The V visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the spouse and children of a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) to live and work in the United States on a nonimmigrant category. The purpose of the V visa is to allow the spouse and children to reside lawfully in the United States while waiting for permanent U.S. resident status or an immigrant visa. The previous law required the spouse and children to wait outside the United States. V visas are usually issued abroad at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. However, individuals already in the United States may be allowed to obtain "V" status without having to leave the country and apply abroad. Several application forms need to be filled and a fee must be paid before the "V" visa status is approved. Individuals with V-1, V-2, or V-3 visa status are eligible to apply for work authorization so they can legally work in the United States while waiting for permanent resident status.

Eligibility Requirements for a V-1 Visa:

• You are the spouse of a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States (Green Card holder)
• The beneficiary of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, has to be filed on or before December 21, 2000
• You have been waiting for at least 3 years for an immigrant visa, due to processing delays or unavailability of visas

V Visa Categories:

• V-1 Visa: Lawfully married to a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States
• V-2 Visa: Unmarried child (under the age of 21) of a Lawful Permanent Resident
• V-3 Visa: Unmarried child (under the age of 21) of V-1 or V-2 visa holder or applicant

Important: Immigration Form I-130 has to be filed by the Lawful Permanent Resident on or before December 21, 2000 in order to apply for a V visa. This fact alone disqualifies all applicants who filed their applications after December 21, 2000.