World of Embassy

Address:

27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508,
Tel: (65) 6476-9100,
Fax: (65) 6476-9340.

In general, in order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must first be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative or by a prospective employer. This process, often called "petitioning," is the first step in the application process, and is done in the United States. (Limited exceptions are "immediate relative" petitions which may be accepted abroad under some circumstances. See below.) If the petition is approved and is current, the petition allows a prospective immigrant to begin the visa application process. Generally, approved petitions are forwarded to a U.S. consulate in the country in which the applicant is residing. In such cases the applicant will be notified by mail and provided with instructions on the application process.

Visa Information
In general, in order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must first be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative or by a prospective employer. This process, often called "petitioning," is the first step in the application process, and is done in the United States. (Limited exceptions are "immediate relative" petitions which may be accepted abroad under some circumstances. See below.) If the petition is approved and is current, the petition allows a prospective immigrant to begin the visa application process. Generally, approved petitions are forwarded to a U.S. consulate in the country in which the applicant is residing. In such cases the applicant will be notified by mail and provided with instructions on the application process.

The major immigrant categories are:

Immediate Relatives
Special Immigrants
Family-sponsored
Employment-sponsored

UNLIMITED FAMILY-BASED

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (IR): The spouse, widow(er) and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older.

Returning Residents (SB): Immigrants who lived in the United States previously as lawful permanent residents and are returning to live in the U.S. after a temporary visit of more than one year abroad.

LIMITED FAMILY-BASED

Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children, if any. (23,400)

Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over age 20) of lawful permanent residents. (114,200) At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder will be allocated to unmarried sons and daughters.

Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children. (23,400)

Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of United States citizens, and their spouses and children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age. (65,000)

List Of Holidays 2005