Consular Processing

This is the process by which the beneficiary of an immigration petition applies for an immigrant visa through the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate overseas. This process will commence only after the underlying immigration petition is approved by the USCIS and a visa number becomes available. The following aliens may need consular processing: individuals who are outside the U.S., or those who are in the U.S., but prefer processing at a U.S. consulate for strategic or convenience reasons.