Consular Processing Procedures
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
Forms, Documents, Fees, and Interview
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How Long Is the Wait for an Immigrant's Priority Date to Become Current?
How would-be immigrants in the "preference categories" can track their progress toward visa availability using the Visa Bulletin.
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The Day of Your Consular Interview for a U.S. Visa
If you are applying for a U.S. visa (immigrant or nonimmigrant) or green card from overseas, you will be expected to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate.
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How Much It Costs to Get a Green Card by Consular Processing
If you are thinking of applying for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residence), you are probably wondering how much it will cost.
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What Should I Do If My Visa Packet Envelope Gets Damaged?
What to do if you can't comply with the requirement to present an unopened visa envelope.
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What Happens Between I-130 Approval and Consular Interview
Gathering documents, paying fees, and other steps in preparation for your family-immigrant or diversity-visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
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Immigrants Coming From Overseas: How to Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee
Procedures and tips for immigrants entering the U.S. via consular processing and needing to pay the immigrant fee in order to cover production of their green card.
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What Do I Say on Form DS-260 If I Haven't Found My Vaccination Records?
Dealing with the visa-application question about whether you have documentation proving that you've received the required vaccinations.
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How to Fill in Online Form DS-260 for Consular Visa Processing
Are you in the process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad? If so, one of the important steps is to must submit an electronic form called the DS-260. Here's how.
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Forms and Documents Needed for a Family Immigrant Visa at a U.S. Consulate
After a U.S. petitioner obtains USCIS approval of the initial visa petition, immigrating family members must step in and prepare and submit various forms and documents, as described here.
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Notifying National Visa Center (NVC) About a Change of Address Before Visa Interview
Given the many months or years it can take for your immigrant visa interview to be scheduled at a U.S. consulate, it's important that you advise the NVC of any changes of address, phone number, or email.
Financial Sponsorship by the U.S. Petitioner
Financial Sponsorship by the U.S. Petitioner
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How Much Income an Immigrant's Sponsor Needs to Show According to the Poverty Guidelines
Find out how much income and assets the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor will need to show for the foreign spouse's application to be approved.
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What Immigrant Sponsors Should Know Before Signing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
Learn what a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioning an immigrant should know about the risks, liabilities, and financial obligations they are taking on.
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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.
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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.
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