An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf. The application is later forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas for continued processing and issuance of the immigrant visa to the intending immigrant, if eligible.

An intending immigrant must present the immigrant visa at a U.S. port-of-entry prior to the expiration of the immigrant visa. An intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident once the immigrant visa and accompanying paperwork is reviewed and endorsed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. For specific information regarding immigrant visa classifications and requirements, refer to the USCIS website or the Department of State website.

In Arkansas, as in all states, the process for obtaining an immigrant visa to live and work permanently in the United States is governed by federal law, not state statutes. The process typically involves a sponsor, such as a relative or employer, filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some applicants, like those with extraordinary abilities, investors, or certain special immigrants, may self-petition. Once USCIS approves the application, it is forwarded to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad where the immigrant visa is processed. The intending immigrant must enter the U.S. with the visa before it expires. Upon arrival, the visa and related documents are reviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, and if everything is in order, the individual is admitted as a lawful permanent resident. For detailed information on immigrant visa classifications and requirements, individuals should refer to the USCIS and the Department of State websites.