NYC Consular Processing & Green Cards Attorney

What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is for individuals who are currently outside of the United States looking to gain lawful permanent resident status, commonly referred to as a Green Card. Due to the complexity of these issues, it is advisable to have the help of a consular processing attorney on your side, such as the one at the Law Office of Patricia M. Machado, P.C.

What is Consular Processing?

If abroad, the first step to consular processing is having an immigrant petition approved. This will be filed either by a U.S. employer or family member on behalf of the individual seeking rights. After that, consular processing will begin.

Following approval of the immigrant petition, you will be given a visa number and will need to submit paperwork to the U.S. Department of State consulate abroad. You will also schedule an interview with the consular office where the decision regarding your citizenship will be made. If you are awarded an immigrant visa, you will also receive a "Visa Packet" from the consular office which must remain unopened.

Once you have made it to the United States, hand the Visa Packet to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. You will be inspected by this officer and, if they grant you final access to the U.S., you will be able to live and work within the country.

Is Consular Processing Faster?

Consular processing has a much shorter processing time than adjustment of status. Consular processing can take anywhere between 4 to 6 months, whereas adjustment of status can take several years.

Call the Law Office of Patricia M. Machado, P.C. at (646) 355-1560 or contact us online. We're ready to answer your questions about consular processing.