Consular processing is a way for foreign nationals to obtain certain US visas or lawful permanent resident (green card) status outside the United States. It is usually used when a person lives abroad and wants to immigrate to the United States or obtain a nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist or work visa.
This is how the consular service usually works:
- Visa petition. The first step in consular processing is usually for a US citizen or permanent resident’s family member, employer, or prospective employer to file a petition on behalf of the alien with USCIS. This petition establishes grounds for a person’s right to immigrate or obtain a certain type of visa.
- USCIS Approval: When the petition is approved by USCIS, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which acts as an intermediary between USCIS and the US embassy or consulate in the alien’s country of residence.
- Visa Application: The alien must apply for the appropriate visa at the US embassy or consulate in his home country. They will have to fill out the necessary application forms, provide supporting documents, attend an interview and undergo a medical examination.
- Visa Issuance: If a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate approves the visa application, the alien will receive a visa with a passport stamp that will allow him to travel to the United States.
Entry into the United States: Upon arrival in the United States, the alien will be screened by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry. If all is well, they will be admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident or with appropriate nonimmigrant status.
How do I apply for a Family Immigrant Visa?
Applying for a family-based immigrant visa in the United States usually involves a multi-step process. This process allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent residence (green card) in the United States. Below are the general steps to apply for a Family Immigrant Visa:
Determine eligibility:
- You must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR/green card holder) to sponsor a family member.
- The family member you wish to sponsor must fall into one of the eligible categories, such as immediate relatives or family preference categories.
Submit a petition:
- As a sponsoring family member, you will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This form establishes your relationship with the prospective immigrant.
- You will need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of your US citizenship or LPR status, and proof of a relevant family relationship.
- USCIS processing:
- USCIS will review the petition and supporting documents. If they approve the petition, they will forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. Beneficiaries will need to file Form DS-260, Electronic Application for Immigrant Visa.
- Wait for the visa number (for family categories only)
- If the family member you are sponsoring is in the family preference category (as opposed to immediate relatives of US citizens), they may have to wait until an available visa number becomes current according to the visa bulletin published by the US Department of State. Immediate relatives of US citizens do not face visa restrictions and can proceed to the next steps immediately.
- Affidavit of support
- As the sponsor, you will need to submit an Affidavit of Support (usually Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ) to demonstrate that you can financially support the intending immigrant at 125% or more of the federal guidelines for poverty See the checklist of required documents on Form I-864.
- Visa application:
- A prospective immigrant will need to apply for an immigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home country. They will fill out the necessary visa forms, pay the necessary fees and undergo a visa interview.
- Medical examination and background check:
- The prospective immigrant will undergo a medical examination and background check as part of the visa application process.
- Visa interview:
- The US embassy or consulate will schedule a visa interview for the prospective immigrant. During the interview, they will determine whether the immigrant meets the requirements for a family-based immigrant visa
Visa issuance:
If the visa is approved, it will be placed in the immigrant’s passport and he can travel to the United States.
Entry to the USA:
Upon arrival in the United States, the immigrant will be screened by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry and admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
Read more
daxktilogibigibi.iBr5JVZRNfTb