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6 ways to enter

United States visas

United States family visa

Family routes cover visits, joining a visa holder, marrying a U.S. citizen and moving permanently to join qualifying relatives.

Ways to get a United States family visa

  1. Family-sponsored immigrant visas

    Visa needed

    Qualifying spouses, children, adopted children, parents, adult sons or daughters, and siblings of U.S. citizens, plus qualifying spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents.

    Stay
    Permanent residence
    Valid for
    After admission with an I-551 stamp, the visa is evidence of permanent residence for one year.

  2. K-1 fiancé or fiancée visa

    Visa needed

    A foreign fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen who plans to marry that citizen.

    Stay
    Marry the sponsoring citizen within 90 days of entry or leave.

  3. K-3 and K-4 spouse and child visas

    Visa needed

    Foreign spouses of U.S. citizens awaiting an immigrant visa, and their qualifying children.

  4. Dependant visas and status

    Other permit

    Eligible family members of people holding a qualifying study, work, exchange or special visa.

  5. V visa for certain long-standing family applications

    Visa needed

    Certain spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents whose immigrant visa applications were filed on or before December 21, 2000.

  6. Returning resident and certain former citizen visas

    Visa needed

    Returning residents under SB-1, and certain people who lost U.S. citizenship through marriage or foreign armed forces service under SC-1 or SC-2.

    Stay
    Permanent residence

Who needs it

Partners, relatives and dependants need permission that matches their relationship and whether the move is temporary or permanent.

Who doesn't

Certain children born abroad can enter without a visa under the specific newborn-child rules.

Good to know

  • A K-1 holder must marry the sponsoring U.S. citizen within 90 days of entry or leave the United States.
  • Dependant eligibility depends on the main visa holder's category.
  • Temporary family visits fall within nonimmigrant travel.
  • Some family-sponsored immigrant categories have numerical limits and possible waiting lists.
  • A child born during a permanent resident mother's temporary visit abroad needs no passport or visa for her first return within two years of the birth.
  • A child born after a parent's immigrant visa was issued needs no visa if carrying a passport and birth certificate.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for the United States?

Partners, relatives and dependants need permission that matches their relationship and whether the move is temporary or permanent. Certain children born abroad can enter without a visa under the specific newborn-child rules.

What are the ways to get a family visa for the United States?

There are 6 options: Family-sponsored immigrant visas (a visa from an embassy); K-1 fiancé or fiancée visa (a visa from an embassy); K-3 and K-4 spouse and child visas (a visa from an embassy); Dependant visas and status (a special permit); V visa for certain long-standing family applications (a visa from an embassy); Returning resident and certain former citizen visas (a visa from an embassy).

What rules do I have to follow on a the United States family visa?

A K-1 holder must marry the sponsoring U.S. citizen within 90 days of entry or leave the United States. Dependant eligibility depends on the main visa holder's category.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for the United States?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the United States visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for the United States be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the United States family visa rules?

On the United States's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in the United States?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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