process. This account gives you secure access to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online portal, where you can complete and electronically file Form I-130 for family-based immigration or Form I-140 for employment-based immigration.
2. Once you have created your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) account, the next step is to submit the correct petition form based on your relationship with the intending immigrant.
   • For U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents sponsoring a relative, you must fill out and submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This form is used to establish the qualifying family relationship between you (the petitioner) and the person who wishes to immigrate to the United States. It is a critical document that initiates the process of bringing a family member, such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, to live permanently in the United States.
   • For U.S.-based employers petitioning for a foreign worker, the appropriate form is Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). This form allows an employer to sponsor a foreign national for permanent residency based on employment. It is typically used for workers in professional, skilled, or extraordinary ability categories, depending on the employer’s needs and the employee’s qualifications.
3. Once your petition is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for the next stage of the immigrant visa process. The NVC will send you a Welcome Letter by email or mail, which includes your case number, beneficiary ID, and invoice ID.
4. You must then log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using your case number and the provided credentials. CEAC is the official online portal where you pay required fees, submit Form DS-260, upload supporting documents, and track the status of your immigrant visa application. It serves as your main platform for managing the visa process.
5. To continue the visa process, the petitioner must pay the Affidavit of Support Fee through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Log in, go to your case summary page, and click the ‘PAY NOW’ button under the Affidavit of Support section. This fee is required before you can upload and submit your Affidavit of Support.
6. File the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to legally agree to take financial responsibility for the visa applicant once they arrive in the United States, if necessary. This form proves to the U.S. government that the petitioner has enough income or assets to support the immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge. By signing it, the petitioner commits to providing financial help if needed, ensuring the applicant won’t rely on government assistance. This is a required step in most family-based and some employment-based immigrant visa cases.
7. To show that you can financially support the visa applicant, you must submit the required documents along with Form I-864. These typically include your most recent tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and a letter of employment. If your income doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, you may also include proof of assets or a joint sponsor. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can delay the visa process, so ensure everything is accurate and complete.
8. To submit necessary documents to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), ensure they meet the following technical and quality standards:
   • File Format and Size:
     • Acceptable file types: .pdf (preferred), .jpg, or .jpeg
     • Each file must be no larger than 4 MB
     • Multi-page documents like Form I-864 must be scanned and saved as a single file
     • If your file exceeds 4 MB, compress it before uploading
     • Do not upload zipped folders, password-protected files, or modifiable PDFs
   • Image Quality:
     • Scans must be in color and clearly legible
     • Include the front and back of any document with stamps, seals, or writing on the reverse side.
     • Attach a certified translation with the original file if the document is in a foreign language (except if it’s in the official language of your interview country)
     • All documents must be properly oriented, fully visible, and not cropped or blurry
9. Click the ‘START NOW’ button to upload all required documents, then click “Submit Documents.” The button will only activate once all necessary uploads are complete. After submission, your case enters the review queue at the National Visa Center (NVC).

For Applicants

1. After receiving the Welcome Letter from your petitioner, you must create an account on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Use the case number provided in the letter to register and access your visa application. This account is essential for managing the next steps in the process, including paying fees, completing forms, uploading documents, and tracking your case status.
2. Pay the Immigrant Visa (IV) Application Fee. This must be done exclusively through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. After logging into your CEAC account, go to your case’s summary page, where you’ll find the section labeled “IV Application Fee.” Click the ‘PAY NOW’ button to proceed with the payment.
3. Once your visa application fee status is updated to ‘PAID’ in the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), you can move forward with completing your Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration. To do this, log in to your CEAC account and navigate to your case summary page. Under the IV Application section, click the ‘START NOW’ button to begin filling out Form DS-260
4. After successfully submitting Form DS-260 online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), you must print the confirmation page and keep it safe. This page serves as proof that you have completed the immigrant visa application and is a mandatory document for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can log back into your CEAC account at any time to access and print the confirmation page if needed. Make sure to bring a printed copy with you on the day of your interview, as failure to present it may result in delays or rescheduling of your appointment.
5. Use the Document Finder Tool provided by the U.S. Department of State to determine the specific civil and supporting documents required for your visa category. The documents you need to submit—such as birth certificates, police clearances, marriage records, or military service records—can vary depending on the type of immigrant visa you’re applying for and the country where your documents were issued. This tool ensures that you gather the correct documents in the proper format, helping to avoid delays or rejections during the application process.
6. To submit necessary documents to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), ensure they meet the following technical and quality standards:
   • File Format and Size:
     • Acceptable file types: .pdf (preferred), .jpg, or .jpeg
     • Each file must be no larger than 4 MB
     • Multi-page documents like Form I-864 must be scanned and saved as a single file
     • If your file exceeds 4 MB, compress it before uploading
     • Do not upload zipped folders, password-protected files, or modifiable PDFs
   • Image Quality:
     • Scans must be in color and clearly legible
     • Include the front and back of any document with stamps, seals, or writing on the reverse side.
     • Attach a certified translation with the original file if the document is in a foreign language (except if it’s in the official language of your interview country)
     • All documents must be properly oriented, fully visible, and not cropped or blurry
7. Click the ‘START NOW’ button to upload all required documents for each applicant, then click “Submit Documents.” The button will only activate once all necessary uploads are complete. After submission, your case enters the review queue at the National Visa Center (NVC).
8. You must then receive your interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC). After that, create an online profile at www.ustraveldocs.com. Through this portal, you must register your visa delivery address, which is where your passport and visa (if approved) will be returned after the interview. You are also required to schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) to have your photograph and fingerprints (biometrics) taken.
9. Complete the pre-interview checklist as it is an essential step to ensure that you are fully prepared for your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This checklist outlines all the documents and tasks you must complete before your appointment, helping to prevent delays or issues during the interview. You must gather and organize all required documents and carefully review and complete the checklist to ensure that nothing is missed. Failure to bring even one required item could result in your interview being delayed, rescheduled, or denied.
10. Book a medical examination appointment at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic in Ermita, Manila at least two weeks before your visa interview to allow time for processing. The exam includes a physical check-up, X-ray, blood tests, and necessary vaccinations. Bring your passport, interview letter, and any prior medical or vaccination records. View further instructions here.
11. Read the interview guidelines provided by the U.S. Embassy to understand what will happen during your visa interview and how to prepare. These guidelines include important details such as security procedures, what to bring, how to dress, and what types of questions you might be asked. It’s also important to verify that all required original documents were properly uploaded and submitted in the CEAC system before your interview.
12. The visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is the final step in your immigrant visa process. A consular officer will review your documents, ask questions about your background and relationship to the petitioner, and determine your eligibility for a U.S. visa.
    • Bring all required items, including your DS-260 confirmation page, passport, original civil documents, medical exam results, appointment letter, and financial support documents. Answer all questions honestly and clearly.
    • If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport and delivered to your registered address. Missing documents or incorrect information may lead to delays or denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) by Filipinos regarding U.S. immigrant visa processing, covering both petitioners and applicants.

1. How long does the U.S. immigrant visa process take for Filipinos?
   • It depends on the visa category and priority date. Family-based visas, especially F2A/F3/F4 categories, can take several months to several years. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (e.g., spouses, parents) are usually processed faster.
2. What’s the first step in the immigrant visa process?
   • The petitioner (a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or employer) must first file a petition with USCIS (Form I-130 or I-140).
3. How do I know if my priority date is current?
   • You can check the Visa Bulletin monthly at travel.state.gov to see if your priority date is current and eligible for processing.
4. How do I create a USCIS account?
   • Go to myaccount.uscis.gov and follow the steps to register. You’ll need this to file and track petitions online.
5. What is the Welcome Letter from NVC?
   • It’s a letter sent after petition approval that contains your case number and instructions for continuing the visa process online via CEAC.
6. Can I submit documents by mail instead of uploading them to CEAC?
   • No. The NVC now requires all documents to be scanned and uploaded online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
7. Where do I pay the Affidavit of Support and Visa Application fees?
   • All payments must be made online through CEAC. Use the “PAY NOW” button on your case summary page.
8. Are the fees refundable if my visa is denied?
   • No. Visa and affidavit of support fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
9. What is Form DS-260 and how do I fill it out?
   • Form DS-260 is the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, completed online via CEAC after paying your visa fee. You must print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview.
10. What civil documents do I need to upload?
    • Common documents include birth certificates, NBI clearance, marriage certificates, and police certificates. Use the Document Finder to check what’s required for the Philippines.
11. Where do I get my medical exam in the Philippines?
    • All immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical exam at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic in Manila—no other facility is accepted.
12. What should I bring to my visa interview?
    • Bring your passport, DS-260 confirmation page, appointment letter, original civil documents, medical exam results, and financial support documents like Form I-864.
13. What questions are usually asked in the visa interview?
    • Expect questions about your relationship with the petitioner, your background, travel history, and intentions in the U.S. Be honest and provide clear answers.
14. How long does it take to get my visa after the interview?
    • If approved, your passport with the visa is usually delivered in 5–10 business days. Delays may occur if additional documents or processing are required.
15. What happens if my visa is refused under 221(g)?
    • This means your case requires further administrative processing or additional documents. Follow the instructions given by the embassy.