United States · Permanent Residency

Consular processing

The procedure for obtaining a US permanent resident visa through a US Embassy or Consulate abroad after an immigrant petition has been approved by USCIS.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Beneficiaries of approved family or employment immigrant petitions residing outside the United States.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, I-360, I-526E)
  • Priority date is current on the Visa Bulletin
  • Admissible to the US
Process

How the process works

  1. USCIS transfers approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC)
  2. Pay NVC immigrant visa application and affidavit of support fees
  3. Complete DS-260 online immigrant visa application
  4. Upload civil documents (birth, marriage, police certificates) to CEAC portal
  5. Undergo medical examination with authorized panel physician
  6. Attend in-person immigrant visa interview at US Embassy/Consulate
  7. Receive immigrant visa stamp, travel to US, and receive Green Card
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • DS-260 confirmation, police certificates from all countries lived in since age 16, sealed medical report, civil certificates, passport
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Upon admission at a US port of entry with an immigrant visa, you become a Lawful Permanent Resident immediately.

Official source: U.S. Department of State — Consular Processing. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Is Consular processing the right route for you?

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