Consular processing is the path to a green card for individuals who are outside the United States, or who are inside the U.S. but not eligible to adjust status. After a petition is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center for document collection and fee payment, and finally to a U.S. embassy or consulate for the immigrant visa interview.
The process involves its own set of forms, civil documents, and medical exam requirements that differ from adjustment of status, and a denial or administrative processing delay at the interview stage can be difficult to resolve from abroad. We prepare clients thoroughly before they ever walk into the embassy.
Who This Helps
- Beneficiaries of an approved family or employment petition who are living outside the United States
- Individuals in the U.S. who are not eligible to adjust status and must instead process through a consulate abroad
- Spouses and family members proceeding to an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country
- Applicants who need a provisional (I-601A) waiver approved before departing for their interview
- Cases stuck in administrative processing (221(g)) after a consular interview
- Diversity visa lottery selectees processing their case through the NVC and consulate
How We Handle These Cases
NVC Document Collection
We prepare and submit the DS-260 immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support, and required civil documents to the National Visa Center.
Fee Payment & Case Completion
We track fee payments and NVC processing to move your case to 'documentarily complete' status as efficiently as possible.
Medical Exam & Interview Prep
We coordinate the required medical exam with an approved panel physician and prepare you thoroughly for the consular interview.
Post-Interview Follow-Up
If your case is placed in administrative processing under § 221(g), we follow up with the consulate and help resolve outstanding issues so your visa can be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does consular processing take after petition approval?
It varies significantly by category and consulate, but many cases take roughly 8 to 15 months from petition approval through visa issuance, factoring in NVC processing and interview scheduling at the specific post. Some consulates and categories move considerably faster or slower.
What is administrative processing under § 221(g) and how long does it last?
Section 221(g) allows a consular officer to temporarily refuse a visa pending further review, often for additional documents, a security check, or other verification. It can resolve within weeks or drag on for many months, and there's often little visibility into the cause, which is why prompt, correct follow-up matters.
Do I need a waiver before my consular interview?
If you have a ground of inadmissibility, such as unlawful presence, a prior removal, or fraud, you'll generally need an approved waiver before the visa can be issued, and in unlawful presence cases, it's often best to get the I-601A provisional waiver approved before you depart the U.S.
What happens if my visa is denied at the interview?
It depends on the reason for denial. Some refusals can be overcome with additional evidence submitted to the consulate, others require a waiver application, and some require the underlying petition to be reconsidered by USCIS. We assess the specific refusal to determine the right next step.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case depends on its specific facts. Contact Murph & Tchamda LLP to discuss your situation with a licensed attorney before taking any action.