Consular Processing Lawyer
- 15+ Years Experience
- Bilingual Services (Spanish/English)
- Free Consultation
- Family-Centered Approach
Consular processing is a challenging aspect of the U.S. immigration process to manage, and it can be intimidating to navigate on your own. At Alonso & Alonso, we know the obstacles that many immigrants face when dealing with embassies and complex forms.
Our immigration lawyers have over 15 years of experience seeing clients through consular processing, and there’s not much we haven’t seen. We are proud to provide service in both English and Spanish, so you can feel at ease as we navigate the process together. There will certainly be hardships along the way, but our team will be there to help you handle them at every turn.
If you or your loved one is seeking an immigration solution through consular processing, reach out for a free evaluation with a consular processing lawyer and start the process.
What is Consular Processing and How Does Consular Processing Work?
Consular processing is a pathway that allows individuals outside the United States to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. It’s most commonly used by those seeking a green card through family-based sponsorship, employment-based categories, the Diversity Visa Lottery, or humanitarian relief.
The consular process typically involves several stages, the first being the approval of the initial visa petition by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The case is then reviewed by the National Visa Center (NVC), which collects additional documents and application forms.
You’ll also need to schedule a medical examination with an approved doctor after your petition approval and your interview is scheduled, but before attending your in-person interview at the consular office. Next, you’ll pay fees to the government and be scheduled for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. During the visa interview, a consular officer will review your eligibility and supporting documents, ask you about your application, and review your background for security purposes.
If you meet all the requirements, the officer grants you an immigrant visa, which allows you to travel to the United States and officially receive your Green Card upon admission at a port of entry.
While it may sound straightforward, there are actually many things that can go wrong, and with something as serious as this, you want to ensure you have professional help by your side.
***while strategic advice can be offered, Alonso & Alonso does not handle consular processing for diversity visas, employment-based sponsorship, or humanitarian relief***
Benefits of Consular Processing
Opting for consular processing presents several benefits for many individuals who wish to enter the United States as permanent residents.
Saves Time Compared to Adjustment of Status
Speed is one of the most common reasons people choose consular processing. For the majority of cases, it is substantially faster than the Adjustment of Status within the United States. The average duration is between 5 and 13 months from start to finish.
Lower Filing Fees
Costs are typically lower for consular processing. An Adjustment of Status petition currently costs $1,140 for adult applicants. This is significantly more than consular filing fees in most situations, which are often under $350 depending on the type of application. This can be a substantial savings for families.
***While Government fees may be lower for consular processing, the overall cost may not always be cheaper depending on costs for the medical exam, official document translations, and other requirements. Please be aware of this.***
Ideal for Applicants Abroad
Consular processing makes the most sense for those already overseas. There’s no need to come to the U.S. on another visa and then change status. This approach can be more straightforward and saves unnecessary travel expenses.
May Be the Only Option to Get a Green Card
For some applicants, consular processing isn’t just preferred, it’s required. This is most often the case when a foreign national enters the United States without inspection or overstays their visa. In these cases, they’re likely not eligible for Adjustment of Status within the United States. They will have to return to their home country to attempt to obtain lawful status through consular processing.
If you’re in a situation where you’re trying to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States, the best thing you can do is speak with an immigration lawyer about the process of gaining lawful permanent resident status.
Consular Processing Eligibility Requirements
To begin consular processing, you must be outside the United States and determine if you qualify for a green card (lawful permanent residence). Most people become eligible in one of the following ways:
Immigrant Petition Due to Family Member’s Lawful Status
Many people are eligible for a Green Card because of the legal status of an eligible family member. Your U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative must usually file Form I-130, which is a petition proving your qualifying relationship.
Employment-Based Immigrant Petition
To initiate consular processing for a Green Card obtained through employment in the U.S., your employer typically files Form I-140 on your behalf. Investors hoping to start or fund a business may file Form I-526 independently.
***while strategic advice can be offered, Alonso & Alonso does not handle this type of case**
Special Categories
Some applicants, such as widows or widowers, certain juveniles, or religious workers, may qualify by having Form I-360 filed on their behalf or by someone else, based on special legal provisions.
***while strategic advice can be offered, Alonso & Alonso does not handle this type of case**
Humanitarian Programs
Certain humanitarian routes to a Green Card, like asylum or refugee status, may not require an immigrant petition, but have other specific eligibility requirements before you can begin consular processing.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, an immigration attorney can review your specific situation and help you understand all your options.
***while strategic advice can be offered, Alonso & Alonso does not handle this type of case**
The Consular Processing Application Process
The consular application process can be a little bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t fully understand it. Below is an overview of the steps you’ll need to take.
Wait for a Decision on Your Petition
After your family member, or you submit the petition to USCIS, they will review your case and send a written notice of their decision. If your petition is not approved, the letter will explain the denial and outline if and how you can challenge the decision. If you have an approved immigrant petition, it is then forwarded to the Department of State’s National Visa Center.
Wait for Notification from the NVC
The NVC is in charge once your petition arrives from USCIS. Expect the NVC to reach out for visa application fees and specific documents such as birth certificates, a valid passport, marriage certificates and licenses, and police background clearances. Once all necessary fees are paid and the required documents received, the NVC schedules you for the next phase when an immigrant visa number is nearly available.
Go to Your Appointment
When your visa category or priority date becomes current, you’ll receive the date and time for your interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. During this appointment, a consular officer checks your documentation, asks about your background and intentions, and determines if you meet every requirement for an immigrant visa.
After Your Visa Is Granted
If approved at your interview, you will receive a sealed visa packet; do not open this envelope. You must then pay a separate USCIS Immigrant Fee for processing your Green Card before traveling to the United States. When entering the U.S., you’ll give the sealed packet to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer so you can be admitted with lawful permanent resident status.
Receive Your Green Card
Your Green Card will be delivered to your U.S. address within about 90 days of your arrival and payment of all your fees. If there are any delays beyond this period, contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Contact Center or follow up online.
The immigration system is complex and varies depending on why you are eligible for a Green Card. Make sure you speak with an immigration lawyer for help.
Choose Alonso & Alonso for Consular Processing
Choosing to work with an experienced immigration lawyer during consular processing can make a significant difference in both the speed and outcome of your case. Navigating visa availability updates, gathering civil documents, and preparing for an in-depth interview at a consulate overseas can quickly become overwhelming for individuals and families.
You’ll also need to obtain police clearance certificates within a specified timeframe. All of this work is hard to do on your own. Immigration lawyers ensure that everything is done properly, giving you the best chance of success.
Alonso & Alonso stands out as an outstanding choice for anyone seeking legal help for consular processing needs:
- Over 15 years of guiding individuals and families safely through visa availability and consular interviews
- Hundreds of successful cases for clients in the U.S. and at consulates overseas
- Native Spanish-speaking attorneys ensure communication is welcoming, sensitive, and accurate from start to finish
At every step, we fight for you and guide you through the immigration process to make sure nothing is missed.
Our Immigration Law Firm's Success Stories
They are so kind and understanding at this law firm. Every employee is happy to help you. I truly appreciate them, as we’ve been to many different lawyers and nobody can compare to the way they treat their clients. I love how they are consistent with calls and texts letting you know in which phase of the process that your case is in. Highly recommend their services. They were able to get my dad a work permit even when we thought it’d be near impossible!!
It’s been a pleasure working with the firm Alonso & Alonso , they have been keeping me updated about my case and answer all the questions that I may have. The whole staff have been amazing and super helpful thank you so much for your patience and for going above and beyond for your clients.
WIN.!!WIN.! WIN.!!!!!!They won my removal and deportation case. I could have get deported. It was an impossible case. Attorney Chris Alonso and his team is amazing. I am really thankful to the whole team of Alonso & Alonso Law firm. Now I can work freely and hopefully will get my green card soon. Throughout the process they were professional, honest and helpful. The way they presented my case in the court was simply professional, humble and proud of the their skills.
Thanks Alonso & Alonso Attorneys at Law, you saved my life and future.!🙏🙏
I’m very happy with their service. Best customer service. They keep you updated very well through out the process.
I am very happy to be a part of the Alonso and Alonso family. Very professional and attentive. They always keep me inform of how my case is going. I also love it that they take there time to review my case and make sure everything is right on point . I understand that this takes time to me it doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as my lawyer get me what will change my life . Thank you family for taking my case when no other lawyers would . Keep doing a great job and making our dreams come true. May god bless you Mr Chris and Vanessa and there professional team.
This team has been one of the most consistent, attentive and more with my case. They always answer my calls quick and have the patience for all of my questions;They inform me about everything so well . I’m glad to be a part of Alonso & Alonso law.
Book a Free Case Evaluation with Experienced Immigration Lawyers
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Alonso & Alonso to schedule your free consular processing case evaluation today. We understand the stress and uncertainty that often come with this process, and our compassionate team is here to listen and offer clear guidance every step of the way. You can easily reach out to us by phone, fill out our online form, or use our chat feature. Our experienced immigration attorneys will review your case and answer any questions you have. Reach out when you’re ready.
Consular Processing FAQs
How much does consular processing cost?
Consular processing fees vary, but the main visa application fee for most immigrant visas is usually between $325 and $345. Additional costs may include the I-864 Affidavit of Support fee (approximately $120), expenses for gathering civil and medical documents, attending your medical appointment, and the USCIS Immigrant Fee ($235) after your visa is issued. Keep in mind that these costs do not include travel expenses or legal fees if you hire an attorney.
How to speed up consular processing?
The visa issuance process can seem long, but submitting all forms and required documents accurately and promptly will help you avoid delays. Follow the instructions provided by the National Visa Center and the consulate. Mistakes and missing paperwork are the biggest reasons for slowdowns.
Who prepares cases for consular processing?
Applicants may be able to prepare and file their own visa paperwork, but many opt to retain immigration lawyers who have experience in the field. Attorneys make sure your forms and supporting evidence are properly completed and prepared.
What is meant by consular processing?
Consular processing is the method of getting an immigrant visa when you are living abroad or plan to finish your green card requirements outside the U.S. The process involves having your petition approved by USCIS, followed by processing through the National Visa Center and your home country’s U.S. consulate or embassy for interviews and final decisions. Once approved, you can travel to the U.S. and will be admitted as a lawful permanent resident after inspection at the port of entry.
What documents do I need to bring to the consular interview?
You should bring your interview appointment letter, completed medical examination report, and two color passport photos. You’ll also need to have original and certified copies of all civil documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. You can go online and review the consulate’s checklist or ask your lawyer just to make sure you have everything you need. This is important because incomplete or missing paperwork can cause delays.
What is the difference between consular processing and adjustment of status?
In accordance with immigration laws, consular processing occurs outside the United States at a U.S. embassy or consulate, enabling you to apply for an immigrant visa prior to entering the country. Adjustment of status is conducted within the U.S. and allows eligible applicants to become permanent residents without leaving the country. The right option depends on your current location and immigration situation.
Do I have to have an immigration attorney for consular processing?
No, you are not required to have a lawyer for consular processing. Many people decide to handle it themselves and can do so successfully. However, having an experienced immigration attorney is always a good idea. They know exactly what they’re doing and can help you avoid mistakes that could slow down or derail your petition.
