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, Fees, and Interview

How Long Is the Wait for Your Priority Date to Become Current?
How would-be immigrants in the preference categories" can track their progress toward visa availability using the Visa Bulletin."
Filling Out Form G-325A
How to fill out the biographical information form required with many immigration applications.
Getting the Latest Immigration Forms and Fee Amounts
How to access the forms you need (for free!) and make sure you're paying the latest application fees.
FAQs About Paying Immigration Filing Fees
No, you can't get a refund -- and other answers to popular questions about immigration filing fees.
How to Obtain Vital Records and Other Documents for Immigration Applications
You may be required to submit copies of a birth, marriage, death, divorce, or other certificate along with your immigration petition or application.
Translating Non-English Documents for Immigration Applications
If you'll be submitting certificates in a foreign language with your immigration application, learn the rules for translations.
Obtaining Substitute Documents or Affidavits for Immigration Applications
What to do when the certificate or document you need for your application cannot be found.
What the Medical Exam for a U.S. Green Card Involves
Tests, vaccinations, and other ways that the required medical exam checks into whether applicants are inadmissible to the U.S. on health grounds.
Crucial Last Steps Before Sending in an Immigration Application
Despite your eagerness to submit an immigration petition or application, take these cautionary steps first.
The Day of Your Consular Interview
Travel, security, and other issues concerning your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
How Much It Costs to Get a Green Card by Consular Processing
A rundown of the various fees and expenses.
Must I give consulate a police certificate from a country where I lived for less than six months?
If you were arrested, you must provide a police certificate regardless of how long you lived in that country.
What should I do if my visa packet envelope gets ripped, torn, or is otherwise opened or damaged?
What to do if you can't comply with the requirement to present an unopened visa envelope.

Financial Sponsorship by the U.S. Petitioner

How Much Income an Immigrant's Sponsor Needs to Show According to the Poverty Guidelines
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 Sponsors Should Know Before Signing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
What obligations you undertake by agreeing to be an immigrant's financial sponsor.
When an Immigrant's Sponsor May Have to Show Higher Income Than the Poverty Guidelines Require
Preparing for the possibility that the U.S. government will need extra reassurance that the immigrant will not require government assistance.
Filling Out Form I-864 for Immigrating Family Member
How a family petitioner should prove financial sponsorship capacity using USCIS Form I-864.
Strategies When an Immigrant's Sponsor's Income Is Too Low
Finding joint sponsors and other ways for U.S. petitioners of immigrants to compensate for a relatively low income.
Who Is Exempt From Submitting Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
Situations where green card applicants can avoid having the U.S. petitioner submit a promise of financial support.
Filling Out Form I-864A (By the Immigrant Sponsor's Household Member)
Instructions for household members promising to add their income to the main petitioners for purpose of sponsoring an incoming immigrant.