Consular Process Attorneys
There are two ways to get a green card: you can apply for an adjustment of status if you are already in the United States, or you can go through consular processing if you are outside the country. The U.S. Department of State has consulate locations all over the world, making it easy for you to attend your appointments, submit your paperwork, and otherwise complete the parts of the immigration process that must be done in your home country.
Looking for help with this process so you can get to the United States as quickly as possible? It’s time to talk to Castillo & Associates. Call us at 800-497-9774 to discuss your next steps.
Applying for a Green Card Outside the United States
If you’re applying for a green card outside the United States, you may feel overwhelmed with your ever-growing to-do list. The immigration process involves numerous agencies, both in your home country and in the United States. Any delay by any of these agencies or any error in your documentation could cause unnecessary delays. Knowing what to expect from the process and what your obligations are can help you work as efficiently as possible.
When you begin the immigration process in your home country, your main point of contact will be your local U.S. consulate or embassy.
What to Expect From the Consular Process
As you prepare to start this process, verify your intended immigrant category and double-check that you meet the requirements for that category. Most applicants go the employment-based or family-based route, but there are other options. These include immigration for refugees and asylees, those who have suffered domestic abuse at the hands of an American spouse, and less-common immigration routes.
The process actually starts in the United States when your sponsor petitions on your behalf. If you are part of a class that does not require a sponsor, you can petition for yourself. If your application is accepted, you move onto the next step and wait for a visa in your category to open up. Make sure to talk to an attorney right away if the petition is denied—your attorney can help you decide your next step.
After a visa opens up in your category, you’ll schedule an interview at your local U.S. consulate. Prior to the appointment, you will attend a biometrics appointment and have your fingerprints taken. Additionally, you will need to attend a medical examination to prove that you meet the health requirements for immigration.
The U.S. consulate will review all of your documentation and verify your eligibility for a green card or visa. Should your application be approved, you will be permitted to enter the United States. Once you reach the United States, you will hand over your visa packet. Assuming that everything is in order, Customs and Border Patrol will permit you to enter the United States.
At that point, you are officially a permanent resident of the United States. Look for your physical green card in the mail. Ensure that you keep up with all renewal requirements and respond to all contact from immigration officials promptly.
What happens if you are denied at any step in this process? Don’t panic—there are still options available to you. If you are found to be inadmissible to the United States, you may be able to request a waiver that will allow you to enter the country. If there is an issue with your paperwork or documentation, you can work with an attorney to correct the issues and try again.
How Castillo & Associates Can Help
The best way to avoid delays and setbacks is to work with an attorney from the very beginning. If you wait for issues to crop up before you talk to a lawyer, you have already lost valuable time. While we are happy to step in and assist wherever you are in the process, you may find it easier and less stressful to work with our team from the start. We’ll help you avoid common errors and issues that may delay your immigration process or require you to attend additional appointments.
Choose Castillo & Associates for Your Immigration Needs
We know how important this is to you, and we approach every case with the attention to detail it deserves. A lot hinges on your ability to enter the United States, so don’t take any chances. Call the team at Castillo & Associates to guide you through the consular process. Call us at 800-497-9774 or reach out online to get started.
