Legal visa applications may be confusing, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the country and its rules.
This is an overview of the ways to prepare for your visa application.
Submit a petition
The first thing to do is a petition. There are two basic forms. There is the I-130, a petition for an alien relative, and the I-140, a petition for an alien worker if you are filing from within the United States.
If you are not in the United States, you need to use the I-360, a petition for an Amerasian, widower or special immigrant or the I-600, which is the petition to classify an orphan.
Pay fees and file an affidavit of support
After they process your petition, you must pay your fees and submit an affidavit of support. This affidavit signifies that you are either willing to support your relative or you can support yourself. Some states have different forms and requirements. You will need to provide financial documentation to back up the affidavit.
Fill out the visa application
Unlike the petition, you fill out an Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration for each person coming to the country with you.
Prepare documents and complete an Interview
There are several civil documents that you need depending on the type of visa. These documents must be from official sources in your country. You submit them before the interview, and they must be a reliable translation.
A member of the U.S. consular officer will conduct the interview. You will also need the confirmation page from the application with you. The interview will determine if you are eligible.
Until you have your visa, you should not sell property or book anything non-refundable in case of a denial.