What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is a procedure used by individuals who are outside the United States to obtain a U.S. visa or green card (lawful permanent residency). It is typically used by individuals who are not already in the United States or who are ineligible for adjustment of status (the process used by individuals already in the U.S. to obtain a green card).

Here’s how consular processing generally works:

• Petition Approval: The first step in consular processing is for a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to file an immigrant petition on behalf of the foreign national beneficiary. This is often the case for family-sponsored or employment-based immigration categories.
• Visa Application: Once the petition is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the beneficiary can apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country or a country where they have legal residence. This typically involves completing forms, paying fees, and attending an interview at the consulate.
• Background Checks: The beneficiary undergoes background checks and a medical examination as part of the visa application process.
• Interview: An interview is conducted at the U.S. embassy or consulate to determine the applicant’s eligibility for an immigrant visa. During the interview, the applicant may be asked about their ties to the United States and their intentions to reside in the U.S. permanently.
• Visa Issuance: If approved, the consular officer will issue an immigrant visa stamp on the beneficiary’s passport, allowing them to travel to the United States.
• Travel to the U.S.: Once the visa is issued, the beneficiary can travel to the United States. Upon arrival, they become a U.S. permanent resident.
• Green Card Processing: After entering the United States, the individual will receive their green card, which is evidence of their lawful permanent residency. This typically involves further paperwork and biometric appointments.

It’s important to note that consular processing can vary depending on the type of immigrant visa being sought (e.g., family-sponsored, employment-based, diversity visa), and the specific requirements may differ. Additionally, certain individuals, such as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, may have expedited processing.

Consular processing is an essential part of the U.S. immigration system and is used by millions of people each year to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States.

How to apply for an IR-2 visa?

An IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa for the child (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of a U.S. citizen who is seeking to immigrate to the United States. To apply for an IR-2 visa, you generally need to follow these steps:

• File an Immigrant Petition (Form I-130): The first step is for the U.S. citizen parent to file an immigrant petition (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative) on behalf of the child. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child. You can file this form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Wait for Petition Approval: After USCIS receives the Form I-130, they will review it and, if approved, will issue an approval notice. The processing time can vary, but you can check the USCIS website or contact them for current processing times.
• Wait for Visa Availability: Once the I-130 petition is approved, the child’s eligibility category (F2A for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) must be current in the Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. Visa availability is determined based on the child’s country of origin and the priority date (the date USCIS received the Form I-130).
• Submit Visa Application: When the child’s priority date becomes current, the U.S. citizen parent will receive notification from the National Visa Center (NVC) with instructions for submitting the visa application and supporting documents. This typically involves completing the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application online and paying the visa fees.
• Attend Medical Examination: The child will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The results of the medical examination are submitted as part of the visa application.
• Attend Visa Interview: The child will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, the child will be asked questions about their eligibility and intent to immigrate to the United States.
• Complete Visa Processing: If the visa is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will place an immigrant visa on the child’s passport. The child can then travel to the United States.
• Travel to the U.S.: Upon arrival in the United States, the child becomes a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• Receive Green Card: The child’s green card will be mailed to the U.S. address provided during the visa application process.

It’s essential to follow all instructions provided by USCIS, the NVC, and the U.S. embassy or consulate carefully. The process and required documents can vary depending on individual circumstances, so it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or seek guidance from the appropriate U.S. government agencies to ensure a successful IR-2 visa application.