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Consular processing can be an effective means of obtaining a green card in the U.S. if a sponsee is abroad at the time of applying. U.S. Department of State (DOS) consulates can help simplify the process, and a family immigration lawyer could further assist with this process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Learn more about how consular processing works, and reach out to us to consult with a Lombard family-based consular processing immigration lawyer for help.

What Is Consular Processing?

Consular processing involves a U.S. green card applicant going through an American consulate or embassy while abroad to complete the application process. By taking the right steps and working with a reliable sponsor, prospective immigrants can successfully obtain their permanent resident cards, formerly known as green cards, and legally enter the U.S.

What Is Required for Consular Processing?

If an individual wishes to enter the U.S. and obtain a green card through consular processing, the applicant will need to:

  • Determine eligibility for a green card
  • Identify a family member to serve as a sponsor and have them file an immigrant petition
  • Await a decision from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the application
  • Receive notification from the National Visa Center (NVC) upon their receipt of your application
  • Attend an interview with an immigration official to further confirm eligibility
  • Wait for a final decision and reception of the green card

The USCIS website provides more details about what to expect with this process. Additionally, an immigration lawyer with experience handling family-based consular processing in Lombard could assist both sponsors and sponsees.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Family-Based Consular Processing

Whether a sponsor or sponsee wants some help with consular processing in Lombard, an immigration attorney with experience handling family-based immigration could provide assistance.

The following are some of the specific ways a lawyer could assist:

Determining Eligibility

An experienced lawyer could help determine whether a sponsor or sponsee is eligible for consular processing, such as ensuring the individual meets age, residence, physical presence, and other requirements before petitioning.

Completing and Filing All Paperwork

Like other family-based immigration processes, consular processing in Lombard will require the completion and submission of multiple forms, including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

Sponsors and sponsees will also need to provide adequate supporting documentation to prove eligibility. An attorney could help complete all forms, maintain accurate and consistent information, avoid errors or incomplete information, and file forms with the appropriate agencies to increase the chance of a successful application.

Interview Preparation

Before attending an interview with an immigration official, sponsors, and sponsees could practice questions and answers with their attorney to better prepare for the interview.

Contact a Lombard Family-Based Consular Processing Immigration Attorney

Reach out today to schedule a consultation with a Lombard family-based consular processing immigration lawyer. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable attorneys could help confirm eligibility and guide you and a family member in obtaining a green card through consular processing, or we could assist you regarding other types of immigration matters.

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