Two groups of family-based immigrant visa categories, immediate relatives and family preference, are provided under the provisions of U.S. immigration law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  You may wish to review our Directory of Visa Categories to learn more about these two categories of immigrant visas, as well as other types of immigrant visas to the United States, including our Diversity Visa Program.

To apply for an immediate relative or family preference immigrant visa, follow the steps on the Immigrant Visa Process.  Once you have completed those steps, review the instructions given to you by the National Visa Center (NVC), along with the information presented on this website, for further guidance and instructions.

 Filing a Petition in Algeria – Exceptional Circumstances

U.S. Embassy Algiers can process limited types of immigrant visa petitions in Algiers, including certain I-130s, I-360s, and I-600s. Please review the requirements to file these petitions directly with the US Embassy:

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, only if your case meets exceptional circumstances requirements. For more information on when petitioners can file a I-130 directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate, please see:

• Filing Immigrant Petitions Outside the United
• https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-b-chapter-3
• Form I-1360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
• Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative

If you believe you qualify under one of these situations, please email us at IV-DValgiers@state.gov and we will let you know what documents are needed to determine if you qualify for your petition to be processed at the U.S. Embassy. If you do not qualify, you will be required to file your petition using a USCIS lockbox (see previous links for more information).