Consular Processing Procedures
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For any would-be immigrant coming to the U.S. from another country, the normal way to apply for and obtain U.S. lawful permanent residence (a "green card") is through a procedure called consular processing. Its key feature is that, after some communication with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the U.S. (USCIS), the immigrant will deal primarily with, and attend a visa interview at, a U.S. embassy or consulate, likely in his or her home country. Learn more about what's involved, here.
Forms, Documents, and Interview
How would-be immigrants in the preference categories" can track their progress toward visa availability using the Visa Bulletin."
How to fill out the biographical information form required with many immigration applications.
How to access the forms you need (for free!) and make sure you're paying the latest application fees.
No, you can't get a refund -- and other answers to popular questions about immigration filing fees.
You may be required to submit copies of a birth, marriage, death, divorce, or other certificate along with your immigration petition or application.
If you'll be submitting certificates in a foreign language with your immigration application, learn the rules for translations.
What to do when the certificate or document you need for your application cannot be found.
Tests, vaccinations, and other ways that the required medical exam checks into whether applicants are inadmissible to the U.S. on health grounds.
Despite your eagerness to submit an immigration petition or application, take these cautionary steps first.
Travel, security, and other issues concerning your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
Financial Sponsorship by the U.S. Petitioner
The family sponsor of an immigrant needs to be able to support that person at a minimum level as required by the U.S. government.
What obligations you undertake by agreeing to be an immigrant's financial sponsor.
Preparing for the possibility that the U.S. government will need extra reassurance that the immigrant will not require government assistance.
How a family petitioner should prove financial sponsorship capacity using USCIS Form I-864.
Finding joint sponsors and other ways for U.S. petitioners of immigrants to compensate for a relatively low income.
Situations where green card applicants can avoid having the U.S. petitioner submit a promise of financial support.
Instructions for household members promising to add their income to the main petitioners for purpose of sponsoring an incoming immigrant.
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