Embassy of the United States

Immigrant Visas

Family-Based Visas

Categories of Immigrants for whom Petitions can be filed

• Immediate Relatives – This category includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, orphans/adopted children and parents of American citizens.  Petitioners for immediate relatives would use Form I-130 (Form I-600 is used for orphans/adopted children).  Note that there are no restrictions on the number of immediate relative visas issued annually.

• Family Sponsored Relatives – This category includes siblings and adult or married children of American citizens, as well as spouses and unmarried adult children of legal permanent residents.  Petitioners for family sponsored relatives would also use Form I-130.  Note that there are a limited number of family sponsored visas issued annually.  Therefore, petitions for family sponsored relatives are not available for processing until a visa is actually available. For more information on when a family sponsored petition is current for processing, click here.

• Fiance(é)s – Petitions for fiance(é)s can be filed by American Citizens, using Form I-129F.  Fiance(é)s are eligible to receive a one entry, six month validity non immigrant visa.  The applicant and petitioner must have plans to marry within three months of the applicant’s entry into the United States.  Once married, the applicant will need to adjust his or her status with the Department of Homeland Security in order to obtain legal permanent resident status.  Note that fiance(é) petitions can only be filed with the Department of Homeland Security in the United States.  For more information about Fiancé(e) visas, please click here.

• Nonimmigrant Visa for Spouse of U.S. Citizen (K3) – Spouses of US citizens may apply for a nonimmigrant K3 visa in order to travel to the US and adjust status in the U.S.  For more information about K3 visas, please click here.

V Non Immigrant Visas

The LIFE Act allows spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (LPR) to come to the United States on V nonimmigrant visas.  The nonimmigrant category V visa has been created to reunite families separated while waiting for their family based (F2A) second preference immigrant visa applications to be processed.  The V visa entitles the holder to travel to and from, and reside in, the United States until he or she becomes eligible to apply for an immigrant visa.  For information, click here.

Medical Examinations

Every person who applies for an immigrant or fiance visa, including children of any age, must undergo a medical examination.  Click here for more information.

Birth Certificates

All Honduran birth certificates must be originals issued by the "Registro Nacional de las Personas" (civil registry) in the long format known as the "forma literal." (see sample) (PDF - 9Mb).

For more information about immigrant visa classifications, please see the Department of State website.