What is Consular Processing?
The date that you file your petition is called your priority date. When your priority date is almost current, the National Visa Center (NVC) will notify you to pay your government filing fees and submit the required documents for your immigrant visa interview. As soon as you comply, the NVC will forward your paperwork to the appropriate United States Embassy/Consulate which will schedule you, and your spouse and children, for an immigrant visa interview as soon as your priority date is current.
After the NVC sets your visa interview appointment, they will send you, your petitioner, and your agent/attorney (if applicable) an email letting you know the appointment date and time. After you receive an interview Appointment Letter from NVC, you must take the following steps BEFORE the interview date.
You must schedule and complete a medical examination. You are required to schedule a medical appointment with an authorized physician in the country where you will be interviewed. This exam must be with an embassy-approved doctor, also referred to as the Panel Physician. Exams conducted by other physicians are not permitted. You must obtain your medical examination, along with any required vaccinations, before your visa interview date.
After your exam, the Panel Physician will either send the exam results directly to the embassy or give you a sealed envelope. If the doctor gives you an envelope, please do not open it. Instead, bring it to your visa interview and give it to the consular officer.
Next, assemble the paperwork required for the interview. Every visa applicant, no matter their age, must bring certain documents to the interview. This includes photographs, the original or certified copy version of any and all official documents submitted to NVC. You do not need to bring your Affidavit of Support or financial evidence you submitted to NVC.
If you forget to bring something on this list, the consular officer will not be able to complete the processing of your visa. You will have to obtain the missing items and provide them to the embassy or consulate before a final decision can be made. This may cause you to return for additional interviews. Failure to bring all items on the above list can delay visa issuance.
After your application for an immigrant visa, and any waivers which may be required, are approved, you and your family will be able to enter the United States to become a lawful permanent resident.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like assistance with consular processing. (213) 388-1821 or tb@becraftlaw.com.