Consular Processing

Consular processing is the application procedure by which a person can apply for an immigrant visa to enter the United States and become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). The process is usually initiated by a petitioner within the United States, such as a family member or employer, who obtains an approved visa petition on the intending immigrant’s behalf from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Once the petition has been approved, the immigrant starts communicating directly with the U.S. State department. After submitting certain required forms and documents, the immigrant will be called in for a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy that serves the area where he or she lives. At or soon after the interview, the immigrant should receive a visa allowing entry to the United States. The immigrant will receive an actual green card some weeks after arrival.