Doraville Family-Based Consular Processing Immigration Lawyer

Consular processing happens when a person (a beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition with an immigrant visa number on hand) applies at a US Department of State Embassy for an immigrant visa to come to the US. The ultimate goal is to be admitted as a permanent resident. The process is complicated and may take many months, but a Doraville family-based consular processing immigration lawyer will help you gather and prepare documents, complete consular interviews, pay the right fees, and file forms correctly. Contact a dedicated family immigration attorney for help with your visa.

Consular Processing Immigration for Families

The first step is to determine which specific immigrant category applies. Many people become eligible for permanent residency and a green card through a petition filed by their family member or an employer. Other options, like refugee status, might also apply. A Family-based consular processing immigration lawyer in Doraville could help applicants decide the best choice.

About the I-130 Form

Moving forward, family-based consular processing requires that a US citizen or permanent resident relative file a Form I-130, a Petition for Alien Relative.

This maze of paperwork must be completed with care, complete with signatures, dates, and copies of important documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports.

Although individuals typically file immigrant petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they may, in some cases, submit an I-130 petition for an immediate relative through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Examples of these special situations include:

Military families
Emergency situations
Issues involving the health or safety of the petitioner
And unique situations involving the national interests of the US

Then, the petitioner waits to hear from USCIS, and the Consulate will schedule an interview. Once that appointment is scheduled, everyone involved in the petition must fill out a DS-160 form and pay visa processing fees.

It’s essential to navigate each step correctly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials. A Doraville family-based consular processing immigration attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that all forms are properly completed and submitted on time.

The Consular Processing Interview

The family must bring proof that they filed the DS-160 and proof of payment to the interview. They must also bring birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, etc.

At the interview, the consular officer decides if the beneficiary is eligible for an immigrant visa. The consular officer has the discretion to deny the issuance of the visa, so families should be on their best behavior. Speak politely and answer all questions. A Doraville family-based consular processing immigration attorney can help ensure all required documents are in order and that applicants are fully prepared for the interview.

Do Not Open the Visa Packet

Once granted an immigrant visa, the consular officer will provide the applicant with a packet of information called a Visa Packet. Applicants should not open this packet. Instead, give it to Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry. A customs officer will inspect individuals, and if found admissible, they will be admitted into the US as legal permanent residents with the authority to live and work here permanently.

Call a Doraville Family-Based Consular Processing Immigration Lawyer to Learn More

An experienced, knowledgeable Doraville family-based consular processing immigration lawyer could help you navigate this immense maze of challenges. Whether you need help filling out paperwork, selecting which fees to pay, gathering the necessary documents, or even practicing for the consular processing interview, we can help.