Consular Processing

Consular processing is the alternative to Adjustment of Status (I-485) for applicants who are outside the United States or choose to complete their green card process at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. After USCIS approves the underlying petition (e.g., I-130), the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document collection, then scheduled for an interview at the applicant's home-country consulate. On approval, the applicant receives an immigrant visa stamp and enters the U.S. as a permanent resident. The green card itself arrives by mail shortly after U.S. entry.