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Family-Based Immigration
How to Start the Visa Process
Before the Interview
Required Documentation
The Interview
After the Interview
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27 MINUTE READ

How to Start the Visa Process

For information and updates about our operational status and immigrant visa processing, please visit: https://al.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/

Two groups of family-based immigrant visa categories, immediate relatives and family preference, are provided under the provisions of United States immigration law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). You can learn more about these two categories of immigrant visas on usvisas.state.gov.

To apply for an immediate relative or family preference immigrant visas, follow the steps on the Immigrant Visa Process on usvisas.state.gov.  Once you have completed those steps, review the instructions given to you by the National Visa Center (NVC), along with the information presented on this website, for further guidance and instructions.

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (Unlimited): These visa types are based on a close family relationship with a United States (U.S.) citizen described as an Immediate Relative (IR). The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year. Immediate relative visa types include:

  • IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen – Learn More
  • IR-2: Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen – Learn More
  • IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen – Learn More
  • IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old

Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited): These visa types are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). There are fiscal year numerical limitations on family preference immigrants, shown at the end of each category. The family preference categories are:

  • Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children, if any. (23,400)
  • Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs. At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder is allocated to unmarried sons and daughters. (114,200)
  • Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children. (23,400)
  • Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age. (65,000)

Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.

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Before the Interview

What Do You Need to Bring to the Interview:

  • The interview appointment letter you received from the NVC (or in a few cases from the Consular Section);
  • Medical examination results form;
  • Your passport;
  • Updated documents issued during the last 12 months. Civil documents issued more than one year ago are considered expired.  If your civil documents were issued over a year ago, bring updated original civil documents and/or financial evidence such as tax returns which may have changed or been superseded since you originally submitted them to the NVC for review.  If you fail to bring the relevant documents, your case will be refused until we receive those documents.  Please, therefore, take the time to review the required documents’ checklist (PDF 280 KB) before attending the interview.  Post encounters many numerically limited cases (F, E, etc.), whose documents are expired due to extended time spent with NVC while the cases were not current;
  • A birth certificate listing your accurate civil status.  For example, if you were married outside of Albania and submit a birth certificate with your civil status listed as single, you will be refused until you send in a new birth certificate that shows your updated marital status;
  • If a sponsor filed an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provided the NVC with proof of an IRS Federal Income Tax Extension in lieu of a Federal Income Tax Return, you must bring the sponsor’s most recent Federal Income Tax Return to the visa interview.

Visa applicants in categories K1, K3, CR1, IR1, F21, C21, FX1, AND CX1 should read the Information on the Rights and Protection for Foreign Citizen Fiancé(e)s and Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents.  Failure to read this information may delay processing of your visa.

REGISTER FOR DHL COURIER SERVICE: After you have received the notification from NVC with your appointment date, create an account at the internet address albania.usvisa-info.com, and follow the instructions on how to register for DHL courier service to return your passport upon completion of your case, and/or for document submission if requested by the Consular Officer.  Optionally, you may contact the Call Center at the toll free numbers +355-(0)44-500-037 (in Albania), 703-439-2349 (in the United States), or USVisaAlbania (on Skype) to speak to an agent who will assist you.  Please save your account details as you may need to go back to this website to learn about your passport delivery status, and/or to submit new documents to the Consular Section, if instructed to do so.  This free–of-charge DHL courier service is valid only within Albania.

Print out the DHL confirmation page and bring it on the appointment date.  If you do not register for DHL, it will create delays in processing of your case.

SECURITY INFORMATION: No electronic devices of any kind are allowed inside the U.S. Embassy, including cell phones, cameras, recording devices, electronics, computers, large bags or luggage.  Applicants may not bring weapons, liquids or objects under pressure (such as hairspray or deodorant).  There is no public parking at the Embassy; public transportation is encouraged.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Before your final immigrant visa interview, all applicants are required to undergo a medical examination performed only by the medical doctors authorized by this Embassy to administer the examination.  You should attend a medical examination exactly three weeks prior to your interview date.

You will have to print the medical examination form found at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs webpage “Medical Examination”, read it carefully, fill it in, and present it to one of the panel physicians.  You are responsible for the cost of the examination.  A medical examination is also required for each accompanying child.  You should bring the appointment letter with you to your medical examination.

Do not send the results of your medical examination to this office before your interview. You will be required to submit your medical report to this office at the time of your interview. Do not bring X-ray film or a CD to the Embassy. You can download the Medical Examination form by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs webpage “Medical Examination”; search for TIA –Tirana and then download the medical examination form.

Additional Information

During the entire visa application and interview process you must tell the truth and give complete and accurate information.  This includes the documents you provide; they must be legitimate.  If you do not, your visa will be delayed or you may be found ineligible for a visa.

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Required Documentation

Review Required Documents for Immigrant Visas  – Download here (PDF 280 KB) the required documents.

These instructions apply only in cases when you’ve been asked by National Visa Center (NVC), your agent, or Consular Section to do so. All of the following documents will be mailed to NVC, as instructed by them. Only when contacted by the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, you will mail these documents directly to our office. All documents must be current on the appointment date. Any expired documents may delay the processing of the visa. If your documents were issued more than one year prior to the interview date, they are considered expired. In such cases, you must bring updated documentation with you to your interview at the Consulate. Please note that a Consular Officer may request additional documents, depending on the visa case. If you fail to bring the relevant documents, your case will be refused until we receive those documents.  Please, therefore, take the time to review the required documents’ checklist before attending the interview.  Post encounters many numerically limited cases (F, E, etc.), whose documents are expired due to extended time spent with NVC while the cases were not current;

A birth certificate listing your accurate civil status. For example, if you were married outside of Albania and submit a birth certificate with your civil status listed as single, you will be refused until you send in a new birth certificate that shows your updated marital status;

If a sponsor filed an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provided the NVC with proof of an IRS Federal Income Tax Extension in lieu of a Federal Income Tax Return, you must bring the sponsor’s most recent Federal Income Tax Return to the visa interview.

Medical examination: all immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to their visa interview date. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. It is your responsibility to submit the online medical examination form exactly three (3) weeks prior to your interview date, and schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors before your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy. Please visit panel physicians’ website for detailed information on how to apply for an appointment, and on the required documents you must submit to the panel physician. Medical examination results from other doctors will not be accepted.

Additional Information

During the entire visa application and interview process you must tell the truth and give complete and accurate information.  This includes the documents you provide; they must be legitimate.  If you do not, your visa will be delayed or you may be found ineligible for a visa.

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The Interview

What to expect the day of your interview:

  • The Embassy is located at Rruga e Elbasanit, Nr. 103, Tirana.  Upon arrival, please proceed to the Consular Section entrance for further instruction.  Arrive no more than 15 minutes early for your appointment;
  • All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, should appear in person for their interview;
  • Do not bring any family members or other people into the Consulate.  Only those applying for visas may be allowed in.  Exceptions are made for applicants needing physical assistance;
  • Bring your appointment letter, valid passport, and other required documents;
  • Do not bring any prohibited items, such as: sharp objects, including pens; food and drinks; liquids; cell phones; cameras; mirrors; aerosols; tobacco products; matches and lighters; etc;
  • You will pass through the security checkpoint and will be directed to the appropriate waiting area or check-in window;
  • Applicants are called by name.  Please listen to all announcements over the loudspeakers.  When your name is called, go to the window number indicated;
  • Please visit the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs webpage “Fees for Visa Services” for detailed information about immigrant visa fees.  If the petitioner has already paid this fee with NVC for you, then you do not need to pay again.  If not, you will be required to pay the application fee at the time of your interview.  The payment for immigrant visas may be made in cash only to the consular cashier, in U.S. Dollars or Albanian Lek.  K visa applicants receive specific instruction by the Consular Section on how to pay the fee;
  • The interview date is scheduled by NVC, and you, the petitioner, or agent of choice will receive the notification regarding the appointment date by the NVC.  Only in a few cases the appointment date is scheduled by the Consular Section of U.S. Embassy in Tirana;
  • Give the check-in official your confirmation page, previous visa if you have one, passport and any other information the Consular Officer requests;
  • You will be called up again to record your fingerprints.  You will need to place your fingers on a small scanner screen.  The Officer will tell you which fingers to use first.  Following the fingerprint scan, a Consular Officer will conduct your interview;
  • Other U.S. visas you have may be canceled, even if they are still valid;
  • Once you qualify for an immigrant visa, you may pick up your visa at the DHL office you selected when you registered for DHL Courier Service;
  • If you were refused due to a request for additional documents, read carefully all marked items that apply to your case;
  • You can view the status of your visa case at the Department of State’s secured website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/.  All you need is your case number and the location of your interview to monitor your case’s progress;

No assurance can be given in advance that a visa will be issued. You should NOT to make travel arrangements, dispose of property, or give up employment until the visa has been issued

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After the Interview

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy.

Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. However, the timing varies based on the circumstances of each case. Before inquiring about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 60 days after your interview.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. We will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time.   Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you. Do not put it in your checked luggage. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are:  children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six (6) months from the date of printing. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Derivative family members traveling at a later time from principal applicant must show a copy of principal applicant’s U.S. visa with the admit stamp to the Tirana airport authorities to facilitate their travel. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives:  Please consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are in compliance with their rules. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online.

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