Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Attorney Shair guides you through NVC processing, document preparation, and consular interview preparation.
Consular Processing is the method by which a foreign national who is outside the United States applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It is the primary pathway for immigrants who are abroad, who cannot use Adjustment of Status inside the U.S., or who choose to process their Green Card from their home country.
The process involves three main agencies: USCIS (which approves the underlying immigrant petition), the National Visa Center (NVC, which collects documents and fees), and the U.S. Department of State consulate (which conducts the interview and issues the immigrant visa). Each stage has its own requirements, timelines, and potential pitfalls.
"Consular Processing involves three separate agencies with different standards. Attorney Shair ensures every document, every form, and every submission meets NVC and consular requirements — minimizing delays and maximizing your chance of approval at the interview."
The National Visa Center (NVC) is a USCIS-affiliated agency that manages the administrative processing of immigrant visa cases between USCIS petition approval and the consular interview. NVC collects fees, receives and reviews documents (DS-260, civil documents, I-864), and forwards completed cases to the appropriate U.S. consulate. NVC processing can take anywhere from 1 month to over a year depending on document completeness and consulate backlog.
After the consular interview, a consular officer may issue a 221(g) refusal — placing the case in administrative processing for additional security checks or document review. This is not a final denial but can delay visa issuance by weeks to months. Attorney Shair monitors 221(g) cases and advises on appropriate follow-up actions.
A prior order of removal or deportation creates a bar to admission that typically requires filing Form I-212 (Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission) before returning to the U.S. Additionally, individuals who accumulated unlawful presence and were removed may be subject to permanent bars that require an I-212 waiver. Attorney Shair evaluates these situations carefully and identifies all applicable waiver options.
In some circumstances, yes — if you are a beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and you later enter the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status, you may be eligible to file I-485 and adjust status instead of completing consular processing. However, switching has timing and eligibility implications. Attorney Shair advises on the best strategy based on your specific situation and current immigration status.
Consular Processing involves multiple agencies — USCIS, NVC, and the U.S. consulate — each with their own requirements, timelines, and standards. Documents that are incomplete, incorrectly translated, or submitted out of order can cause months of delays or refusals. Attorney Shair prepares every NVC submission to the highest standard, monitors your case through each stage, and ensures you are fully prepared for your consular interview.
Attorney Shair guides you through every stage — from NVC to consular interview — free consultation, no obligation.