Applying for citizenship status outside of the U.S. is known as consular processing.
After you receive an approved immigration petition and become eligible for an immigrant visa, there are two ways to apply for permanent resident status in the U.S. If you are already living in the U.S., it may be possible to apply for permanent resident status without going back to your home country to finish the process. If you live outside of the U.S., you can apply for an immigration visa to come to the U.S. for the purpose of receiving permanent resident status, a process known as consular processing.
Depending on your case circumstances, you may need to obtain a Waiver of Inadmissibility in order to be approved for a visa or permanent resident status. If you leave the United States without first getting a Waiver of Inadmissibility, you may be stuck outside the United States for years. This is why it is very important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before applying for any immigration process.
There are ten specific steps that must be completed for successful consular processing. These include:
- Determining your basis to immigrate and identifying any potential issues
- Filing an immigration petition
- Waiting for a decision on your petition
- Filing for a Waiver of Inadmissibility, if necessary
- Waiting for a decision on the Waiver of Inadmissibility application, if any
- Waiting for notification from the National Visa Center that the file has been transferred
- Providing the National Visa Center all requested documents, including Affidavit of Support
- Attending Medical Examination and fingerprints near the Consulate
- Going to your appointment at the Consulate
- Taking final steps after your Visa is granted
- Receiving your Green Card (or solidifying your lawful permanent resident status)
Although there are only ten steps involved with consular processing, you must follow them carefully and precisely. Any minor variations to this process or errors can result in delays or issues with receiving your Green Card in the future.
At the Waldron Law Firm, PLLC, we are here to guide you with all phases of the consular processing process in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and throughout the United States. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team about what steps you should take next.
At Waldron Law Firm, PLLC, we offer guidance with consular processing for clients in Charlotte, Asheville, Waynesville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Morganton, Hickory, Statesville, Salisbury, Morrisville, Kannapolis, Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia, Pineville, and Matthews, North Carolina.