V Visa

The V visa is a nonimmigrant visa created to allow families to stay together while waiting for the processing of immigrant visas.

Eligibility Criteria

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), your spouse, child (unmarried and under 21), or the child of your spouse (your step-child) may be eligible for a V visa if:

• You filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for your family member on or before December 21, 2000. This includes children (unmarried and under 21) listed on the petition.  
• The family member has been waiting at least 3 years since you filed the Form I-130.
• The immigrant visa is not available on an approved Form I-130 petition OR the application to adjust status is pending OR the petition for an immigrant visa is pending.

If your family member is outside the United States: 

• He or she must go through consular processing. For more information, see the “Nonimmigrant (V) Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent Resident” link to the right. For more information on consular processing overseas.