Consular processing is the procedure of applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country. It is one of two paths for obtaining an immigrant visa to the United States through family based immigration.

 

After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your request to immigrate to the U.S., USCIS sends your petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will request the immigrant visa application fee and all documents. NVC will hold your petition and all documentation until your immigrant visa interview can be scheduled at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.