Permanent Resident Spouse Visa Overview

V Class Nonimmigrant Visa for the Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

The V visa is a nonimmigrant visa granted to the spouses and children of lawful permanent residents for the purpose of entering the United States while the application for the F2A immigrant visa is processing.


Below you'll find detailed information about the application process for a V visa, as well as answers to common questions about temporary nonimmigrant visas.  

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for a V Visa?
  • V visa application Process
    • Visa Application and Forms
    • Visa Application Fees
    • "Dual Intent" Application for V Visa
    • Entering the United States
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a V Visa?
  • Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on a V Visa?

Who Qualifies for a V Visa?

V visas are granted to the family members of lawful permanent residents of the United States (often designated LPRs, for short)  in order to come to the United States to reunite with the permanent resident while awaiting the processing of the application for F2A immigrant status.  Please note: the V visa is only available to LPRs who applied for family members to gain an F2A visa prior to December 21, 2000. No new V visas are currently being granted.

Those eligible for V visas will be sent a letter by the National Visa Center informing them of their eligibility.

V Visa Application Process

Visa Application and Forms

The letter sent by the National Visa Center outlines the forms required to apply for the V visa, as well as the embassy or consulate at which to apply.

The forms listed below are required in order to apply for the V visa:
  • Two copies of "Nonimmigrant Visa Application," Form DS-156;
  • "Non-Immigrant V visa application form," Form DS-3052;
  • "Affidavit of Support," Form I-134; and
  • documentation of marriage.

The spouse must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of stay and submit two standard 2x2 photographs, as well as complete a medical examination.

“Dual Intent” Application for V Visa

Unlike other nonimmigrant visas, the V visa allows you to move to the United States with the intention of immigrating through applying for permanent resident status simultaneously.  This also means that there is no requirement to prove that you maintain a residence and job in your native country.  Most nonimmigrant visas do not allow this provision.

The V visa is treated as a temporary way to enter the United States legally while the longer process of applying for permanent resident status is completed.

Visa Application Fees

The immigrant visa application fee for F2A status is $355.  The applicant must also pay fees for the medical examination (varies), as well as fingerprinting ($85). The visa application fee of $131 still applies, as well as visa issuance fee of an additional $131.

Entering the United States

The initial period of validity for a V visa is 2 years. At the port of entry, the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. The length of your visit will be determined on the "Arrival-Departure Record," Form I-94.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a V Visa?

Yes. Your unmarried, minor children are included on your V visa application and given their visas when the main visa is issued.

Recipients of a V visa may accept employment in the United States by submitting Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," often simply called a "work permit."

Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on a V Visa?

Yes. The visa holder must file "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigration Status," Form I-539, before the V visa expires.

Speak to an Immigration Representative for More about the V Visa

Reuniting a family in the United States is a serious and important step, and the last thing you want to do is to leave it to chance. 

To speak with an immigration team member, simply call us at 877-854-7606 or fill out our free Immigration Case Evaluation Form.