U.S. immigration consular processing is the procedure by which an individual who is outside the United States applies for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence, with the goal of entering the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). It is the alternative to adjustment of status, which applies to individuals already present in the U.S. Consular processing involves completing paperwork, submitting required documents, attending an interview, and receiving an immigrant visa before traveling to the U.S. for admission as a permanent resident.
The process starts after an approved immigrant petition (such as family-based Form I-130 or employment-based Form I-140) with USCIS and involves several key steps:
- Case transfer to the National Visa Center (NVC) which collects fees, documents, and processes the immigrant visa application.
- Scheduling the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
- Undergoing a medical examination with an authorized physician.
- Attending an in-person interview where a consular officer reviews evidence, asks questions for eligibility and admissibility.
- If approved, receiving an immigrant visa and a sealed packet to present at U.S. port of entry.
- Upon arrival in the U.S., presenting the visa packet to Customs and Border Protection to be admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
- After admission, the physical green card is mailed to the U.S. address provided.
Consular processing is generally required for applicants living outside the U.S., and the process ensures thorough review of eligibility and admissibility before entering the country.