Consular Processing
Citizens of foreign countries who wish to obtain permanent resident status in the U.S. generally must obtain immigrant visas at the nearest Consulate or U.S. Embassy. With consular processing, the interview for an immigrant visa takes place at a U.S. embassy or consulate located in the aliens country of nationality. Unlike nonimmigrant tourist, student, and specialty worker visas, which allow someone to remain in the United States for a limited period of time, an immigrant visa permits the person who receives it to live indefinitely in the United States and to seek employment.
There are 3 types of immigrant visa categories:
- Employment based immigration
- Family based immigration
- Diversity Visa – Lottery
The Applicant for an Immigrant Visa will complete Visa Forms DS-230 Parts I & II, undergo a medical examination and appear for an interview or visa appointment at the Consulate.