How to Apply

The Petition Process

The first step in the immigration process for the vast majority of cases is to file a petition with USCIS in the United States.  More information on the petition process can be found at the USCIS Green Card Page.

Filing Visa Petitions

Visa Petitions are normally filed with the appropriate USCIS Service Center in the United States, depending on where the Petitioner resides. See “Where to File” (http://www.uscis.gov/i-130) on the Form I-130 Instruction Form.  U.S. citizens who legally reside in Panama may file certain Form I-130 petitions at the USCIS Panama City Field Office.  To determine if you are eligible to file the visa petition with USCIS Panama, please contact panama.uscis@dhs.gov.