Immigrant Visas
FAQs
Where can I find up-to-date information on immigration, types of visas, and the application process?
- Both the State Department website, http://travel.state.gov/ and the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) website, http://www.uscis.gov/, have comprehensive information on the immigration process. This includes downloadable forms.
I want to file an immigrant petition for my spouse and/or family members, where do I send the application?
- The U.S. Embassy in Kabul is not authorized to accept immigrant visa petitions. If you are an American citizen and have been living in Afghanistan for more than six months, you may file a petition in person at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. If you are only in Afghanistan temporarily, you should submit your application by mail upon your return to the United States. A list of these offices is available at: http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/index.htm.
- Active duty military or other U.S. personnel stationed in Afghanistan who have a permanent residence in the United States may file by mail to their local USCIS office.
- If you are a legal permanent resident (LPR), you should file in the United States at the office nearest to where you live.
- The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad cannot accept petitions for K-1 fiancé visas. The I-129F must be filed in the USA at the USCIS office closest to the applicant's residence.
What is the fee to file an immigrant visa petition? How is this fee paid?
- 1-129F (petition for an alien fiancé) $170
- 1-130 (petition for an alien relative) $190
A full list of the fees for different types of petitions can be found at: http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm. - Whether you file in person or by mail, the proper fee must be paid at the time of petition. When filing in person, payment must be made in cash. Payment by mail can be made by money orders, personal checks, and cashiers checks. Payment by cash or travelers’ checks is not accepted.
How long does it take to process the application and receive a visa?
- The time needed varies according to the category of petition. Immediate relative and fiancé petitions filed in Islamabad usually take less than six months. Allow more time for petitions filed in the United States. Petitions filed by LPRs will take longer than those filed by American citizens.
What documents need to be brought to an immigrant visa interview?
- Once your application has been processed, your family member – and in some cases you as well – will be asked to come for an interview. The interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or at a regional office in the United States. Please be prepared to bring documentation to this interview proving:
-- the U.S. citizenship or LPR status of the petitioner (e.g. passport, birth certificate, and/or naturalization certificate for U.S. citizens; or "green card" for LPRs);
-- the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant (e.g. marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate to show parent-child relationship, etc.);
-- ability to support family member financially, ( e.g. tax statements certified by the IRS, bank or investment statements, etc. ); and,
-- the identification of the applicant (e.g., passport, national identity card, drivers license with photo, etc.). - All documents should be originals or certified copies. Certified copies of U.S.-issued birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates can be obtained via the website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm. Official copies of U.S. Tax returns can be obtained via: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=110571,00.html. Afghan or other foreign documents must be issued by a government office and bear official stamps/seals.