Other relative of a U.S citizen or permanent resident are classified under the family-based preference categoriesĪ family member of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, an unmarried son or daughter under the age of 21 or a parent of a U.S. This form establishes your relationship with a U.S citizen or permanent resident, which then establishes your eligibility for a family-based green card.Įligibility requirements for a family-based green card are as follows: Prior to submitting an application for a family-based immigrant visa abroad, a family member must first complete and submit Form I-130 with USCIS. State Department that handles green card applications. Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the National Visa Center (NVC) is the branch of the U.S. It accompanies Form DS-260 and is used to inform the State Department how you should be contacted during the green card application process. What is Form DS-261?įorm DS-261 (Online Choice of Address and Agent) is also an online form. If Form DS-260 is approved, you may be granted a marriage-based green card, which means that you will have the right to legally work and reside in the United States indefinitely.

embassy or consulate where you intend to file your nonimmigrant visa application.įoreign nationals applying for family-based immigrant visas or green cards while abroad are required to file this form. It is completed and submitted online through the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. What is Form DS-260?įorm DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application) is an online immigrant visa application.

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of both forms as you prepare to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. Forms DS-260 and DS-261 allow you to apply for permanent residence from any country outside the United States.

What is the ds 260 form used for