So I decided to apply for a family visa to the US, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey! First off, I had to figure out which family member I was going to sponsor. Turns out, your status determines who you can bring over. I’m a citizen, so I have a few more options, but if you’re a permanent resident, it’s a bit different.
Once I knew who I was sponsoring, it was time to dig into the paperwork. Honestly, it felt like a mountain of forms! But I started with the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. That’s the main one to get the ball rolling.
- Filled out the I-130: This form asks for all sorts of details about me and my family member. Make sure you have all your info handy, like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and all that jazz.
- Gathered supporting documents: Besides the I-130, I had to provide proof of my US citizenship, proof of our relationship, and some financial documents to show I could support my family member.
- Paid the fees: Yep, there are fees involved. It’s not cheap, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
- Mailed everything in: I double, triple-checked everything, made copies for myself, and sent it all off to the USCIS.
Then came the waiting game. It felt like forever, but eventually, I got a notice saying they received my petition. Phew! But that was just the first step. There are several steps following this step.
National Visa Center (NVC)
After the USCIS approved my petition, it got sent over to the National Visa Center (NVC). They’re the ones who handle the visa application process from there.
- More forms: I had to fill out some more forms and gather even more documents. It’s a lot, but you just gotta power through.
- Pay more fees: Of course, there were more fees to pay.
- Submit everything to the NVC: Once I had everything together, I sent it all off to the NVC.
Again, more waiting. But eventually, my family member got scheduled for an interview at the US embassy in their country. This is the big one!
Interview at the US Embassy
My family member had to prepare for their interview like crazy. They needed to bring all sorts of documents and be ready to answer questions about our relationship and their plans in the US.
- Gather even more documents: Yep, more documents! Things like police certificates, medical exams, and more.
- Practice for the interview: I helped my family member practice answering potential interview questions. It’s nerve-wracking, but being prepared helps.
- Attend the interview: My family member went to the interview, answered all the questions, and hoped for the best.
After the interview, it was another waiting period. But finally, we got the good news – the visa was approved! It took what felt like a lifetime, but we finally made it through!
My family member got their visa, packed their bags, and came to the US. Now, they’re here, and we’re all figuring out life together in a new country. It’s been a long, complicated process, but totally worth it to have my family together.
