Immigrant Visas FAQ
General
What is an immigrant visa?An immigrant visa is a document issued by a U.S. consular officer abroad that llows you to travel to the United States and apply for admission as a legal permanent resident (LPR). An immigration inspector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security makes the final decision as to whether or not to admit you as an LPR. Once you are admitted as an LPR, you generally have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security will mail your permanent resident card (often called a “green card”) to your new address in the United States, usually within three months of your entry into the United States. Please see 22 CFR 42.11 for a list of immigrant visa classification symbols and a brief description of each.
What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa?
As explained in the answer to “What is an immigrant visa?”, getting an immigrant visa usually means that you will be able to live and work in the United States for as long as you want. A nonimmigrant visa, on the other hand, is generally for short-term visitors to the United States. You cannot stay in the United States permanently on a nonimmigrant visa, and you generally cannot work. A nonimmigrant visa is sometimes informally called a “tourist visa” but can be issued for reasons other than tourism, such as medical treatment, business or study. Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for more information.
Where can I get information about adoption?
A good resource for adoption information is our Adoption Flyer for Colombia. The Flyer contains general information related to the visa aspects of adoption as well as information tailored specifically to adoption in Colombia
What about military service once I arrive in the United States?
If you are a man and are between 18 and 26 years old when you enter the United States, you must register with the U.S. Selective Service System within 30 days after you enter the United States. If you are required to register, do so promptly. You cannot register after you reach age 26. Registration is for conscription into military service in an emergency mobilization of the armed forces. There is no conscription at this time. To register, go to the nearest United States Post Office, obtain a registration form, fill in the information requested and hand the completed form to the postal clerk. Within 90 days, you should receive a Registration Acknowledgement postcard from Selective Service. If you do not hear from Selective Service within this period, it is important that you contact Selective Service to verify your registration status. Alternatively, you may register online. You may also verify your registration status online.
On the day of your immigrant visa appointment, you will be required to sign Form DS-1810 (Notice of Duty to Register with U.S. Selective Service System) acknowledging that you understand your obligation to register with Selective Service.
Legal permanent residents, male or female, may join the U.S. military as enlisted personnel. For more information please contact:
In which currency must I pay any required fees at the Immigrant Visa Unit, U.S. dollars or Colombian pesos?
The choice is yours. The Consular Section cashier accepts either U.S. dollars or Colombian pesos. The exchange rate we offer, which changes periodically, is currently 2,400 pesos to the dollar. Please be advised that you should only pay money to the Consular Section cashier, regardless of what anyone else may tell you. The Consular Section cashier will issue you a receipt showing how much you paid and what services you paid for.