CONSULAR PROCESS

Once you are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, there are two ways to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). If you are outside of the United States, you may apply at a U.S. Department of State consulate abroad for an immigrant visa in order to come to the United States and be admitted as a permanent resident. This pathway is referred to as consular processing.

If you are already in the United States, you can apply for permanent resident status without having to return to your home country to complete processing. This process is called adjustment of status. For more information, see our Adjustment of Status page.

Steps for Consular Process:

1. Determine your basis to immigrate
2. File the Immigrant Petition
3. Wait for a Decision on your petition
4. Wait for notification for the National Visa Center
5. Go to your appointment
6. Notify the National Visa Center of any changes
7. After your Vis is granted
8. Receive your Green Card

Source: United States Citizenship & Immigration Services