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 Vermont, as in all U.S. states, the process for obtaining an immigrant visa is governed by federal law, not state statutes. An immigrant visa is for foreign nationals who plan to reside and work permanently in the United States. The process typically involves a U.S. relative or employer sponsoring the individual by filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, certain applicants, such as those with extraordinary abilities, investors, and some special immigrants, may self-petition. Once USCIS approves the application, it is sent to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad to continue the visa process. The applicant must enter the United States with the immigrant visa before it expires. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer reviews the visa and related documents; if everything is in order, the individual is admitted as a lawful permanent resident. For detailed information on immigrant visa categories and requirements, individuals should consult the USCIS and the Department of State websites.