What are Consular Processing application steps?
Consular processing is the method by which immigrants apply for visas or green cards through a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. This process is commonly used for family-sponsored and employment-based immigration. Here are the general steps involved in the consular processing application:
- I-130 Petition (For Family-Sponsored Cases): If you’re applying for a family-sponsored visa, the first step is usually filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner and the intending immigrant.
- I-140 Petition (For Employment-Based Cases): For employment-based immigration, the first step often involves filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This form is typically filed by the U.S. employer sponsoring the foreign employee.
- Wait for USCIS Approval: After filing the appropriate petition, you must wait for USCIS to review and approve it. Once approved, USCIS sends the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- NVC Processing: The NVC will process the petition and assign a case number. You will receive an invoice for the processing fees and a checklist of required documents, such as the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), and the visa application (DS-260).
- Pay Fees: Pay the required processing fees to the NVC. This includes the visa application fee and the Affidavit of Support processing fee.
- Complete DS-260: Complete the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (DS-260) for each intending immigrant. This form collects personal and background information.
- Submit Civil Documents: Gather and submit the required civil documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, and other relevant documents. These documents will be reviewed during your visa interview.
- Affidavit of Support: The U.S. petitioner must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate financial ability to support the intending immigrant.
- Wait for Visa Interview Appointment: After submitting all required documents and fees, the NVC will schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. consulate or embassy in the intending immigrant’s home country.
- Medical Examination: The intending immigrant must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The results will be provided in a sealed envelope for submission at the visa interview.
- Attend Visa Interview: Attend the scheduled visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy. Be prepared to answer questions about your background, purpose of travel, and plans in the United States.
- Receive Visa or Green Card: If approved, you will receive a visa packet that includes your passport with the visa stamped inside and a sealed envelope containing important documents. If applying for an immigrant visa, you can enter the U.S. Once in the U.S., you will be admitted as a permanent resident and your actual green card will be mailed to you.
Keep in mind that these steps are general guidelines, and the specific process and required documents may vary based on the type of visa, your individual circumstances, and any changes in immigration regulations. Always refer to the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What Does “Documentarily Qualified” Mean?
“Documentarily Qualified” is a term used in the context of the U.S. immigration process, specifically in the consular processing of immigrant visa applications. It refers to the stage at which the applicant has submitted all required documentation and forms, and the U.S. embassy or consulate has determined that the applicant’s case is ready for further processing, such as scheduling a visa interview.
When an applicant’s case is documentarily qualified, it means that the consular officer has reviewed the submitted documents, forms, and fees, and has confirmed that all necessary information has been provided and meets the required standards. This stage is an important milestone in the visa application process, as it signifies that the applicant has successfully completed the initial documentation and form submission requirements.
After being documentarily qualified, the next step typically involves the scheduling of a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, the consular officer will ask the applicant questions about their background, intentions, and other relevant matters to determine whether they are eligible for the visa.
It’s important to note that being documentarily qualified does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. The visa interview and additional steps in the process are still necessary to make a final determination on the visa application. Additionally, the specific procedures and requirements can vary based on the type of visa and the U.S. embassy or consulate’s policies.
Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate and ensure that all required documents and forms are accurately submitted. It’s advisable to stay updated with any communication from the consulate and to be well-prepared for the visa interview to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Consular Processing Fees
Consular processing fees vary depending on the type of visa application and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is being processed. Here are some common consular processing fees associated with immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications:
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee: The immigrant visa application fee is for individuals applying for a green card through consular processing. This fee covers the costs of processing the immigrant visa application and is paid after the National Visa Center (NVC) processes the required forms. As of my last update, this fee is $325.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) Fee: If a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is sponsoring an immigrant, they need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. There is a fee associated with processing this form. As of my last update, the fee is $120.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: This fee is for immigrants who are issued an immigrant visa and are intending to move to the United States. The fee covers the costs of processing and producing the green card. The fee was $220 as of my last update.
Please note that fee amounts can change over time, and it’s important to check the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date fee information. Additionally, keep in mind that fees are subject to change, and applicants should follow the guidance provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling their case.