Consular processing is the method through which eligible individuals apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Once the visa is approved, the applicant can enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). 

Learn More About Consular Processing on the Official U.S. Government Website

• Family-Based Immigrants – Relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents applying from outside the U.S. 
• Employment-Based Immigrants – Workers sponsored by U.S. employers for green cards. 
• Diversity Visa Applicants – Winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery. 
• Humanitarian Cases – Refugees, asylees, or individuals with special eligibility categories. 

Check Your Eligibility for Consular Processing

• Global Accessibility – Apply from any country through your local U.S. consulate. 
• Comprehensive Review – Ensures all documentation and eligibility requirements are met before entering the U.S. 
• Definitive Decision – Typically results in a final determination at the interview, avoiding delays. 

Learn More About Immigrant Visa Processing

1. Petition Approval

• Family-Based: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. 
• Employment-Based: File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS. 

2. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

• Once USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the NVC for processing. 
• NVC collects fees and supporting documents before scheduling the consular interview. 

3. Submit Form DS-260

• Complete the Immigrant Visa Application online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). 
• Family-based applicants must also submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. 

4. Attend Medical Examination

• Schedule a medical exam with an approved panel physician in your country before the interview. 

5. Consular Interview

• Attend your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. 
• Bring required documents, including the DS-260 confirmation page, medical exam results, and financial support evidence. 

6. Receive Your Immigrant Visa

• If approved, the U.S. consulate will issue your immigrant visa in your passport. 

7. Enter the U.S. as a Permanent Resident

• Upon arrival, present your visa packet to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a U.S. port of entry. 
• You will receive your green card in the mail after entering the U.S. 

Start Your Consular Processing Application

• Form DS-260 Fee: $325 (non-refundable) 
• Affidavit of Support Fee (Form I-864): $120 
• Medical Examination Fee: Varies by country and physician 

View the Official U.S. Government Fee Schedule

Processing times for consular processing depend on: 

• Category: Family-based, employment-based, or diversity visa. 
• Country of Residence: U.S. embassy or consulate workload. 
• Priority Date: For preference categories, visa availability depends on the Visa Bulletin. 

Check the Visa Bulletin for Your Case