Petition To Apply

• The couple must file a petition to apply. This is filed by filling out form I-129F and sending it, along with supporting evidence, to a regional service center in the United States for adjudication.
  
  

National Visa Center

• After the petition is approved, it is sent to the National Visa Center. The NVC then sends the petition to the U.S. Embassy in the alien's country of residence.
  
  

Application

• Once the approved petition is received by the Embassy, an application packet is sent to the alien fiance. This include the application, instructions for the medical exam and directions as to what supporting documents must be gathered; when the application is complete, the alien fiance sends the completed checklist IV-15 to the Embassy and an interview is scheduled.
  
  

Medical

• Prior to the interview, the alien fiance must attend a medical exam at the appointed doctor. The exam tests for communicable diseases and covers the immunizations the intending immigrant must have.
  
  

Interview

• Finally, the applicant must attend an in-person interview at the Embassy where the visa is approved or denied. If approved, the immigrant has 6 months to travel to the United States and must be married within 90 days of arrival.