Consular Processing

If you have petitioned for your parent, spouse, child or sibling and that person is not physically present in the United States, you will have to continue the case through what is known as “consular processing” of the immigrant visa. Under this system, your relative will appear for his or her interview before a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate, usually in his or her country of citizenship or residence.

In the past, consular processing was one of the most daunting areas of immigration law because cases were handled at the local level by the individual embassy or consulate. Each post had its own local procedures and requirements and in some countries processing could take years to complete.

The U.S. government has streamlined the process. Under current procedures, most of the processing is handled by the National Visa Center (“NVC”) of the U.S. Department of State. Only after the NVC has completed processing of the application will an interview be scheduled at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If handled correctly, NVC processing can be a smooth process that takes months off the waiting time to bring your relative to join you in the United States. However, mistakes or omissions can turn the process into a protracted, stressful process that goes on for many months or even years.

By retaining an experienced law firm such as our law firm to represent you and your relative in the consular processing of the immigrant visa (green card), you will be spared the stress, time and worry typically caused by government bureaucracy and your family will be reunited in a timely manner. We encourage you to contact us for a consulation.