CONSULAR PROCESSING

Consular Processing refers to the procedure in which foreign nationals apply for immigrant visas (permanent resident status) at a United States embassy or consulate outside the U.S.

The USCIS forwards the approved immigrant petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). When an immigrant visa number becomes available, the NVC will send a packet to the applicant, which forms must be filled out and returned to the NVC with the required fees.

Once payment has been received, the NVC will send form DS-230 Part I to the applicant for completion. Once that form has been returned to the NVC, the NVC will send form DS-230 Part II along with a list of documents that should be brought to the consular appointment. The applicant must attend the appointment at the designated U.S. consulate abroad.