An immigrant visa is a visa that authorizes a person to immigrate to the United States. As with non-immigrant visas, visa issuance does not guarantee admission to the U.S.

In general, to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visas, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition.

Aliens in the United States or at a port of entry who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may be granted asylum. Such aliens are referred to as “asylees.”

A “refugee” is a person who has fled his or her country of origin because of past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based upon race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or a membership in a particular social group.