Updated October 26, 2007
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 (PRC), 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 Immigrant Visa Program, known as the "green card" lottery.
Immigrant Visas for all of South Africa are processed at the consulate in Johannesburg . Cape Town can accept the filing of an immediate relative petition and will forward the documentation to Johannesburg . There is no immigrant visa service in Durban or at the embassy in Pretoria.
In general any applicant for an immigrant visa, other than a Diversity Visa, must be the beneficiary of an approved petition.
Information can be obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Family-Sponsored (Immediate Relatives) Immigrant Visas
Applicants who believe they are entitled to immigrant status based on a relationship to a United States citizen or lawful resident alien, should request that relative to file a petition (I-130) with the nearest USCIS office in the United States.
N.B. If the American citizen sponsor is in South Africa , he or she may file the petition in person with the Immigrant Visa Section at the Consulate in Johannesburg or with the American Citizen Services Section in Cape Town , provided the beneficiary is a permanent resident of South Africa . Both parties must be present when the petition is filed.
For detailed information, click here.
The form for the petition may be obtained from the consulates or the USCIS web site.
Fiancé(e) Visa
This is a specific non-immigrant visa available for Fiancé(e)s of United States Citizens. The couple must have met in person within the past 2 years. The U.S. citizen fiancé must file an I-129F Petition with the USCIS in the U.S. If the I-129F is approved, and the visa issued, they must marry within 90 days of the alien's admission to the United States. For details click here.
Employment Based Visas
Applicants who believe they are entitled to immigrant status based on proposed employment in the United States . Their prospective employer must file Petition Form I-140 with the USCIS in the United States. Prior to filing a petition the employer must also obtain certification from the U.S. Dept. of Labor, to certify that there are no qualified workers available for the proposed employment in the United States. Click here for more information.
All categories with quota restrictions are listed on the State Department's Visa Bulletin.
See also the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the USCIS web site.
Immigrant Visa Fees
All fees are to be paid in CASH in either US$'s or the Rand equivalent, subject to change on a monthly basis.
| Fee type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| IV Petition I-130 Filing | $355 |
| IV Application/Issuance | $545 |
| Returning Resident | $165 |
| DV Lottery | $0 |
| INS/CIS I-601 Waiver | $265 |
| Transportation Letter (Lost Green Card) | $400 |