Consular Processing
Permanent Residence in the United States (Green Card) Status is obtained either through an Immigrant Visa obtained by a U.S. consular post / U.S. Embassy abroad or through approval of an adjustment of status application by USCIS inside the United States. Consular Processing is the process of obtaining permanent resident status by applying for and obtaining an immigrant visa while physically outside the United States and interviewing at a U.S. Embassy abroad.
There are several stages and various requirements at each stage. In order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, you must have an approved petition and a visa must be immediately available. Some people are eligible based on a petition that a family member or employer files on behalf of the applicant. Other people are eligible based on other categories. There are various requirements for USCIS to approve an immigrant petition and Immigration Attorney Susan Han can help with this process.