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Applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa through consular processing can be daunting, yet many online resources provide helpful guidance. We provide clients with guidance citizenship and immigration services that manage expectations, eliminate delays, and expedite applications quickly. This guide will discuss consular processing and its connection with an immigrant visa.
Petitioner Files Petition
Once USCIS approves a petition, it transfers it to the United State’s National Visa Center for processing. This helps relieve pressure off individual U.S. embassies and consulates by sending only complete cases for processing.
Once the NVC receives a visa petition for your family, a case is created in its system. It sends an electronic or mail Welcome Letter with all pertinent information, such as the case number, beneficiary ID number, and invoice number.
These numbers allow beneficiaries to log in to CEAC (Centralized Eligibility Application Center), an online tool for monitoring and managing application statuses. Beneficiaries must submit several forms and documents, including medical exams conducted by an approved doctor (immigrant visa processing fees may vary) and police certificates from every country where they’ve lived since age 16.
The NVC will ask beneficiaries to designate a representative; once all necessary forms and documents have been received, an interview will occur at either the consulate or the Embassy.
NVC Schedules Consulate Interview Appointment
After USCIS verifies that all necessary forms and documents have been submitted, it will respond that the application is “documentarily complete.” At this point, NVC will schedule the interview.
The National Visa Center will send you an appointment letter with instructions on preparing for your interview with them. Depending on your circumstances, an expedited interview could be requested from an American consulate or Embassy nearby. Though this doesn’t guarantee a visa, it does put your case in fast-track processing and speed things along.
Beneficiary Undergoes Required Medical Examination
Once they receive an interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC), beneficiaries must undergo a medical examination at one of the hospitals listed on Form I-693 and record its results with a civil surgeon. Adjustment applicants who already had a physical in their country of residency may not require another exam in America.
Consular officers then conduct eligibility interviews, comparing an applicant’s background with USCIS requirements, reviewing petitioner documents, and asking personal questions to assess whether their marriage is genuine and in good faith.
Officers will also perform a comprehensive background check that could jeopardize an immigrant’s admission. If any issues arise, they will send it for administrative processing or seek an SAO (Security Advisory Opinion) before informing the petitioner in writing of their decision.
Consular Officer Conducts Eligibility Interview
Consular officers meet with individuals under oath (swearing to tell the truth) and review forms and documents submitted for their visa applications. Interviews usually last just minutes for basic visitor visa applications, but more extended interviews with your family may be required if visa waiting lists have grown long.
At an interview, it’s essential that you speak clearly and make eye contact with the officer. Failing to do so could create a poor first impression of your character and honesty. Furthermore, being truthful with them will only result in their rejection of your application and future entry to the United States.
After your interview, a consular officer will approve or deny your application for entry to the United States. If approved, an immigration visa will be stamped into your passport so you and your family can travel together and begin adapting to life here.
FAQ
Here are some questions that our readers have asked us.
USCIS processing occurs within the U.S., handling immigration applications like adjustment of status. Consular processing is for those outside the U.S. applying for visas through U.S. embassies or consulates abroad. Both lead to becoming a lawful permanent resident but cater to applicants’ different geographic locations.
Consular processing times vary widely depending on visa category, country of application, and current workload. Generally, it can take several months to over a year to complete consular processing, including scheduling an interview, undergoing background checks, and obtaining a visa.
Individuals outside the United States who are eligible for an immigrant visa (such as family-sponsored, employment-based, or diversity visa applicants) can apply for consular processing. This method is commonly used by those seeking permanent residency through family or employment sponsorship but is not physically present in the U.S.