Validity Period of Immigrant Visas

When a U.S. Embassy or Consulate issues an immigrant visa, that visa is usually valid for 6 months. The Foreign Affairs Manual, which contains the regulations of the U.S. Department of State, actually states that the validity period must not exceed 6 months. In a recent webchat, however, the U.S. Embassy London has stated that it will issue immigrant visas with a validity period which expires 6 months from the date of the medical examination, rather than 6 months from the date of the immigrant visa interview. Applicants who do not plan to immediately move to the U.S. after the issuance of their immigrant visas must take this into consideration and not schedule their medical exams with the Embassy's panel physician too far in advance.

Permanent Residence for Parents of U.S. Citizens

If you are a U.S. citizen and you have a parent (or parents) who would like U.S. permanent residence (i.e., a "green card"), you can petition for them. If your parent is outside the United States, your parent will need to apply for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your parent's home country after the petition has been approved. If your parent is in the United States and is currently in a valid nonimmigrant status, it may be possible to file your parent's application for adjustment of status simultaneously with your immediate relative petition.

For more information about filing an immediate relative petition for a parent and the requirements for your parent to obtain U.S. permanent residence, please contact my office at 651-209-3269.