What this guide covers (and why it matters)

• Family-based (spouse, parent, child, or certain relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents) – usually starts with Form I-130. (U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)

• Employment-based (a U.S. employer sponsors you) – often includes PERM labor certification and Form I-140. (USCIS, Travel.state.gov)

• Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery – if you’re selected, you process through the Department of State with Form DS-260. (Travel.state.gov)

No matter which route, your case will usually pass through the National Visa Center (NVC) for fees, DS-260, and document uploads, and then you’ll interview at U.S. Embassy Colombo. (U.S. Embassy Common Resources, Travel.state.gov)

Quick rule: If you’re outside the U.S. (in Sri Lanka), you’ll do consular processing (not Form I-485). If you’re already inside the U.S. in a valid status, you might adjust status with Form I-485 instead (different process).

Download the printable checklist (PDF)

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The Green Card paths at a glance

You (in Sri Lanka)
   ↓
Pick your category → Family (I-130) | Employment (PERM + I-140) | DV (if selected)
   ↓
USCIS approves petition (or DV selection)
   ↓
NVC: pay fees, complete DS-260, upload documents ​​​​​​​
   ↓
Medical exam + Police clearance + Interview at U.S. Embassy Colombo
   ↓
Visa approved → Pay USCIS Immigrant Fee → Enter U.S. → Receive Green Card

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Step 1: Confirm the right category for you

A) Family-based (most common)

• Your U.S. citizen or U.S. green card holder relative files Form I-130 with USCIS. This proves the family relationship. (U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)

• After I-130 approval, your case goes to NVC for consular processing. Some family categories have wait times based on priority dates in the Visa Bulletin. (U.S. Embassy Common Resources, Travel.state.gov)

B) Employment-based

• Many jobs require PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) before the employer can file Form I-140 with USCIS. PERM checks the U.S. labor market for that role. (USCIS)

• After I-140 approval (and when your priority date is current), your case moves to NVC and the consular process. (Travel.state.gov)

C) Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

• If you’re selected in the DV program, you complete DS-260 and follow Department of State instructions. There’s no I-130/I-140 step for DV. (Travel.state.gov)

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Step 2: Watch your Priority Date and the Visa Bulletin

For most family preference and employment-based cases, you can only get an interview when your priority date is “current” in the Visa Bulletin. Check the monthly bulletin here:
Visa Bulletin (U.S. Dept. of State): https://travel.state.gov/visa-bulletin (bookmark this). (Travel.state.gov)

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Step 3: NVC case creation – pay fees, choose agent, complete DS-260

Once USCIS approves your I-130/I-140, the case goes to NVC:

1. NVC Welcome: You or your agent/attorney will get a case number and instructions.

2. Log in to CEAC and pay fees: Affidavit of Support fee + IV application fee.

   • CEAC (NVC portal): https://ceac.state.gov/iv (this is the official login). (ceac.state.gov)

3. Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online.

   • NVC’s official step-by-step: “After USCIS Approves Your Petition” and “Step 1: Pay Fees” / “Step 2: Submit Visa Application”. (U.S. Embassy Common Resources, Travel.state.gov)

4. Upload civil documents and (for most family cases) the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from your sponsor. (Travel.state.gov)

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Step 4: Collect your Sri Lanka civil documents (the right way)

You must follow the country-specific rules in the Reciprocity Schedule so the embassy accepts your documents. For Sri Lanka, see the official page here (covers police certificates, birth, marriage, etc.).
Sri Lanka Reciprocity & Civil Documents: https://travel.state.gov/.../SriLanka.html. (Travel.state.gov)

Common documents you’ll need

• Passport (valid)

• Birth certificate (as listed on the reciprocity page)

• Marriage certificate and, if applicable, divorce/death documents

• Police Clearance Certificate (Sri Lanka CID; follow the reciprocity page guidance)

• Military records (if you served)

• Court/Prison records (if applicable)

• Two U.S.-visa-style photos

• Translations (if any document is not in English)

Tip: Sri Lanka-specific police clearance and document details are explained on the State Department reciprocity page and the U.S. Embassy Colombo instructions. Always follow the version on these official sites. (Travel.state.gov)

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Step 5: Prepare the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

For most family-based cases, your U.S. sponsor files Form I-864 to show enough income/assets. Check the official USCIS page for instructions and current minimum income requirements (poverty guidelines).
USCIS Form I-864 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864. (Travel.state.gov)

If your sponsor’s income is not enough, a joint sponsor might help (again, follow USCIS rules on that page).

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Step 6: Book your medical exam in Colombo (only with an approved panel physician)

Before your visa interview, you must complete a medical exam with an approved panel physician listed for Colombo. Bring your passport, DS-260 confirmation page, vaccination records, and photos.

• Embassy-specific medical instructions for Colombo: U.S. Embassy Colombo – Medical Exam Instructions. (Travel.state.gov)

Only use approved panel physicians (not any doctor). The exam includes a history review, physical exam, chest X-ray/other tests as needed, and vaccination review under CDC technical instructions. (Travel.state.gov, CDC)

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Step 7: Interview at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo

When the NVC “documentarily qualifies” your case and an interview slot opens, you’ll receive the appointment notice. On the day:

• Arrive on time with your original documents, copies, medical results (if given to you) and passport.

• Expect questions about your relationship (family cases) or job offer/qualifications (employment cases).

• If the consular officer needs more documents, you might receive a 221(g) request with instructions.

General immigrant visa info for Sri Lanka & Maldives is maintained here: U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka – Immigrant Visas. (U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)

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Step 8: After approval — pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, enter the U.S., receive your green card

If your immigrant visa is approved, you normally pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online before you travel (unless exempt). This fee lets USCIS produce and mail your physical Green Card after you enter the U.S.

• USCIS Immigrant Fee (official page & payment portal links): https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/uscis-immigrant-fee. (USCIS)

Timing matters: Your immigrant visa expires based on your medical exam validity. Enter the U.S. before it expires. (Embassy notes emphasize this.) (U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)

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Extra: Special notes for each path

Family-based (I-130)

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents) don’t wait for a visa number, but still complete NVC + interview steps.

• Family preference categories (e.g., F2A/F2B) must track the Visa Bulletin until their priority date is current. (Travel.state.gov)

Employment-based (PERM + I-140)

• Many EB-2/EB-3 jobs require PERM first, then I-140. Your priority date is usually the PERM filing date (or I-140 filing date if PERM is not required). Check your category and chargeability area in the Visa Bulletin. (USCIS, Travel.state.gov)

Diversity Visa (DV)

• If you’

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