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S-7 — Family of S-5 or S-6 Informant

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months – 2 years

Application Fee

435 USD

Stay Duration

3 years

Not renewable

No dependents

PR pathway

No job offer needed

Remote work not required

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The S-7 visa is a derivative nonimmigrant classification for the immediate family members (spouses, married/unmarried children, and parents) of an S-5 (criminal informant) or S-6 (terrorist informant) visa holder.

The S-7 is a US nonimmigrant visa for the immediate family members — spouses, children, and parents — of S-5 or S-6 informants assisting federal or state law enforcement. Classification is initiated by the sponsoring agency, not the applicant.

Admission is granted for up to 3 years with no extensions permitted. Family members may apply for an Employment Authorization Document to work. If the principal informant fulfills their obligations, qualifying family members can adjust to Lawful Permanent Resident status.

This visa is ideal for immediate family members of criminal or terrorist informants who need US legal status and protection while the principal is cooperating with law enforcement.

Fee Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)185 USD

Visa Integrity Fee250 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	3 years
Extension increments	3 years

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be identified on Form I-854-A by the sponsoring law enforcement agency

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-854-A

Proof of relationship to principal S-5/S-6 holder

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Pathway to LPR
Protection for family of informants

Worth Knowing

No extensions permitted
Highly dependent on law enforcement cooperation
Not identified by law enforcement
Inadmissibility grounds not waived

Application Process

Law enforcement initiates I-854

USCIS approval

Consular processing

Application Forms

I-854

Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record

Fill online

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 30, 2026

Application Steps

Law enforcement initiates I-854; USCIS approval; Consular processing

uscis.gov

Fee Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): 185 USD; Visa Integrity Fee: 250 USD

travel.state.gov

Fees

USD 435

travel.state.gov

Forms

Form I-854

uscis.gov

Forms · I-854 · description

Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record

uscis.gov

Job Offer Required

false

uscis.gov

Official Info

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-an-informant-s-nonimmigrant

uscis.gov

Max Child Age

—

ecfr.gov

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

This visa is ideal for immediate family members of criminal or terrorist informants who need US legal status and protection while the principal is cooperating with law enforcement.