General Information on Immigrant Visas
An immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States, an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card. The holder of a Permanent Resident Card may reside and work in the United States.
U.S. immigration law provides for the issuance of immigrant visas in four general categories: immediate relatives, family based, employment based and Diversity Visa Program, known as the "green card" lottery. More information on Diversity Visas can be found at http://travel.state.gov
Immigrant Visas for all of South Africa are processed at the Consulate General in Johannesburg. For petitioners residing in the Cape Provinces or KwaZulu Natal, payment of the I-130 petition filing fee can be made at the Consulates General in Durban and Cape Town, after which the petitioner may send the completed I-130 directly to the USCIS office in Johannesburg. All immigrant visa applicants must appear in person at the Consulate General in Johannesburg for an interview once their petition is approved by USCIS.
In general any applicant for an immigrant visa, other than a Diversity Visa, must be the beneficiary of an approved petition. For complete details on petition requirements, please contact uscis.johannesburg@dhs.gov
