Queens Consular Visa Lawyer

The consular visa process is necessary for those living abroad seeking to enter the U. S legally. It is also necessary for U.S citizens trying to bring family members, fiancés to the U.S. Here at Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., we work closely with U.S citizens and U.S. residents to make sure that the State Department receives the necessary information and documentation to help the consular process work smoothly. Our Queens immigration lawyer advises clients in advance of the steps that have to be taken so that the clients can comply timely with the request of the National Visa Center to receive their consular visa. Contact our firm today.

What is a Consular Visa?

A consular visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter the United States legally after completing an application process through a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. This process is often necessary for individuals who are living abroad and have a family or employment-based reason to come to the United States. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen petitioning for a spouse, fiancé, child, or parent, or an employer seeking to bring a worker to the U.S., a consular visa is often the required path.

Unlike adjustment of status, which occurs inside the United States, the consular visa process happens outside the country and involves an interview with a consular officer. The visa must be approved before the applicant can travel to the U.S. This makes it especially important to ensure all documentation is accurate and that the applicant is prepared for the consular interview.

What is the Process Like?

The consular visa process involves several steps that must be followed carefully to avoid delays or denials. Here is a basic overview of how the process works:

1. Filing a Petition: A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident begins the process by filing the appropriate petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—typically Form I-130 for family-based visas or Form I-129F for fiancés.
2. Petition Approval: Once USCIS approves the petition, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will begin processing the case.
3. NVC Processing: The NVC assigns a case number and requests documentation, including civil documents, the affidavit of support (Form I-864), and visa application fees. This is a crucial step, and delays often happen here without proper guidance.
4. Visa Application (Form DS-260): The applicant must complete the online immigrant visa application form (DS-260) and submit it through the U.S. Department of State’s website.
5. Consular Interview Preparation: After documents are reviewed and accepted by the NVC, the case is transferred to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The applicant will receive notice of an interview date.
6. Medical Examination: Prior to the interview, the applicant must complete a medical examination by a physician authorized by the U.S. consulate.
7. Consular Interview: The applicant attends the interview with a consular officer, bringing all required documents. The officer will ask questions about the applicant’s background, relationship (if applicable), and reason for immigration.
8. Visa Issuance: If the consular officer approves the visa, the applicant’s passport will be returned with the visa stamp, and they can then travel to the United States to be admitted as a permanent resident.

Each step has its own requirements and deadlines. At Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., we guide clients through each phase to ensure nothing is missed and everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Contact an Astoria Consular Visa Lawyer

If you’re seeking a consular visa, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., we have decades of experience representing clients through every phase of this process, and we’re here to put that experience to work for you, too. Contact a dedicated consular visa lawyer from our firm for an initial consultation today.