Understanding Consular Processing

If you are a citizen of a foreign country and you reside outside of the U.S. and  you wish to obtain permanent residential status within the United States, then you are a candidate for consular processing. The information on this page will review the basic steps you will need to take in order to complete consular processing of an immigrant visa. If you still have questions after reviewing this page, the next step is to speak with an immigration lawyer who can assist you in this process. 

To get started, you must find the nearest Consulate or U.S. Embassy and apply for your visa. Items you will need to apply for consular processing are:

  • Original Form I-797, Notice of Approval, for immigrant visa petition;
  • Copy of immigrant petition;
  • Employment Information for the past 10 years;
  • Address/es since the age of 16;
  • Police certificates from every country where you have resided for one year since the age of 16; and/or
  • Medical exam documentation.

    • Consular processing begins when your immigrant visa petition is approved, and an immigrant visa number is made available to you. When the initial visa petition is approved, the USCIS will then send the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).

    After the NVC receives the petition, a case record and number will be assigned to you. The NVC will retain the case until it is ready for adjudication by a consular officer abroad. When your case is about to be reviewed, the petition is then forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or consulate overseas.

    When your review date is near, the NVC will take the following actions:

    • You will receive a processing fee bill of $70.00 for the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
    • You will also receive Form DS-3032 (Agent of Choice and Address Form).

    Once the $70.00 processing fee is paid, you will receive the I-864 Form and the Instructions. Your completed form must be taken with you to the visa interview.

    Upon receipt of Form DS-3032, the NVC will mail an immigrant visa fee bill of $335.00. When you pay the fee, the NVC will then send you the Instructions Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants. 

    After all materials are returned to the NVC or consulate, an interview with the consulate will be scheduled within 60 to 90 days. You consulate will then send you an Appointment Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants.

    Medical Examination

    As a part of consular processing, you and your family must submit to a medical examination. The medical exam can only be done at a facility authorized by the particular U.S. Embassy/Consulate you are going to for consular processing. The following items must be presented to at the examining facility on the day of your visit:

    • Your passport;
    • 3 passport photos;
    • The Consulate's appointment letter; and
    • All old medical/vaccination records.

    During this exam, a blood test will be done to check for HIV if you are over the age of 15. The results of your medical examination will be reported to your particular consular officer handling your case.

    The Interview

    On the day of the interview, make sure that you bring all of the specified documents listed in the Instructions Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants and the Appointment Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants. Dress neatly and professionally for your interview and review all your paperwork before the interview begins. If there are problems that need correction, you will be asked to provide additional materials. You can ask the interviewing officer to put the request in writing and state exactly why the information is needed.

    After you successfully completed the consular processing, your immigrant visa is valid for six months months from the date of issuance. The visa cannot be transferred from one person to another, or used by another other person other than the one to whom it was issued.

    Speak to an Immigration Lawyer for More about Consular Processing!

    If you need help in completing consular processing, an immigration lawyer can help you gather the required documentation, understand the fees involved and successfully complete your applications and file at the proper deadlines.

    To speak with an immigration lawyer, simply call us at (877) 444-1074 or fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.