Consular processing is the method of obtaining an immigrant visa (green card) from outside the United States at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
31 steps across 4 sections
1. Eligibility
- The beneficiary has an approved immigrant petition (Form I-130, I-140, or other qualifying petition).
- An immigrant visa number is available (immediately for immediate relatives; per Visa Bulletin for preference categories).
- The beneficiary is outside the United States or chooses consular processing over Adjustment of Status.
- The beneficiary is admissible to the United States or qualifies for a waiver.
- A qualifying sponsor meets the financial requirements for the Affidavit of Support.
2. Steps Process
- USCIS approves the immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, etc.).
- Case transfers to NVC: USCIS sends the approved petition to the National Visa Center, which assigns a case number and invoice ID.
- Pay fees: Immigrant visa application processing fee ($325) and Affidavit of Support fee ($120) paid through the NVC online portal (CEAC).
- Complete Form DS-260: The Online Immigrant Visa Application, submitted electronically through CEAC.
- Submit civil documents: Upload required documents to NVC, including Affidavit of Support (I-864), police clearances, birth/marriage certificates, and financial documents.
- NVC review: NVC reviews all documents and determines if the case is "documentarily qualified" (DQ).
- Case forwarded to embassy/consulate: Once DQ and visa number is available, NVC schedules the interview.
- Medical examination: Complete exam with a designated panel physician in the country of interview before the appointment (results are usually valid for 6 months).
- Attend visa interview: At the U.S. embassy or consulate. Bring all original documents, sealed medical results, and passport.
- Visa issuance: If approved, the consular officer issues an immigrant visa (sealed packet).
3. Documents Needed
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond planned entry)
- DS-260 confirmation page
- Approved petition notice (I-797)
- Birth certificate (with certified English translation)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce/death certificates for prior marriages
- Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence (12+ months after age 16)
- Court and prison records (if applicable)
- Military records (if applicable)
- Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with financial documents (tax returns, W-2s, bank statements)
4. Timeline
- NVC processing 2-6 months after petition approval for case number assignment and document review.
- Document review to DQ status 1-3 months after all documents submitted.
- Interview scheduling 1-6 months after DQ (varies greatly by embassy).
- Visa issuance after interview Same day to 2 weeks (if approved without additional administrative processing).
- Administrative processing If triggered, can add weeks to months.
- Total from petition approval to entry 6-18 months (immediate relatives); longer for preference categories due to visa backlog.
Common Mistakes
- Not responding promptly to NVC requests
- Incomplete or incorrect DS-260
- Missing documents
- Expired medical exam
- Not bringing original documents to the interview
Pro Tips
- Submit all NVC documents as soon as possible
- Use the CEAC portal
- Schedule the medical exam
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview
- Bring extra copies of all documents