Consular Processing
for Family Immigration
At Kameli Law, we guide families through Consular Processing — the procedure for obtaining an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Once the visa is issued and the applicant enters the United States, they become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Our team manages every stage — from petition approval to interview preparation — with a compliance-first strategy focused on accuracy, timing, and transparency.
Start Your Consular Process With Confidence
We’ll coordinate every step with the NVC and consulate to ensure your family’s visa is processed efficiently.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for consular processing if:
- You are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen: Spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a citizen age 21 or older. (No annual visa caps.)
- You are in a family preference category: Subject to annual limits and priority dates in the Visa Bulletin.
- You have an approved I-130 petition and your priority date is current (if applicable).
- You are admissible under U.S. immigration law (INA §212) or eligible for a waiver.
Required
Documents
For the Petitioner
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
- Most recent tax return and W-2/1099s
- Employment verification letter
- Proof of U.S. domicile
For the Beneficiary
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond interview date)
- Birth and marriage certificates (with translations if needed)
- Police certificates per country of residence
- Visa photos and DS-260 confirmation page
- Military records (if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Completed I-864 (and I-864A/I-864W if applicable)
- Evidence of income and assets
- Joint sponsor package (if required)
Medical Documents
Results from panel physician exam (valid 6 months)
Relationship Evidence (for spousal cases)
Photos, communication records, joint leases or accounts
Step-by-Step Process
Petition Approval (USCIS)
Your family member (petitioner) files Form I-130 with USCIS. Once approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC).
The NVC assigns a case number and invoice ID. You’ll designate an agent (Form DS-261) and pay the Immigrant Visa and Affidavit of Support fees.
Case Creation at NVC
Financial Sponsorship
Prepare Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and collect income evidence or identify a joint sponsor if needed to meet financial requirements.
Upload required civil documents (birth, marriage, divorce, police certificates), passport copies, and photos to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Civil & Supporting Documents
Immigrant Visa Application
Complete Form DS-260 online. Ensure all biographic and prior immigration information is correct.
NVC reviews your documents for “Documentarily Qualified” status. Any missing or incorrect items trigger a checklist — we help resolve these promptly.
Case Qualification
Interview Preparation
Schedule your medical exam with an approved panel physician, organize originals, and prepare for interview questions related to relationship and admissibility.
Attend the interview at the designated U.S. consulate. The officer reviews your eligibility and may issue additional evidence requests under INA §221(g).
Consular Interview
Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry
Once approved, you’ll receive your immigrant visa and a sealed packet (or digital equivalent). After paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, enter the U.S. to receive your green card.
Need Help Preparing for Your Consular Interview?
We help clients anticipate questions, resolve document checklists, and prepare supporting evidence before the interview.
Timelines and Case Tracking
- I-130 Processing: Varies by USCIS service cente
- NVC Stage: Typically 2–6 months for document review and fee processing
- Interview Scheduling: Depends on consulate workload and visa availability
Track Your Case
- CEAC Portal (for NVC and post-interview status)
- USCIS Case Status (for I-130)
- DOS Visa Bulletin (for priority date movement)
Common Issues & How We Mitigate Them
| Issue | Kameli Law Solution |
|---|---|
| Inadmissibility (INA §212) | Early screening and preparation of waivers (I-601/I-212) with hardship documentation |
| Public Charge Concerns | Review I-864 sufficiency, assets, and joint sponsor options |
| Incorrect or Missing Documents | Verify formats per country reciprocity tables; ensure certified translations |
| Administrative Processing (221g) | Monitor consulate communication and respond promptly |
| Prior Immigration Violations | Analyze bars and exceptions; prepare rehabilitation documentation |
| Our proactive approach minimizes risks and delays throughout consular processing | |
Fees and Costs
- NVC Fees: Immigrant Visa (DS-260) + Affidavit of Support (I-864)
- Other Costs: Medical exam, police certificates, courier, translations, and USCIS Immigrant Fee
- Attorney Fees: Based on complexity and number of applicants
We provide clear, upfront estimates to help you plan with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between consular processing and adjustment of status?
Consular processing takes place abroad; adjustment of status occurs inside the U.S. The choice depends on your location and eligibility.
Do immediate relatives wait for a priority date?
No. Immediate relatives are not subject to annual limits, though timelines still vary by workload.
Can prior overstays or unlawful presence affect eligibility?
Yes. INA §212(a)(9) may trigger re-entry bars. Waivers may be available depending on circumstances.
Are police certificates required?
Yes, generally from each country of residence per the State Department reciprocity schedule.
How long is the immigrant visa valid?
Usually six months from the date of the medical exam. Applicants must enter the U.S. before expiration.
Complete Your Consular Process with Kameli Law
With nearly 30 years of immigration experience, our attorneys help families worldwide navigate consular processing with clarity and compliance.