Consular Processing
Immigrating to the United States is a dream for many, and getting your immigrant visa through consular processing can be the first step to actualizing that dream. The process of applying for a U.S. immigrant visa can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with forms, deadlines, and government agencies. That is why it is important to start the process early and have a clear understanding of each step ahead.
At D’Alessio Law Group, we understand how stressful international immigration processes can be. We strive to guide our clients through the intricacies of consular processing so that the process is as smooth-sailing as possible.
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It was a real pleasure working with D’Alessio Law. The team was super professional, and I have felt supported in all aspects of this process all the way through.
They are very detail-oriented and have all the necessary facilities at hand to help.
I definitely recommend D’Alessio Law to anyone who wants to get an O1 or any other related visa without wasting time and money.
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What Is Consular Processing?
Consular processing is the process that allows foreign nationals outside the U.S to apply for an immigrant visa or green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The process starts with a petition filed on behalf of the applicant. It is then followed by interviews, necessary documentation, and receiving a visa in their home country, if successful. After that, the applicant can then travel to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
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What Are the Steps Involved In Consular Processing?
To get started with consular processing, you must determine your eligibility. If eligible, the appropriate steps to follow include:
1. File an Immigration Petition
Your sponsor or petitioner, who should either be a U.S citizen, green card holder or U.S. employer, files an immigrant petition to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
- If you are applying through a family relationship, your sponsor must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), a family-based petition, qualifying you for a family-based green card.
- If you are applying through employment, your U.S employer must file Form I-140, an employment-based petition.
- If you are an investor seeking an EB5 green card (investor green card), Form I-526 or I-526E should be filed.
2. Wait for Approval by USCIS
Once your petition is approved by USCIS, it is forwarded to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC assigns your petition a case number and begins pre-processing.
3. Pay the Required Fees
The NVC sends you details on the necessary fees that must be paid, which include the Immigration Visa Application (DS-260) fee, the Processing Fee, and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) fee. All forms and required documents are to be submitted using the NVC portal after making payment.
4. Go for Your Consular Interview
The U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country will schedule your visa interview. Before the interview, you must complete a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician. Form I-683 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) must be filled out and submitted during your interview.
5. Get a Visa Decision
If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport, and you’ll receive a sealed immigration packet (or digital confirmation). This packet or digital confirmation must remain sealed and should be presented to a U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at your port of entry.
6. Get Your Green Card
After you arrive in the U.S., your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address, typically within 45 to 90 days of your entry.
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Consular Processing Timeline
The timeline for consular processing varies depending on several factors and case-specific details. The biggest factor is whether your sponsor (petitioner) is an eligible U.S citizen or green card holder. Other factors include the type of visa, country of origin, and current processing backlogs at U.S. embassies or consulates.
While some processing times can range from a little as a few weeks to several months, others may extend to a year or longer. The timeline for consular processing begins when your petition is approved and the immigrant visa number becomes available.
How Can An Immigration Lawyer Help with Consular Processing?
At D’Alessio Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients on their consular processing journey, and we achieve this through:
- Step-by-step guidance from when your petition is filed until approval
- Careful review of your required documents
- Preparing you for your consular interview
- Working within the required deadlines
- Proactive communication throughout your process
- Client-centric approach with timely feedback
Schedule a Consular Processing Consultation
Every immigration journey is unique. At D’Alessio Law Group, we assist individuals from all backgrounds who are seeking to immigrate to the United States through consular processing.
We have a track record of handling various immigration cases, and we cannot wait to work with you. To discuss your case and your options, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
