Visas to the U.S.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant Petitions
Recent legislation has led to changes in the procedures American citizens resident abroad will follow if they wish to sponsor an immediate relative (spouse, parent or minor child) for an immigrant visa.  Effective immediately, the immediate relative petition (I-130) must be filed with the USCIS office responsible for the petitioner's place of residence (that is, the place of residence of the American citizen who is filing the petition).  Consular offices at U.S. embassies and consulates are no longer authorized to accept I-130s, although they will continue to provide guidance to American citizen petitioners and their family members.  Responsibility for acceptance and approval of immigrant visa petitions rests solely with USCIS.  American citizens should submit their I-130 at the CIS office responsible for their place of residence.
This procedural change may result in a processing delay for some applicants.  The Department of State recognizes and sincerely regrets the inconvenience this may cause.

The U.S Consulate in Johannesburg processes (mails and recieves documents, packets, conducts all interviews) immigrant visas for persons residing in Lesotho. Click here for more information.

USCIS contact information my be found on their webpage at  www.uscis.gov.  USCIS can be reached through their National Customer Service Center (NCSD) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).