U.S. Immigrant Visa for Armed Forces Members (Form I-426)

1. What documents do I need to submit for a U.S. immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as an active member of the armed forces?


For an active member of the armed forces, you will need to submit the following documents when applying for a U.S. immigrant visa:

1) A copy of your military ID card
2) A copy of your enlistment papers and any other documents related to your service in the armed forces
3) Evidence of your good moral character, such as letters of recommendation from commanding officers or other non-family members
4) Evidence of strong ties to your home country, such as proof of property ownership, bank accounts, or family members who are citizens of the country
5) Two passport-style photos
6) Completed Form I-426, Immigrant Petition by Alien Relative
7) Proof of financial support if you have a dependent spouse or child who is not included in your application
8) A copy of your birth certificate
9) Any additional evidence that may be requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying
10) The applicable fees for filing your immigrant visa application.

2. How long does it take to process an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) for a member of the armed forces?


It typically takes about 6-8 months to process an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) for a member of the armed forces. However, this processing time can vary depending on the individual case and the current workload of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

3. What is the eligibility criteria for an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) for a member of the armed forces?


The applicant must be an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a current member of a Reserve Component of the U.S. Armed Forces, who has served at least one year of continuous active duty in the U.S. armed forces and has served honorably. The applicant must also demonstrate that he/she meets all other eligibility requirements for an immigrant visa, including admissibility and medical inadmissibility considerations.

4. Is there a special process for immigrant visa applications (Form I-426) for members of the armed forces?


Yes. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members can receive expedited processing of certain immigration benefits, including their immigrant visa applications (Form I-426). In order to apply for expedited processing, members of the U.S. Armed Forces must submit a Request for Expedited Processing of an Immigration Benefit form (Form I-426A) with their completed application. This form must be signed by a commanding officer or other designated representative of the service member’s branch of the United States Armed Forces.

5. How does a member of the armed forces qualify for an immigrant visa application (Form I-426)?


In order to qualify for an immigrant visa application (Form I-426), a member of the armed forces must have active military service for a minimum of 12 months within the previous three years and must have earned an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces prior to filing the Form I-426. The service member must also meet any other criteria established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

6. Can I expedite my immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as an active member of the armed forces?


Yes, you can. To qualify for expedited processing of your immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as an active member of the armed forces, you must submit a copy of your current orders and a written request for expedited processing. You should include the reason for the request and be sure to include your name and date of birth on the request. The request and any supporting documentation should be faxed to the National Visa Center at 603-334-0700.

7. Are there any special fees or costs associated with an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) for a member of the armed forces?


Yes, there are several fees and costs associated with an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) for a member of the armed forces. The application fee for the I-426 is $205. Additionally, the applicant must pay a $325 biometric fee. Applicants may also be required to pay for additional processing fees, such as fees for obtaining police certificates, medical examinations, and translation services.

8. What documents do I need to prove my military service when filing an immigrant visa application (Form I-426)?


When filing an immigrant visa application (Form I-426), you will need to submit evidence of your military service, which may include your DD-214, service record, or other official documents to prove your service. Additionally, if you are filing on the basis of military service, you must submit proof of honorable discharge.

9. Does being a member of the armed forces give me any special benefits when applying for an immigrant visa (Form I-426)?


Yes, the U.S. Armed Forces may offer certain benefits to help members of the military, veterans, and their families qualify for immigration benefits such as an immigrant visa (Form I-426). Examples of these benefits include an expedited processing time and waiver of certain fees for some applicants. To find out if you qualify for any of these benefits, please contact your nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.

10. What are the criteria for having my immigrant visa application (Form I-426) approved?


The criteria for having an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) approved are:

1. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for the visa category for which they are applying.

2. The applicant must be admissible to the U.S. and meet all other legal requirements for admission.

3. The applicant must pass a medical examination, an interview, and any other required tests or procedures for that particular visa type.

4. The applicant must provide proof of financial support in the form of a financial affidavit, sponsor, or other financial resources.

5. The applicant must provide all required documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates, evidence of occupation, etc.

11. What is the processing time for an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


The processing time for Form I-426 is typically two to three months, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.

12. How can I check the status of my immigration visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


You can check the status of your Form I-426 by calling the National Visa Center (NVC), which is the processing center for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The NVC can be reached toll-free at 1-800-375-5283. You can also check the status of your application online through the USCIS website.

13. Are there any special rules for members of the military when applying for an immigrant visa (Form I-426)?


Yes, there are special rules for members of the military when applying for an immigrant visa (Form I-426). The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides for an expedited naturalization process for certain members of the US Armed Forces. Service members who have served honorably for at least one year may be eligible to apply for naturalization without having to meet the usual requirements. This includes being physically present in the United States for at least half of their service and being able to demonstrate a knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. Additionally, spouses and children of service members who are permanent residents may also benefit from this expedited process.

14. Are there any restrictions on immigration visas (Form I-426) for members of the armed forces?


Yes, there are restrictions on immigration visas (Form I-426) for members of the armed forces. Generally, members of the armed forces who are serving in the active-duty military, National Guard, or Reserve are exempt from the annual numerical limits set for visas by Congress. However, members of the military must still meet all other requirements for a visa, including passing medical examinations and background checks.

15. What happens if my immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces is denied?


If your immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces is denied, you may appeal the decision with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within 30 days of the decision. You may also consult with an immigration attorney to explore other options for obtaining lawful permanent residency.

16. What type of evidence can be used to support my immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


Evidence that may be used to support an immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces includes:

– Military orders
– Copies of military discharge documents
– Documents related to dependent status (e.g. marriage or birth certificates)
– Copies of the alien’s medical examination
– Evidence of English language proficiency
– Evidence of financial ability
– Proof of payment of the visa application fee

17. How will my dependent family members be affected by my immigrant visa application (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


Your dependent family members will be able to apply for derivative visas in order to accompany you on your immigrant visa application. Your dependents are eligible to apply for a derivative visa, which can be issued any time after your Form I-426 is approved. The filing process for dependents is the same as for your own Form I-426: Submit a completed Form I-130 for each family member, along with the appropriate fees and evidence of the relationship. You may also need to provide proof of your active duty status. Once your application is approved, your family members can apply for visas at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

18. Is there any restrictions on where I can travel to after being granted an immigrant visa (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


Yes, there are restrictions on where a foreign national with an immigrant visa (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces can travel after being granted the visa. The foreign national may only travel to the United States. The foreign national may not travel to any other country, even if that country is his or her home country.

19. Are there any special requirements if I want to work in the U.S. after receiving my immigrant visa (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


Yes. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible to work in the U.S. after receiving your immigrant visa (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces. These include having an honorable discharge, being of a certain age, having at least one year of continuous active military service, and other requirements.

20. Are there any additional requirements that must be met in order to receive an immigrant visa (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces?


Yes. In order to receive an immigrant visa (Form I-426) as a member of the armed forces, one must have served in the U.S. military for at least 12 months and also must be discharged or released under honorable conditions. Furthermore, the applicant must be eligible for permanent residence and must have filed an immigrant visa petition. Finally, applicants must obtain a valid medical examination, undergo security and law enforcement background checks, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.