Immigrant Visas

Filing Procedures

The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo will accept I-130 petitions for immediate relative immigrant classification 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 may not file a petition in Sarajevo. 

The U.S. citizen petitioner and all alien beneficiaries must appear in person on the day of petitioning.

You should bring the following documentation:

• U.S. citizen petitioner and each family member beneficiary passports
• U.S. citizen petitioner’s proof of six months of continuous, legal residence in BiH.
• Two passport-sized photos for the U.S. citizen petitioner and each beneficiary
• Proof of relationship:
       - Petition for spouse: marriage certificate (Persons previously married must also provide a divorce judgment or death certificate as proof of termination of the previous relationship.)
       - Petition for child: child’s birth certificate
• Completed forms I-130 Petition and G-325A for each beneficiary
• Completed form G-325A for U.S. citizen petitioner (1 copy per petition to be filed.)
• Completed form DS-230 for each beneficiary.
• $355 petitioning fee.  Payment may be made in cash or by credit card. No checks are accepted.

For faster service on the day of petitioning, please have your forms downloaded and completed before coming to the Embassy.

Processing times:  Apply early!  Processing is completed on a "first come, first served" basis.  Expect the immigrant visa application process to take up to six months or more to complete. After issuance, an immigrant visa is valid for six months before travel to the United States is required. 

The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is the only visa issuing post in BiH.