Published: December 13, 2021
You do not have to stay within the United States while still applying for a Green Card visa. As long as you are eligible and have a sponsor who is a permanent resident or a U.S. Citizen, you may proceed with the application process in your home country or elsewhere. This process is called consular processing.
Eligibility
Before filing for an application, determine your basis for immigration first. There are many pathways to permanent residency, and the most common ones involve fiancés, spouses, family members, and employer sponsorship. However, there are also exceptional circumstances created by law, like qualifying for asylum or refugee status. If unsure about your qualifications, talk with an immigration lawyer for guidance.
Application Process
Typically, you will need a sponsor to file an immigrant petition for you. Work closely with a fiancé, spouse, family member, employer, or other authorized personnel while processing the application. Depending on your application, the USCIS may ask for different requirements. Do not forget to complete and verify them as well before submission.
Approval
The USCIS will determine whether your application will be approved or denied. Your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) if approved. Then the NVC will notify you and your sponsor about the approval. It will then collect documentary requirements and processing fees. NVC will send prompt notifications when will your visa number be available.
Appointment
Once a visa is available, the consular office will schedule an interview. The consular office will process your petition and determine if you are eligible for an immigrant visa or not.
Flying to America
After your visa is granted, the consular office will give you a Visa Packet. Upon arrival in the United States, you will need to present this to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. After verifying your packet, the CBP officer will allow your entry as a permanent resident in the United States. If you are done paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, your Green Card should arrive in the mail afterward.
Get Our Services
Working with U.S.-based immigrant lawyers can make a lot of difference when processing immigrant visas. If in need of Los Angeles immigration lawyers who have the skill, experience, and expertise, ALG Lawyers could be the right team right for you! Visit our office at 11835 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 380E, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)