Immigrants to the U.S.

General Information

Immigrant visas are for persons who plan to live permanently in the United States.  Processing an immigrant visa takes time and planning.  Please review the information on the left side of this web page about eligibility, fees, and documents required.

Most immigrant visas (IV) require a petition approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before any IV processing starts.  For additional information on the IV petition approval process, follow this link to the USCIS office at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. 

If you would like information on a visa other than an immigrant visa, such as a visa for a short-term stay in the U.S. to vacation, conduct business, study or the like, please follow this link for nonimmigrant visa information. 

In order to complete the process for an immigrant visa to the U.S., all applicants must complete the necessary forms, provide all relevant documentation, pay the immigrant visa fees, and appear for an interview.  Immigrant visa forms are available here.

For further information, please call 91 (44) 2857-4242 or email ChennaiIVU@state.gov.  Our mailing address is: U.S. Consulate General, IV Unit, 220 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 006.