The Department of State (DOS) recently announced U.S. embassies and consulates are using a tiered approach to reduce the backlog in the processing of immigrant visas. DOS identified four priority tiers listing the main categories of immigrant visas in each:

–Tier One: Immediate relative intercountry adoption visas, age-out cases (cases where the applicant will soon no longer qualify due to their age), and certain Special Immigrant Visas (SQ and SI for Afghan and Iraqi nationals working with the U.S. government)

–Tier Two: Immediate relative (spouses, children, and parents of US citizens) visas; fiancé(e) visas; and returning resident visas

–Tier Three: Family preference immigrant visas and SE Special Immigrant Visas for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad

–Tier Four: All other immigrant visas, including employment preference and diversity visas

Due to various visa bans during the Trump administration, the backlog of immigrant visa (green card) applications at U.S. embassies worldwide is enormous and may take many years to clear.

This article is provided as an educational service and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific circumstances. For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call us at 214-494-8033 or complete my contact form below.