The consular process is one of the ways to apply for an immigration visa to the United States, but its processes and particularities generate many doubts in those who yearn for the American dream.
That’s why, in this article, we’re going to explain what the consular process is, how it works and how D4U Immigration can help you. Happy reading!
What is the consular process?
The consular process takes place when the beneficiary of an immigrant petition is outside the United States and needs to apply for an immigrant visa. According to information from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) websiteThe consular process is one of the two options for applying for a green card.
The other option is “adjustment of status”, which allows applicants who are already in the United States to apply for permanent resident status (for example) without having to return to their country of origin to complete the process.
Green Card consular process: how does it work?
As we have seen so far, the consular process is aimed at those who are outside American territory and wish to enter the country, either as a tourist or as a permanent resident.
The consular process differs from adjustment of status, which is intended for those who are already in the United States.
Let’s explore these differences a little more below:
Consular Process vs. Adjustment of Status
If you are outside the United States and are the beneficiary of an immigration petition, then you must go through the consular process.
The aim is to obtain a visa to enter the United States. This process is known as the consular process.
On the other hand, if you are already in the United States, you can apply for permanent resident status, for example, without having to return to your country of origin to complete the process.
This process is called adjustment of status and is carried out directly with USCIS. This means that you have an x-status, not a new visa. If you leave the country with the adjustment of status, you lose the adjustment and go back to having only the initial visa.
There is one exception: the immigrant can apply for the consular process within American territory when they want to keep the visa they are using and in parallel apply for another one.
For example: the immigrant is in the US on an F1 visa, is going to continue studying and wants to apply for EB2-NIW in the meantimeHe doesn’t apply for adjustment, this EB2-NIW is applied for consularly. This means that the EB2-NIW applicant will not change status.
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The importance of the Visa Bulletin for obtaining a greencard
During the consular process, it is essential to understand the Visa Bulletin, a monthly report published by the US State Department. This document provides crucial information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers, which are issued according to eligibility category and order of priority.
After the USCIS approves the immigrant petition, if you are outside the United States, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will be responsible for notifying you and the petitioner about the arrival of the petition and the availability of the immigrant visa number.
That’s why it’s important to follow the Visa Bulletin updates to find out when your visa number will be available and to schedule your consular interview.
You can see the latest updates on the Visa Bulletin directly on the USCIS website by clicking here.
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D4U Immigration is recognized as the best immigration consultancy in the United States and Latin America, with a 99% approval rate for the EB2-NIW visa.
With more than 7,000 beneficiaries, D4U offers all the support you need to make your dream of living in the United States a reality.
Our team of experts is ready to help you every step of the way, from the initial application to obtaining your green card.
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We also have a consultant who is a retired USCIS director, bringing valuable and up-to-date knowledge about the immigration process.
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Conclusion
The consular process is an option for those who wish to apply for a green card from outside the United States.
With D4U Immigration, you have the best immigration advice on your side, with a proven track record of success.
Our team of experts is ready to help you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Don’t miss out on realizing your dream of living in the United States, count on D4U Immigration to make it a reality.