Consular processing abroad

Consular processing is a key step in the U.S. immigration system for individuals seeking an immigrant visa (green card) from outside the United States. It involves applying for and obtaining the visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country or another designated location, rather than adjusting status within the U.S.

  • Definition: Consular processing refers to the procedure where a foreign national applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Department of State (DOS) consulate abroad after their immigrant petition (e.g., Form I-130 for family-based or I-140 for employment-based) has been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the visa is issued, the applicant can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
  • Eligibility: Consular processing is typically required for those living outside the U.S. who have an approved immigrant petition. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents sponsoring family members often use this path. It is not available for non-immigrant visas (like tourist or student visas) or for those eligible to adjust status inside the U.S. (e.g., via marriage to a U.S. citizen while already in the country on another visa).
  • Alternatives: If you’re already in the U.S. on a valid non-immigrant visa, you should opt for “adjustment of status” (Form I-485) instead, which avoids leaving the country.

Step-by-step process

  1. Petition approval: A U.S.-based sponsor (family member or employer) files a petition with USCIS (e.g., I-130, I-140, or I-360 for special categories). Once approved, USCIS forwards it to the National Visa Center (NVC). Please note our office only accepts cases based upon an I-130 or I-360.
  2. NVC processing:
    • The NVC assigns a case number and sends instructions.
    • You submit forms (DS-260 online immigrant visa application), pay fees (around $325 for the visa application and $120 for affidavit of support processing, and provide supporting documents (birth certificates, police records, etc.).
    • An Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the sponsor proves financial capability.
  3. Visa interview scheduling: Once documents are complete, the NVC schedules an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate in your country. Wait times vary by country and visa category—check the Visa Bulletin on travel.state.gov for priority dates and backlogs.
  4. Medical exam and interview:
    • Undergo a medical exam by a panel physician approved by the DOS (costs $200–$500, depending on location).
    • Attend the consular interview. The officer reviews your application, asks about your background, relationships, or qualifications, and checks for inadmissibility (e.g., criminal history, health issues, or prior visa violations).
    • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are taken.
  5. Visa issuance and entry:
    • If approved, your passport is stamped with the visa (valid for 6 months).
    • Upon U.S. entry at a port of entry (airport/seaport), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes you, and your green card is mailed within weeks after payment of an additional fee.
    • If denied, reasons could include fraud, ineligibility, or security concerns; appeals are limited but possible via waiver applications. For those from Latin America, alien smuggling claims against the intending immigrant is a common reason for denial.