Immigrant Visas
Priority Dates
U.S. law limits the number of visas that can be issued each year for all immigrant visa categories except immediate relative cases. If visas in your immigrant visa category are limited, you must wait until a visa becomes available before the consulate will process your case and issue you a visa. The time you must wait depends upon your priority date (e.g. the date the petition was filed) and your visa category. When your priority date becomes “current,” it means that a limited number of visas are available in your category. To find out whether visas are available in your category, go to the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Bulletin Page or phone 001-202-663-1225.
Processing current and immediate relative cases
If the Immigration Service sent you a Notice of Approval in an immediate relative case, or if your petition is for a numerically limited category with a current priority date, the consulate can process your case.
If your case is current or is an immediate relative case, your alien relative beneficiary can activate his case by requesting an interview appointment by mail. The request should include a copy of the "Notice of Approval of Petition" provided by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and should be mailed or faxed to the attention of the Immigrant Visa Unit.
Inquires and information about immigrant visa cases:
For information about the status of your immigrant visa case, you can contact us by email at consularsanaa@state.gov
Schedule of Consular Services Fees