Consular processing

In U.S. immigration law, the so-called consular processing is the path that thousands of immigrants follow every year to obtain lawful permanent residence from outside the United States.

This process works as a procedure divided between USCIS, the National Visa Center (NVC), and finally the U.S. embassy or consulate where the final interview takes place.

Unlike adjustment of status, consular processing requires leaving the U.S. and completing each phase from abroad. In this article you will find:

• Consular processing step by step;
• Preliminary requirements;
• NVC processing times;
• An explanation of the so-called 6 NVC steps;
• Current costs;
• Risks that almost nobody talks about; and
• Alternatives when there is unlawful presence or another ground of inadmissibility.

You will also see when this route makes sense and when it is better to choose adjustment of status inside the U.S.

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As a general reference on this procedure, you can also review the official guides from the U.S. Department of State and USCIS. Here we explain it with more practical context and examples.

What is consular processing and who must use it

Consular processing for a green card is the procedure through which a person gets a green card while living outside the United States.

Instead of completing the entire case with USCIS inside the country, the final phase takes place at the U.S. consulate or embassy corresponding to where the beneficiary lives.

In general, the flow of this process is usually as follows:

• A family member or employer files the petition and USCIS approves it.
• The case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which requests payments, forms, and civil documents.
• The beneficiary attends the consular interview.
• If the visa is approved, they enter the U.S., pay the immigrant fee, and receive the physical green card.

Consular processing is usually the most appropriate route for:

• Beneficiaries who live permanently outside the U.S.
• People with an approved I-130 whose case has been sent to the NVC; here it is useful to review the guide “Form I-130 approved: what’s next?”.
• Families who are completing family reunification from abroad.
• Cases in which the person cannot, or should not, remain in the U.S. while the case is pending.

It is not usually the preferred route when the person is already inside the country and can file an adjustment of status without leaving.

Consular processing vs. adjustment of status: choosing the right path

Both consular processing and adjustment of status lead to permanent residence, but they are not designed for the same situations.

When consular processing is usually the better choice

Some scenarios where consular processing is often the best option include:

• The beneficiary lives outside the U.S.
• The case is already at the NVC and only the interview is pending.
• They want a more linear process with a single interview at the consulate.
• The person does not have valid status inside the country.

When adjustment of status is usually better

On the other hand, adjustment of status is often the best option if:

• The beneficiary is already in the U.S. with valid status.
• They want to request a work permit and travel permit while they wait.
• They want to avoid leaving the country in order not to trigger unlawful presence bars.
• The case has some complexity that is better handled by USCIS inside the country.

One key difference is what happens if the case is denied: In consular processing, if the officer does not approve the immigrant visa, there is often no formal appeal and the case may remain on hold until the missing evidence is provided or a waiver is processed.

In contrast, inside the U.S. there are usually more tools to correct errors. For example, when there is a risk of inadmissibility, before leaving the country it is important to review whether the person qualifies for any immigration waiver.

Pre-requirements for starting consular processing

Before starting the case, it is essential to meet all preliminary requirements. Otherwise, the case cannot move forward at the NVC or reach the consular interview.

Approved immigrant petition

The starting point is to have a petition approved by USCIS. Depending on the legal basis of the case, one of the following forms is used:

• Form I-130: Family petition filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Form I-140: Employment-based petition for skilled workers or professionals.
• Form I-360: Petition for special immigrants (widows/widowers, religious workers, Special Immigrant Juveniles – SIJS).
• Form I-526: EB-5 investor petition.

If a family-based case has been approved, the beneficiary’s current status can be checked in the NVC portal or through the CEAC system (Consular Electronic Application Center).

Visa availability

Having an approved petition does not guarantee an immediate visa. A visa number must be available based on the category and the beneficiary’s country of chargeability.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses, parents, and children under 21) are not subject to annual caps.

No grounds of inadmissibility

Even with an approved petition, the applicant must still be admissible to the United States. The most common grounds of inadmissibility include:

• Having accrued unlawful presence.
• Certain criminal records.
• Public health issues.
• Immigration fraud or willful misrepresentation.

If there is any ground of inadmissibility, the applicant may need to file a waiver (Form I-601 or I-601A) with proper legal guidance to avoid triggering the 3- or 10-year bars upon departure.

Payment of all required fees

During this stage, the following must be paid:

• USCIS filing fees for the forms submitted.
• NVC fees for review of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and for Form DS-260.

It is important to use only the official payment portals and keep all receipts.

Consular processing step by step

Consular processing step by step consists of several phases that together form the so-called 6 NVC steps. Below you will see what each phase includes and what you must do in each one.

Step 1: Filing and approval of the petition

The sponsor files the petition (I-130, I-140, I-360, or I-526) and, once it is approved, USCIS sends the case to the NVC for consular processing.

Step 2: Case creation at the NVC

The NVC assigns a case number and sends instructions by email or regular mail. At this point you pay the DS-260 fee and the I-864 processing fee, and the sponsor prepares the financial documents.

In some cases, the NVC may also ask you to complete Form DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent). In addition, all communications and form submissions are handled through CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center), the online portal used to pay fees, complete the DS-260, and upload civil documents.

Step 3: Completing Form DS-260

Form DS-260 is completed online through the CEAC portal. The information provided should match the original petition as closely as possible to avoid inconsistencies that could delay the case.

Step 4: Uploading documents to CEAC

In this step, you upload all required civil documents (birth and marriage certificates, police records, and certified translations).

The NVC reviews each file and may request corrections. Submitting a complete and accurate package from the beginning helps reduce delays.

Step 5: Medical exam with a panel physician

Before the interview, the applicant must undergo a medical exam with a physician designated by the embassy or consulate.

The exam includes a vaccination review and certification that the person has no communicable diseases. The medical report is generally valid for 3 to 6 months.

Step 6: Consular interview

The consulate schedules the interview and sends a notice with the appointment date. The applicant must bring:

• Valid passport.
• DS-260 confirmation page.
• Sealed medical exam results.
• Original documents and translations.

The officer reviews the information and decides whether to approve the immigrant visa. If any documents are missing or additional verification is needed, the consulate may issue a 221(g) notice, known as administrative processing. In these cases, the case is paused until the missing evidence is provided or the consulate finishes its internal checks.

Step 7: After approval

The applicant receives the immigrant visa, usually valid for 6 months. They must enter the United States before it expires and pay the USCIS immigrant fee so that the physical green card can be produced.

Updated costs of consular processing

Consular processing for a green card involves several mandatory payments to USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC), plus some additional expenses you should plan for.

Current official fees

Below are the most common fees in 2026:

Item	Current official fee (USD)
Form I-130 (family petition)	$625 online / $675 by paper
Form I-140 (employment-based petition)	$715
Form I-360 (special immigrant)	$515
Form I-526 (EB-5 investor)	$3,675
Form DS-260 (immigrant visa application)	$325 per person
Affidavit of Support (I-864) review fee	$120 per case
USCIS immigrant fee (physical green card)	$235

These fees are paid only through official USCIS and NVC portals. Using intermediaries or unofficial websites is not recommended.

Additional expenses

Besides federal fees, the applicant should plan for:

• Medical exam: Between $100 and $400, depending on the country and clinic.
• Required vaccinations: Cost depends on the person’s vaccination history.
• Certified translations: Around $20 to $50 per page.
• Civil records: Local cost varies.
• Travel and lodging: If the consulate is far from the applicant’s home.

Fee waivers

In some cases, a fee waiver can be requested using Form I-912, especially in family-based cases with financial hardship.

USCIS evaluates each request individually, so it is advisable to submit proof of income and a supporting declaration.

NVC processing times

NVC processing times vary depending on the type of visa, workload, and appointment availability. Although every case is different, the following are approximate averages to help you plan.

Key factors that affect timing

• Visa category: family, employment-based, or special immigrant.
• USCIS service center that processed the petition.
• Applicant’s nationality and visa demand.
• How quickly documents are uploaded to CEAC.
• Interview schedule at the corresponding consulate.

Current averages in 2026

• USCIS (initial approval): 6–14 months.
• NVC review: 3–6 months, if documents are properly uploaded.
• Visa availability:
  • Immediate relatives: no waiting list (roughly 6–12 months total).
  • Other categories: may wait several years depending on the country.
• Consular interview: 1–2 months after the NVC forwards the case.

Short example: A U.S. citizen’s spouse in Peru who filed Form I-130 in January 2025 could have the consular interview around mid-2026. In contrast, a sibling in Mexico under the F4 category may wait more than 15 years until their priority date becomes current.

How to speed up the process

• Upload all required documents clearly and completely the first time.
• Have an attorney review the Affidavit of Support and DS-260 before submission.
• Monitor the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin every month.
• If there is a medical or humanitarian emergency, consider requesting an expedite and explaining the urgency.

Risks of consular processing and how to avoid them

Although consular processing is a safe way to obtain permanent residence, it also involves risks that should be evaluated before leaving the country. Identifying them in time can help avoid a denial or a severe immigration penalty.

Main risks

• 3- and 10-year bars of inadmissibility: If the applicant has accrued unlawful presence and leaves the U.S. for their interview, they may automatically trigger a 3- or 10-year bar.
• Consular denial with no right to appeal: A denial at the consulate cannot be formally appealed with USCIS. The only options may be to start the process again or request a waiver of inadmissibility when available.
• Delays due to errors or incomplete documentation: Incorrect forms, faulty translations, or improperly uploaded files in CEAC can delay review for months.
• Medical or security issues: Communicable diseases, criminal records, or indications of fraud may result in a finding of inadmissibility.

How to avoid these risks

• Consult a lawyer who focuses on immigration law before leaving the country, especially if there has been unlawful presence or criminal history.
• Prepare and file a waiver (I-601 or I-601A) when needed.
• Double-check every document before uploading it to CEAC.
• Bring backup copies to the consular interview.

Those with prior removals, criminal records, or previous departures can also review our article on cancellation of removal, which explains how to request this form of relief.

Pros and cons of consular processing in the United States

Understanding the pros and cons of consular processing step by step helps applicants decide whether this route is the best option for their situation.

Advantages of consular processing

The main advantages of consular processing include:

• It is generally faster for immediate relatives, often taking about 6 to 12 months.
• Only one consular interview: The process is concentrated in a single final appointment.
• Less exposure to document fraud: Consulates often verify document authenticity directly in the country of origin.
• No need for an advance parole document: Because the beneficiary is outside the U.S., no extra travel permits are needed.

Disadvantages of consular processing

The main disadvantages include:

• Risk from accrued unlawful presence: Leaving the country may trigger bars to reentry.
• No appeal if denied: The case may be closed and require a new petition.
• Additional costs: Travel, medical exams, translations, and lodging.
• Prolonged family separation: The applicant must remain outside the U.S. until the immigrant visa is issued.

Short example: A father who completes consular processing from Ecuador may receive his immigrant visa in about 14 months. During that time, his family in the United States cannot reunite with him there, while with adjustment of status inside the country they could remain together while the green card is processed.

If the case involves minors who depend on the parent’s approval, it may also be helpful to review information about Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which can be a strong option for eligible young people within the immigration system.

Frequently asked questions about consular processing

To clarify common doubts and better understand how this process works, review the following frequently asked questions.

What are the 6 NVC steps?

The NVC generally groups the process into six main steps:

1. Receive the case from USCIS.
2. Pay the required fees.
3. Submit Form I-864.
4. Complete Form DS-260.
5. Upload civil documents.
6. Attend the consular interview.

Although some consulates have small variations, this structure helps applicants understand the overall flow before their interview is scheduled.

What happens if I cannot attend the interview?

If you cannot attend, you must contact the embassy or consulate immediately to reschedule.

If you fail to appear and do not notify them, the NVC may terminate the case and you may have to start over from the beginning.

What if the consulate denies my immigrant visa?

Consular denials generally cannot be formally appealed, but in many cases it may be possible to file a waiver of inadmissibility or start a new process if circumstances change.

To better understand what options may exist after a denial or prior removal order, you can read about withholding of removal, a form of protection available in certain cases where returning to the country of origin would be dangerous.

Can I switch from consular processing to adjustment of status?

In some cases, yes—if the beneficiary is already in the United States with valid status.

However, this must be evaluated carefully with an attorney, because an improper change may create unlawful presence or inadmissibility issues.

How long does it take to receive the green card after entering the U.S.?

After entering with the immigrant visa, the applicant must pay the USCIS immigrant fee.

The physical green card usually arrives by mail within 45 to 90 days after entry, although this can vary depending on workload.

What if the NVC takes too long to schedule my interview?

If your case has been “under review” for more than six months, you can:

• Submit an inquiry to the NVC using the Ask NVC form; or
• Request an expedite if there is a medical, humanitarian, or urgent family reunification reason.

Immigration attorneys experienced in consular processing

Consular processing requires precision and experience. A mistake in the forms or a missing document can delay approval for months or even cause a permanent denial.

Having professional legal support often makes the difference between a smooth process and one full of obstacles.

At Lluis Law, our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles guide you through each phase of consular processing in order to:

• Review eligibility and potential grounds of inadmissibility.
• Properly prepare the DS-260, I-864, and all required evidence.
• Coordinate communication with the NVC and the embassy or consulate.
• Request waivers when necessary.

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With more than 60 years of combined experience, our firm has successfully represented hundreds of immigrants who now enjoy lawful permanent residence in the United States thanks to well-managed consular processing.

If you need personalized guidance in Spanish or English, you can request a private consultation to analyze your case and begin the path toward your green card.

You can also learn about other benefits such as asylum in the U.S. or different options for how to become a U.S. citizen, depending on your immigration situation.