An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently abroad. Visas typically include limits on the duration of the foreigner's stay, areas within the country they may enter, the dates they may enter, the number of permitted visits, or if the individual has the ability to work in the country in question. Visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a territory and thus are, in most countries, distinct from actual formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country. In each instance, a visa is subject to entry permission by an immigration official at the time of actual entry and can be revoked at any time. Visa evidence most commonly takes the form of a sticker endorsed in the applicant's passport or other travel document but may also exist electronically. Some countries no longer issue physical visa evidence, instead recording details only in immigration databases.

Immigration officials were empowered to permit or reject entry of visitors on arrival at the frontiers. If permitted entry, the official would issue a visa, when required, which would be a stamp in a passport. Today travelers wishing to enter another country must often apply in advance for what is also called a visa, sometimes in person at a consular office, by post, or over the internet. The modern visa may be a sticker or a stamp in the passport, an electronic record of the authorization, or a separate document which the applicant can print before entering and produce on entry to the visited polity. Some countries do not require visitors to apply for a visa in advance for short visits.

Visa applications in advance of arrival give countries a chance to consider the applicant's circumstances, such as financial security, reason for travel, and details of previous visits to the country. Visitors may also be required to undergo and pass security or health checks upon arrival at the port of entry.

Applicants availing an immigrant visa also need to undergo required medical examinations. The examinations need to be carried out by a panel approved physician and the consulate will provide instructions on how to book the appointment.

Immigration Visa Procedure

Step 1: Submit a Petition

Step 2: Begin National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

Step 3: Pay Fees

Step 4: Complete Affidavit of Support

Step 5: Collect Financial Evidence and other Supporting Documents

Step 6: Complete Online Visa Application (DS-260)

Step 7: Collect Civil Documents

Step 8: Scan Collected Documents

Step 9: Upload and Submit Scanned Documents

Step 10: Prepare for the Interview

Step 11: Applicant Interview

Step 12: After the Interview