Reviewed July 2026
Immigration Legal Services

Consular processing

Proceso consular: tu residencia permanente a través de tu país de origen

Consular processing is the way you become a U.S. permanent resident from outside the country. The case is filed in the U.S., transferred to the National Visa Center, and finished at the U.S. embassy in your home country. IHF helps families prepare in every step. In English or Spanish.

Schedule an eligibility consultation Call 702-889-4431
Sliding-scale fees
Who it's for
Applicants outside the U.S. Or applicants who must leave to complete their case
Typical timeline
12 to 24 months After the underlying petition is approved
IHF cost
Sliding-scale fees Sliding scale plus USCIS, NVC, and consular fees may apply

A green card through your home country

Consular processing happens when an applicant for a U.S. green card is outside the United States, or is inside but cannot adjust status here. The case is filed with USCIS, transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), and finished at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

The big risk: leaving the U.S. with prior unlawful presence can trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar from re-entering. Many people qualify for an I-601A waiver filed before they leave. Do not leave the U.S. for a consular interview without talking to us first.

Consular processing may be the right path if you meet the criteria below. If any of it is unclear, schedule an eligibility consultation and we will walk through it with you.

Who qualifies

  • The intending immigrant is outside the U.S.
  • The intending immigrant is inside the U.S. but cannot adjust status here.
  • A family or employment petition has been approved (or will be).
  • A visa number is available, or will be soon, for the category.
  • Any inadmissibility issues (such as unlawful presence) have a clear waiver plan first.
  • The applicant can travel safely to the consulate in their home country for the interview.

How IHF helps, step by step

  1. 1

    Eligibility Screening

    Our attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives review your case to confirm consular processing is the right path and identify any waiver needs before you file.

  2. 2

    Underlying petition

    If needed, we will prepare the family or employment petition with you.

  3. 3

    Waiver preparation

    If a waiver is needed before departure, we handle that case in parallel with the NVC stage.

  4. 4

    Form preparation

    IHF staff will prepare the forms, including any additional documentation.

  5. 5

    Consular interview preparation

    We prepare you for what the consular officer will ask and what documents to bring on the day of your interview.

Common questions

Consular processing, answered

What does IHF cost?
We do an eligibility screening to understand your situation before any fees are set. We use a sliding-scale fee based on your income. We tell you the cost upfront and help you apply for a USCIS fee waiver if you qualify.
Adjustment of Status or consular processing, which is right for me?
It depends on where you are now, how you entered the U.S., and your immigration history. We compare both at your consultation and give you a clear recommendation.
Which consulates does IHF help with most?
Most of our clients process at U.S. consulates in Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), San Salvador (El Salvador), Tegucigalpa (Honduras), and Guatemala City (Guatemala). We know what each one expects.
What if I have prior unlawful presence?
Leaving the U.S. can trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar. Many people qualify for an I-601A waiver, filed and approved before departure. Do not book a flight without a consultation first.
Sources

Where this information comes from

Direct links to government and authoritative sources we used. If you spot something out of date, email info@immigrantfoundation.org.

  1. USCIS - Consular Processing Process overview
  2. State Department - Immigrant Visa Process NVC plus embassy steps
  3. State Department - Visa Bulletin Monthly priority-date updates
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