Embassy of the United States

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant Visas in a Nutshell

• The Immigrant visa petition, Form I-130, is filed by the "petitioner," usually an American citizen or legal permanent resident family member, of the person who wishes to immigrate. It is filed with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly INS) in the United States for the "beneficiary" who is the person who wishes to immigrate. If the DHS approves the petition, it is then sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• Under certain circumstances, a petitioner may file the Form I-130 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Office at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

  Filing fee - US $185.00 (or Pakistani Rupee equivalent)

• After receipt of the approved petition, and when the filing date (priority date) of the petition is reached, NVC forwards a "Packet 3" to the beneficiary, specifying the documents needed and actions that must be taken by the beneficiary and the petitioner prior to issuance of a visa.
  
• After the required documents have been obtained, the beneficiary should sign the reverse side of the Packet-3 letter and send it, as well as Form OF230, to the Embassy’s Consular Section.
  
• The beneficiary, who then becomes the "Applicant," is sent a "Packet 3.5" which consists of information, forms, and requests for documents. When we receive the Packet back from the applicant (through American Express Travel Related Services – with prepaid return) with all the forms completed and all the required documents, we will schedule a visa interview within the next few working days.
  
• At the time of the interview the applicant pays an IV Processing fee prior to taking the oath and being interviewed.
  

  IV Processing Fee - US $380.00 (or Pakistani Rupee equivalent)