Consular Processing is one of the options for the beneficiary of a family or employment-based visa to become a permanent resident. To be more precise,
consular processing is the process by which the beneficiary of an immigration petition (either family based/employment based) is outside the United States and applies for an
immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. Consular Processing will be commenced only when the underlying immigration petition is approved and visa number is available.
Consular Processing is suitable for
- Individuals who are outside the U.S.
- Individuals who are in the U.S. but prefer processing at a U.S. consulate for strategic or convenience reasons.
Benefits of Consular Processing:
Once your application for consular processing is approved, you are able to gain permanent resident status in the United States. Applying for consular processing means that the alien has reached the final step in getting his/her
green card, which is considered to be the most important benefit. Another advantage of consular processing is its speed. The average time required for consular processing is between 5 to 13 months. This average time is much shorter than the amount of time taken to pursue
adjustment of status in the United States.
