FAQ: How long will I have to wait before I can get an Immigrant Visa?

NOTE: The information provided herein is of a general nature and is not intended to
apply to any particular set of facts. The information is not intended as legal advise
and no attorney-client relationship is established with the Law Offices of Edward Lau.

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Ans:

Because of the limited number of immigrant visas available each year, almost all Family- and Employment-based categories have a waiting period before an alien can immigrate after the petition is approved. The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs issues a monthly update list of visa numbers in the "Visa Bulletin." The INTERNET web address to access the bulletin is: http://travel.state.gov. From the home page, select the visa section which contains the Visa Bulletin. By FAX, dial (202) 647-3000 and follow the directions and enter in the code 1038 to have the Bulletin FAXED. By TELEPHONE RECORDING dial (202) 663- 1541. To be placed on the MAILING LIST, write to:

Visa Bulletin
Visa Office
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20522-0106