Providing Valuable Consular Processing Guidance
There are multiple ways foreign nationals can gain lawful entry into the United States. For example, people who are currently living in other countries can seek immigrant visas from their home country, and if their petitions are granted, they will be admitted into the United States as lawful permanent residents. This path, which is known as consular processing, has many benefits, but it can be challenging for people to navigate on their own. If you want to immigrate to the United States and currently live in another country, it is smart to engage the services of an immigration attorney.
At O’Neil Hauser Mansfield, P.C., our capable Boston consular processing attorneys are skilled at helping people in other countries obtain immigrant visas, and we can gather the information needed to help you seek your desired outcome. Our lawyers have valuable immigration law experience, and immigration makes up 100% of our practice. We have an office in Boston, and we help people around the world with immigration issues.
Seeking A Green Card Via Consular Processing
People living outside of the United States can seek green cards via consular processing. First, they must determine if they are eligible to obtain lawful permanent resident status, which is commonly referred to as having a green card. There are multiple ways to become eligible, but the majority of immigrants become eligible for green cards via petitions filed on their behalf by employers or family members.
Once a person determines he or she is eligible for consular processing, the person’s sponsor must file a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the person. USCIS will then notify the individual of its decision. If a petition is approved, USCIS will send it to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC), where it will remain until an immigrant visa number is available. If the petition is denied, the notice will set forth the reasons for the denial and indicate whether the decision may be appealed. The NVC will advise the applicant of any necessary fees and what documentation he or she must provide and will forward the case to the nearest United States consult or embassy, which will then schedule an in-person interview.
The Consular Interview Process
Before the interview, the applicant must undergo a medical exam. During the interview, the consular officer will place the applicant under oath and ask questions regarding the information set forth in the forms and documents. The purpose of the interview is to ensure that the applicant is truthful and eligible for a green card. After the interview is over, the consular officer will determine whether the applicant is eligible for an immigrant visa.
If the applicant is granted a visa, the consular officer will give the individual a sealed packet, referred to as the Visa Packet, which the applicant must give to the United States Customs and Border Patrol officer at the point of entry into the United States. The officer will inspect the packet and decide whether to admit the applicant into the United States as a lawful permanent resident. If so, the applicant will be able to remain in the United States permanently.
Work With An Experienced Boston Immigration Attorney Today
There are multiple pathways to gaining legal entry to the United States, and some people are able to obtain immigrant visas before they leave their native countries. If you are interested in immigrating to the United States via consular processing, it is wise to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The experienced Boston immigration lawyers of O’Neil Hauser Mansfield, P.C., are adept at handling a variety of immigration matters, and we have the knowledge and resources needed to provide prompt and effective services. Several of our lawyers are bilingual, and we offer translation services in many languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek, Italian, French, and Arabic.
We have decades of experience working with with multiple government agencies, which we have cultivated over our many years in practice, and we are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. You can contact us at our office in Boston to set up a meeting by calling 617-855-0444 or using our online form.