Consular Processing
Consular Processing is a method used by foreign nationals outside the U.S. to apply for legal permanent residence at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It is a mandatory alternative for applicants who will not use the in-country adjustment of status (AOS) procedure.
The key characteristics are:
Location:
Unlike adjustment of status, which takes place entirely within the U.S., consular processing requires the applicant to complete their requirements and attend a mandatory interview at an overseas U.S. post.
Eligibility:
It is primarily designed for marriage-based, family-sponsored or employment-based immigrants living abroad or those who are in the United States but will be going abroad for their legal permanent residence.
Timeline:
The process takes an estimated 6 to 18 months, heavily dependent on the type of visa, petition volume, and the specific embassy's wait time.
Who Can Consular Process?
Foreign nationals who are currently outside the United States or will be traveling abroad to adjust their status can use Consular Processing to obtain a green card.
Broad Eligible Categories
Individuals living abroad: anyone residing outside the United States who has an approved immigrant petition filed on their behalf by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or employer.
Specific Path Eligibility
To utilize consular processing, you must fit into one of the following underlying immigrant visa paths:
Family-sponsored applicants
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses and married children under 21 and parents) and family Preference categories such as adult children or siblings
Employment-based applicants
like foreign professionals, skilled or unskilled workers, and investors who are sponsored by a U.S. employer or qualify for self-petitioning, like extraordinary ability visas
Diversity visa winners
Individuals selected in the annual diversity immigrant visa green card program lottery who reside abroad
Special immigrants
specific subcategories including religious workers, foreign medical graduates, or international broadcasters
Specific Path Eligibility
To utilize consular processing, you must fit into one of the following underlying immigrant visa paths:
Family-sponsored applicants
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses and married children under 21 and parents) and family Preference categories such as adult children or siblings
01.
Marriage-sponsored applicants
Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents use Consular Processing.
02.
Employment-based applicants
Like foreign professionals, skilled or unskilled workers, and investors who are sponsored by a U.S. employer or qualify for self-petitioning, like extraordinary ability visas
03.
Diversity visa winners
Individuals selected in the annual diversity immigrant visa green card program lottery who reside abroad
04.
Special immigrants
Specific subcategories including religious workers, foreign medical graduates, or international broadcasters
05.
Contact Immigration Law PLLC
If you or a loved one needs help with consular processing, contact Immigration Law PLLC today. Our team is ready to review your situation and guide you through the process.
Call (734) 369-2378 or use the contact form to get started.