Immigrant Visas

Introduction

An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the U.S.  The filing of an immigrant visa petition is also the initial step required to receive a Permanent Resident card (also known as a “green card”).  An immigrant visa holder who successfully enters the U.S. with the intention to reside there will receive a Permanent resident card during the first year of residency.  In most cases, you can only receive an immigrant visa if someone files an immigrant visa petition on your behalf.  You cannot petition for your own immigrant visa.

U.S. immigration law provides for the issuance of immigrant visas in four general categories: immediate relatives, family based, employment based and Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (also known as the "green card" lottery).   Most immigrant visa category petitions cannot be filed at the U.S. Embassy in Paris.  Employment-based, family based and fiancé(e) visa petitions must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. 

In certain cases, some immediate relative based petitions can be filed at U.S. Embassy Sarajevo.  The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo will accept immediate relative immigrant visa (or I-130) petitions from American citizens who have been continuously, legally resident in BiH for at least the six months prior to petition filing.  Individuals, who are in the country on a temporary status, such as student or tourist, do not meet this residency standard and must file with USCIS in the United States.  (Please click Limited Filing in Sarajevo if you think you qualify to petition in at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo.)

All lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) and U.S. citizens resident in the United States or with a permanent address in the United States must file immediate relative (or I-130) petitions at the USCIS service center in the United States having jurisdiction over their place of residence.  (A list of service centers is included in the instructions with downloadable form I-130.)

The Immigrant Visa (IV) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is open to the public on the basis of the below schedule:

By Appoitment Monday-Friday: Walk-in transportation / boarding letter issuances travel within the next 10-14 days due to lost or stolen green card. Abandonment of Legal Permanent Resident Status.

9:00-12:00 Tuesday, Thursday: Immigrant Visa Interviews on an appointment basis only. You will be notified via letter if you are scheduled for an interview.

The Immigrant Visa Unit is located at:

U.S. Embassy Consular Section
Alipasina 43
71000 Sarajevo

If you have questions regarding the status of an immigrant visa petition, please send an email inquiry to IVConsular@state.gov.