We use cookies to improve security, personalize the user experience,
enhance our marketing activities (including cooperating with our marketing partners) and for other
business use.
Click "here" to read our Cookie Policy.
By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of cookies. Read less
What is the V Visa? Legal Insights and Key Information
Definition & Meaning
The V visa is a temporary visa designed for the spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents (green card holders). This visa facilitates family unity by allowing these individuals to stay in the United States while their immigration applications are processed. The V visa was established under the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act of 2000, which aimed to assist those who applied for immigrant visas before December 21, 2000. It is important to note that the V visa is not available for those who applied after this date.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The V visa is primarily used in immigration law, particularly in family-based immigration cases. It allows permanent residents to keep their immediate family members together during the often lengthy immigration process. Users can manage the application process with the help of legal forms and templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which can simplify the necessary paperwork.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A lawful permanent resident married to a foreign national who applied for an immigrant visa before December 21, 2000, can apply for a V visa for their spouse to stay in the U.S. while the application is processed.
Example 2: A green card holder with an unmarried child under 21 who filed an immigrant visa application before the cutoff date can also apply for a V visa for their child. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The V visa is governed by the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act of 2000. This law was enacted to address the challenges faced by families separated due to immigration processes and to promote family unity.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
V Visa
A temporary visa for spouses and children of green card holders.
Available only to those who applied for immigrant visas before December 21, 2000.
Green Card
A permanent resident card allowing an individual to live and work in the U.S.
Permanent status versus temporary status of the V visa.
If you believe you qualify for a V visa, start by gathering necessary documentation, including proof of your relationship to the green card holder and evidence of the immigrant visa application. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in preparing your application. If your situation is complex, consider consulting with a legal professional for personalized guidance.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Spouses and children under 21 of green card holders who applied before December 21, 2000.
Duration
Temporary status while immigration application is pending.
Application Process
Requires documentation of relationship and immigrant visa application.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
Only the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents who applied for immigrant visas before December 21, 2000, can apply for a V visa.
The V visa is temporary and lasts until the underlying immigrant visa application is processed.
Yes, V visa holders are allowed to work in the United States.