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Consular processing: what it is

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Consular processing: definition

Key answer

Consular processing means getting the visa through a US embassy or consulate abroad after the petition is approved. For immigrant visas the path runs through the NVC (DS-260, documents, fees), then the interview and the medical exam. The alternative is adjusting status (I-485) inside the US.

For O-1 the consular stage is simpler: after the I-129 is approved you fill out the DS-160 and book the interview. For EB-1A / EB-2 NIW the case first goes through the NVC to DQ status.

After the interview, administrative processing (221(g)) is possible - a delay, not a denial. Consulates by city and interview questions are collected on separate pages.

Consular processing: the official source

Consular processing: what to do - tools

Consular processing: read next

Consular processing: documents and templates from the library

Consular processing: from community discussions

  • «In no way is this legal advice. But as someone who is going through the financial sector and putting together my own case, having read many forums, chats, RFE and NOID, I came to the conclusion that an officer primarily looks at the contribution to the industry or the critical/leading role in a top organization. And based on this, you need to select the remaining criteria and put together the Final Merits.»

    community member · from public community chats

  • «When I entered on a B1/B2 we discussed with the lawyers what the difference is: Founder mode (allowed) - you negotiate investments, partnerships, take part in conferences, pitch the company. CEO mode (prohibited) - the company has other employees and you manage them on a regular basis, look for new clients - it's your work duty from 9 to 12, any activity that falls under W2.»

    Rustam · from public community chats

  • «Usually this means that formally the criteria are met, but in the officer's opinion they're not enough to establish that the beneficiary is among the small percentage at the very top of the field. There's work at a respected company, but the critical capacity isn't proven, and so on.»

    community member · from public community chats

Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.

Consular processing: related terms

All glossary terms

A reference definition, not legal advice. Requirements and procedures depend on your case - verify on uscis.gov.

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