When your family member or beneficiary is outside the United States, their immigration case will require consular processing—working with a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country to obtain an immigrant visa and enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
This service is for you if:
- You’ve filed an approved I-130 petition for a family member abroad
- Your relative is waiting for their priority date to become current
- You need to prepare for the National Visa Center (NVC) process
- Your family member has an upcoming consular interview
- You’re facing delays, Requests for Evidence, or administrative processing
- Your case involves complex issues like prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, or prior visa denials
Understanding the Process
1. Case Review & NVC Preparation After USCIS approves your petition, the case transfers to the National Visa Center. We help you navigate NVC requirements, submit required civil documents, and complete financial sponsorship forms. This stage requires meticulous documentation and attention to deadlines.
2. Document Gathering & Preparation We guide you and your family member in gathering required documents—birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical examinations, and financial evidence. Documents from foreign countries often need translation and authentication, and we help ensure everything meets requirements.
3. Interview Preparation We prepare your family member for their consular interview, reviewing likely questions and ensuring they understand what to bring and what to expect. While we cannot appear with them at overseas consulates, thorough preparation makes a significant difference.
4. Addressing Issues If the consulate requests additional evidence, places the case in administrative processing, or identifies grounds of inadmissibility, we work to resolve these issues—whether through providing additional documentation, requesting waivers, or addressing legal complications.
Why Cross-Border Cases Need Special Attention
Consular processing involves coordination between multiple government agencies across different countries. Requirements vary by consulate, processing times can be unpredictable, and communication with overseas posts can be challenging.
Having an attorney who understands the entire system—from USCIS to NVC to consular procedures—ensures nothing falls through the cracks. With 35 years of experience managing complex regulatory processes and multi-party coordination, I know how to keep cases moving and respond effectively when issues arise.
Many families also face complications like prior unlawful presence, prior removals, or criminal history that may require waivers of inadmissibility. These situations require strategic planning and careful legal analysis to achieve successful outcomes.
Practical Information
Typical Timeline: After petition approval, NVC processing takes 2-4 months. Consular interview scheduling varies widely by country and visa category—it can be weeks to many months. After interview approval, visa issuance typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Key Documents Typically Needed:
- Approved I-130 petition
- Civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees)
- Police certificates from countries of residence
- Medical examination from approved physician
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended entry
- Financial support documents (I-864 Affidavit of Support, tax returns, employment letter)
- Photos meeting specific requirements
Legal Fees: Fees depend on case complexity and whether issues arise requiring additional advocacy. We provide clear fee information during your consultation.
Ready to bring your family member home? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and timeline. Call 646-645-1827 or complete our contact form.