Consular Processing

There are differences between petitioning for someone outside of the United States and for someone inside the United States. A petition for someone outside the United States is called Consular Processing and a petition for someone inside the United States is called Adjustment of Status. Individuals who are already in the United States but are ineligible for adjustment of status may return to their home country and complete the visa processing. In these cases, once the initial I-130 petition is approved by USCIS within the US it is transferred to the National Visa Center (“NVC”). The petition will remain with NVC until an immigrant visa becomes available. Once the NVC notifies the beneficiary of the visa that a visa is available, they must pay the visa fee bills, and submit their documents for processing. The beneficiary will then go to an interview at the consular office outside of the United States. If found admissible, the beneficiary will be admitted to the United States as an LPR.

To see which process you are eligible for, and each of their requirements contact our office to schedule a free consultation.