Consular Processing
When you want to obtain a United States visa or green card — or even simply travel to the United States — and you are outside of the U.S., you must go through an application process at the U.S. consulate office in your country. Every single consulate in the world has a different procedure.
Consular Processing occurs in two situations:
Nonimmigrant Consular Processing
At many U.S. embassies and consulates, individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa must use the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visas Electronic Application. Most importantly, you need to prove that you have a residence outside of the United States and that you do not intend to permanently leave that residence.
Immigrant Consular Processing
Individuals outside of the U.S. who wish to immigrate to the U.S. should go to their U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an immigrant visa (U.S. green card).
Consular processing is usually quicker than the adjustment of status process in the United States, but there are some risks. For example, your attorney may not be allowed to attend your immigrant visa interview at the consulate. Speak with an attorney to learn the best options for your particular situation.
