Looking for Legal Assistance with Consular Processing ?

Clear Guidance for Immigrant Visa Applicants Outside the U.S.—Strategic, Reliable Support from Start to Entry

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we help individuals and families navigate the immigrant visa process through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad—a procedure known as Consular Processing. This is the primary pathway to becoming a lawful permanent resident for foreign nationals living outside the United States or those not eligible to adjust status within the country.

Our experienced New York immigration attorneys offer strategic legal support throughout the consular process, from petition approval to visa interview preparation. With careful attention to every step, we help ensure your transition to permanent residency is as smooth and efficient as possible.

To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at 646-760-6339, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar.

What Is Consular Processing?

Consular Processing is how foreign nationals apply for an immigrant visa outside the United States. Once the underlying immigrant petition—such as Form I-130 (family-based) or Form I-140 (employment-based)—is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and a visa is available, the applicant will proceed through the U.S. Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) and the appropriate U.S. consulate abroad.

Consular Processing concludes with an in-person visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If approved, the individual receives an immigrant visa in their passport and may enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.

This pathway is ideal for individuals living abroad or ineligible for Adjustment of Status because of unlawful entry or other inadmissibility concerns.

Who Should Use Consular Processing?

Consular processing is the standard path to lawful permanent residency for individuals who are outside the United States at the time of their immigration petition, as well as for those who are not eligible to adjust status while in the U.S. Choosing the correct route—adjustment of status vs. consular processing—depends on your location, immigration history, and the specific type of green card you are applying for.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we help clients evaluate whether consular processing is the most appropriate strategy based on the unique circumstances of their case. This includes reviewing travel history, admissibility factors, current visa availability, and long-term goals.

You may be required or advised to use consular processing if:

· You live outside the United States.

· You are not eligible to adjust status because you entered the U.S. without inspection.

· You left the U.S. before applying for a green card.

· You have been abroad while awaiting your petition approval or visa availability.

What Is the Consular Processing Timeline?

The consular process includes multiple steps and typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on your immigration category, consulate location, and case complexity.

Step 1: USCIS Petition Approval

A U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or an employer must first file a petition with USCIS (Form I-130 or I-140). Once approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

NVC will issue instructions to the applicant and petitioner, collect necessary fees, and request supporting documents, including:

· Civil documents, which may include birth certificates and police clearances.

· Affidavit of Support, including Form I-864, if family-sponsored.

· DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application.

Step 3: Interview Scheduling and Medical Exam

Once NVC completes its review and a visa becomes available, the U.S. consulate will schedule the interview. Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a designated physician before the interview.

Step 4: Visa Interview and Decision

The interview is a critical step. A consular officer will review your case and ask questions about your background, eligibility, and documents. If approved, your passport will be returned with a visa allowing entry to the United States as a permanent resident.

We help you prepare thoroughly for this step, addressing everything from document presentation to potential interview questions.

What Happens After the Immigrant Visa Is Approved?

Once you receive your immigrant visa, you’ll travel to the United States and present your visa packet to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry. Upon admission, you will become a lawful permanent resident. Your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address shortly after.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we ensure you understand what to expect after arrival and help you take the following steps to establish lawful status and maintain compliance with immigration laws.

What Are the Risks and Challenges in Consular Processing?

Although consular processing is a well-established path to obtaining a green card, it has potential pitfalls. Because it involves coordination between multiple government agencies—USCIS, the Department of State, the National Visa Center, and foreign consulates—delays, inconsistencies, or errors can occur at various stages. In some cases, problems do not arise until the day of the interview, when an officer may deny the visa or place the case in administrative processing.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we recognize that even minor missteps can result in major setbacks, including re-entry bars, separation from loved ones, or permanent inadmissibility. We take a proactive, detail-focused approach to consular cases to minimize risk and maximize your chances of success.

While consular processing is a practical and common pathway to permanent residency, it comes with certain risks, including:

· Inadmissibility issues include prior unlawful presence, misrepresentation, or criminal history.

· Document delays or omissions that cause NVC processing to stall.

· Security clearance holds or administrative processing delays.

· Missed interviews or expired medical results.

· Consular discretion or inconsistency in decision-making across different countries.

These challenges can cause significant delays or result in a denial or re-entry bar. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced New York immigration attorney. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we identify potential problems early and provide proactive solutions, including waivers when necessary.

Why Hire a New York Consular Processing Attorney?

Completing the consular process requires careful coordination with multiple U.S. agencies and a clear understanding of immigration law, consular procedures, and potential red flags.

Our firm provides:

· Initial eligibility assessment and petition strategy.

· NVC document collection and filing support.

· DS-260 guidance and Affidavit of Support preparation.

· Interview readiness coaching.

· Advocacy if issues arise before or after the interview.

We support individuals, couples, and families throughout New York and globally. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, we provide the clarity, responsiveness, and diligence your case deserves.

Immigration Law Practice Areas We Also Serve

Speak With a New York Consular Processing Attorney Today

If you or your family member is preparing to apply for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, Sharma Law Associates, LLC can help. We bring personalized service and deep immigration experience to every case.

Contact our New York consular processing lawyers today at 646-760-6339, online, or schedule a consultation to discuss your immigration goals and get trusted legal support.

Trusted Consular Processing Lawyers in New York