What is an immigrant visa?
An immigrant visa is a document issued by a U.S. consular officer abroad that allows you to travel to the U.S. and apply for admission as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). An immigration inspector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security makes the final decision as to whether or not to admit you as an LPR. Once you are admitted as an LPR, you generally have the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security will mail your permanent resident card (often called a “green card”) to your new address in the U.S., usually within three months of your entry into the U.S.
