Green cards for relatives and immigrants living abroad
When the person immigrating lives outside the United States, the green card is obtained through consular processing. After USCIS approves the petition, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which collects fees and documents, then schedules an immigrant visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. After entering the US on the immigrant visa, the green card arrives by mail. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you avoid the document problems that most often delay NVC cases.
The NVC and consular process
- Petition approved. USCIS approves the I-130, I-140 or other petition and sends the case to the NVC.
- NVC case creation. You receive a case number and access to the State Department’s online system.
- Fees. You pay the immigrant visa and Affidavit of Support fees.
- DS-260 immigrant visa application. The applicant completes the online application with their background and history.
- Civil documents and financial evidence. You upload birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, passports and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) with tax and income records.
- Documentarily qualified. Once NVC accepts everything, the case waits for an interview date.
- Medical exam and interview. The applicant attends a medical exam with an approved physician and an interview at the embassy or consulate.
- Visa and entry. Once approved, the applicant travels to the US and becomes a permanent resident on entry.
Common causes of delay
- Missing or incorrectly translated civil documents
- Affidavit of Support errors or income shortfalls
- Inconsistent answers between forms
- Administrative processing after the interview
We review every document before it is submitted to reduce rejections and keep your case moving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does NVC processing take? It varies by embassy, visa category and how quickly documents are submitted. Some categories also wait for a priority date to become current.
Can you attend the interview? Attorneys generally cannot attend consular interviews, but we prepare the applicant thoroughly beforehand.
Talk to a consular processing attorney
Book a Zoom consultation to get your NVC case organized and ready for interview.
This page is general information, not legal advice.