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 West Virginia, 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—either a relative or an employer—filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some applicants, such as 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 United States with the visa before it expires. Upon arrival at a U.S. port-of-entry, the immigrant visa and paperwork are reviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, and if endorsed, the individual becomes a lawful permanent resident. For detailed information on immigrant visa classifications and requirements, individuals should consult the USCIS website or the Department of State website.