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Family-Based Immigration
Apply for an Immigrant Visa

Step 2: Apply for an Immigrant Visa

After the immigrant petition has been approved and (if applicable) the priority date is current, the second step is the submission of the immigrant visa application by the beneficiary of the petition.

If your I-130 petition was filed in Tokyo or Naha:

As soon as the petition is approved, we will ask you to prepare all of the necessary documents for your application. Read the instructions carefully and when all of the necessary documents have been gathered and forms completed, an appointment can be requested through this website. Click here for the document checklist and to request an interview appointment in Tokyo or Naha.

If the petition was filed in the United States:

If the petition was filed in the United States with Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the National Visa Center (NVC) will provide instructions directly to the petitioner and beneficiary. It is vital that NVC be provided with a correct mailing address and that all instructions be followed promptly. Failure to do so will result in delay in transferring the petition to the Embassy. Please see the Visa Processing at the National Visa Center page for more information.

If you filed a form DS-117 (returning resident) or I-360 (widow/ers) petition in Tokyo or Naha:

If returning resident status or widow/ers petition is approved, we will ask you to prepare all of the necessary documents for your application. Read the instructions carefully and when all of the necessary documents have been gathered and forms completed, an appointment can be requested through this website. Click here for the document checklist and to request an interview appointment in Tokyo or Naha.

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