Austin Consular Processing Attorney

Bringing 30 Years of Experience to Your Immigration Case

If you or your family member is living outside the United States, you can apply for an immigrant visa through the U.S. Department of State in order to come to the U.S. and be admitted as a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen.

What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is the process for obtaining an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen. It is done through a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of status is if you are already in the United States, you might be eligible to apply for a green card without having to travel back to your home country for consular processing.

Although adjustment of status is the preferred process for immigrating to the U.S., there are many situations in which consular processing is the only available option under the law, so many will still have to leave the U.S. to become a legal permanent resident or claim U.S. citizenship.

At Zavala Law, PLLC, we offer legal assistance in facilitating both of the above processes. Our professional experience can give you the best chance for avoiding denials, delays or other challenges.

Need help with consular processing for yourself or a family member? Contact Zavala Law, PLLC online or at (512) 488-3970 to arrange to speak with an attorney about your case.

What is The First Step of The Consular Process?

The first step in initiating the consular process abroad is to become eligible through either a family-based or an employment-based approved petition or through some other specialized immigrant visa category. The most common of these are family-based immigration petitions where your family member files the petition on your behalf with USCIS.

The Immigrant Visa

After your visa petition has been approved, you will need to wait for an immigrant visa number to become available from the National Visa Center. When your visa becomes available, the next step will involve preparing for a consular interview that you must attend with a consular official. In the interview, you will be required to answer questions and have your documentation verified.

Once this takes place, the consular office will process your documentation for a determination. If your immigrant visa is granted, you will be provided with visa documentation and instructions.

Arriving in the U.S.

Upon arriving in the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will take your visa packet at your port of entry. You will undergo an inspection to determine if you can be admitted as a lawful permanent resident. If you are admitted, you will have gained lawful permanent residency status which allows you live and work here on a permanent basis. Your green card will then arrive in the mail after you have entered and assumed residence here.

Learn more about how Zavala Law, PLLC can assist you with your case by calling our number (512) 488-3970 or contacting online today.