Families wishing to reconnect in America now have a deeper understanding of the U.S. immigration process than ever before. The complete 4-step visa application process for family-based immigration has been formally laid out by the U.S. Mission in the United Kingdom. If you want to bring your parents, spouse, or kids to the US, this is your roadmap to a seamless trip.
This process has been simplified for any family hoping to relocate to the United States, from setting up your visa profile to finishing your medical and then entering the U.S. Embassy for your interview. So, get ready for this thrilling breakdown that might alter the course of your family’s destiny.
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Step 1: Complete the DS-260 & Create Your Visa Profile
Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is where your adventure starts. This form must be completed by each family member requesting a U.S. immigration visa. That’s not all, though. Additionally, you have to create an online Visa account using the Visa Appointment Services website, which will
- Verify the time of your visa interview.
- Give you the option of where to pick up your passport after it has been approved.
- Let you change your appointment time (but only after the initial date).
Remember to bring your Courier Confirmation page, which serves as confirmation of registration, to the Embassy. No admission without confirmation!
Step 2: Medical Exam — No Exceptions, No Delays!
Regardless of age, all candidates must have a medical examination conducted by Visa Medicals in London, a clinic authorized by the Embassy. Call 0207 486 7822, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, to make an early reservation.
Timetable Be advised that you must complete your medical examination at least two weeks prior to the date of your planned visa interview. Your appointment will be postponed if you miss this deadline, which will cost you both time and peace of mind.
Step 3: Document Review Day — Don’t Miss It!
You will go straight to the U.S. Embassy’s Immigrant Visa Unit in London for your Document Review between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM following your medical examination.
What you’ll need:
- The Visa Medicals-provided Pink Document Review Sheet
- Every paperwork you need
No entry if there is no pink sheet. Your entry to the last visa interview is this visit, which is very important.
Step 4: Attend Your Visa Interview — The Final Gate
Based on the appointment date verified by your online profile, your second and last visit to the U.S. Embassy is your official visa interview.
Bring everything:
- During your document review, all original documents were placed in the safe plastic envelope you were given.
- Any missing paperwork you were instructed to get
Important Information: Your interview will be canceled and you will be requested to reschedule if your documents are not complete. Check everything again.
Benefits of US Family Visa Process:
- Legal Route to Reuniting Families in the United States: Citizens and lawful permanent residents can bring close family members to live with them in a controlled and legal manner through the U.S. family visa process.
- Clear Eligibility Categories for Various Family Relationships: Targeted petitioning is made possible by the precise visa categories that U.S. immigration law offers for parents, siblings, spouses, and children.
- There is no yearly cap on immediate relative visas: for U.S. citizens sponsoring parents, spouses, or unmarried children under the age of 21, which speeds up processing.
- The majority of family-sponsored immigrants: are qualified for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, which enables them to live and work in the United States indefinitely. This status is the first step toward obtaining a green card and permanent residency.
- Possibilities to Change Status Without Leaving the United States: Some family members who are currently in the United States may be able to change their status without needing to go back to their home country to process their visa.
- U.S. Work Authorization for Eligible Family Members: Many family-based immigrants are eligible to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which allow them to work lawfully while they wait for their green cards.
- Access to Social Services, Healthcare, and Education: Depending on their region and position, beneficiaries frequently have access to public healthcare, education, and other necessities after being admitted.
- Green Card Holders’ Spouses and Kids Are Also Qualified: In order to promote family stability and development, U.S. permanent residents are permitted to petition for their wives and unmarried children.
- Clear Priority System for Extended Family Members: Siblings, married children, and other family members can all wait in a fair line thanks to the preference category system, which also helps manage wait times.
- Sponsorship of Family Visas Is a First Step Toward U.S. Citizenship: Sponsored family members who receive green cards may eventually be eligible for naturalization and U.S. citizenship.
- Resources and Legal Support Are Easily Accessible: Navigating the family-based immigration system is made easier by a variety of organizations, lawyers, and community groups.
- Petitioners Can Track Case Status Online in Real Time: Sponsors and applicants can keep tabs on the status of their cases via the NVC tools and the USCIS portal.
- No Offer of Employment or Language Entry Requirements: A job offer, labor certification, or fluency in English are not prerequisites for family-based visas, in contrast to employment-based immigration.
- Promotes Economic Contribution and Long-Term Integration: Family-based immigrants frequently make permanent settlements, strengthening communities, paying taxes, and joining the workforce.
- Social and Emotional Welfare via Family Cohesion: In addition to the legal advantages, obtaining a family visa enables family members to live together, support one another, and celebrate life events in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a US Family Visa?
A US Family Visa allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor eligible family members for immigration to the United States.
How long does the US Family Visa process take in 2025?
Processing times vary by category. Immediate relatives usually take 12–18 months, while preference categories may take years depending on visa availability and backlogs.
Do family members receive a Green Card immediately after approval?
Immediate relatives usually receive a green card after adjusting their status or upon entering the US with an immigrant visa.
