Guiding You On The Journey To A Green Card Through Immigrant Visa Processing

Immigrant visa processing, or consular processing, involves individuals wishing to immigrate to the United States. Those who meet the requirements can apply with the U.S. consulate or embassy in their country to acquire a green card.

At Marigold Law Center, we understand that consular processing can be critical to your or your family member’s dream of permanent residency. Our knowledgeable attorneys can guide you through each step. With offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., we help people across the country with visa processing and other complex immigration issues.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Consular Processing?

The first step in immigrant visa processing involves an employer or family member filing a petition on the prospective immigrant’s behalf. Generally, consular processing is considered “part two” of the green card application process.

Here are some pros and cons when considering consular processing:

Advantages

1. Time: Consular processing can take five to 13 months, typically much less than waiting for a decision on an adjustment of status application.
2. Comfort and certainty: The entire process occurs within the migrant’s native country. Consular officers working for an extended period in the migrant’s home country conduct all in-person interviews, allowing them to communicate with applicants effectively.
3. Less expensive: Adjustment of status applications costs over $1,000. Consular processing application fees cost approximately $345, depending on the petition you apply for.

Disadvantages

1. No appeal rights: All decisions made by consular officers are final. This is unlike the adjustment of status application process, where applicants can seek a reevaluation of their application.
2. Country conditions: If political or social unrest exists in an applicant’s native country, there will likely be a significant delay in the processing of applications or the applicant may be required to appear for an interview in a distant location.

Once a petition is approved and a visa is available, the prospective immigrant files a visa application with the U.S. Department of State using Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. After this application is processed, the applicant will appear for a consular processing interview with a local United States consulate.

Schedule A Free Consultation With One Of Our Experienced Attorneys

For more information on applying for a visa, consular processing and determining your eligibility, call Marigold Law Center toll free at 323-714-0195 or email us to schedule a free consultation. From our offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., we help people nationwide.