Immigrant Visa Unit

Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Law

• Should I get a lawyer to help me with my case?

• What is the principal beneficiary of a petition and what is a derivative beneficiary?

• I received a CR-1 or CR-2 immigrant visa. What does that mean?

• What does the Child Citizenship Act do?

• The person who filed the petition on my behalf is not working. Does he or she still need to submit an Affidavit of Support?

• I am married to a U.S. citizen and am waiting for my adjustment of status interview in the United States. My child, who is my spouse's stepchild, is in the Dominican Republic and is about to have his immigrant visa interview. Do I have to become a legal permanent resident before my child can be issued an immigrant visa?

• What if I get married after I receive my immigrant visa but before I am admitted to the United States as a legal permanent resident?

• What happens if the petitioner dies before the principal beneficiary has immigrated to the United States?

• What happens if the petitioner dies after the principal beneficiary has immigrated to the United States?

• What happens to the derivative beneficiary's case if the principal beneficiary dies?

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