How long does the consular process take?

approximately 6 to 14 months
Consular processing takes approximately 6 to 14 months for immediate relatives. This time line includes I-130 processing through the consular interview. Due to the wait for a visa to become available, the process will likely take much longer for family-preference immigrants.

Do you have to go through consular processing to get a green card?

Applicants living outside the United States must normally use consular processing to apply for a green card. Applying through consular processing means you’ll wait in your home country while your green card application is processed.

What do I need to do to apply for a green card?

If you are eligible to apply for a Green Card, you then need to determine which process to use – adjustment of status or consular processing. Where are you?

What happens when you apply for a consular visa?

Only after the consular personnel interview and approve the person for an immigrant visa can he or she enter the United States and claim lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Most immigrants will have no choice but to use consular processing as their green card application method, especially if they are already living overseas.

Can you apply for a green card through AOs?

Some green card applicants come to the United States in order to file an AOS application instead of using consular processing, but there is no established process for doing so, and few U.S. visas allow you to enter the country with the intention of adjusting your status.

Can you apply for a green card while in consular processing?

Green card applicants may not apply through both consular processing and adjustment of status at the same time. You must choose only one or the other. Remember, only applicants that are physically present in the United States through a lawful entry may apply for a green card through adjustment of status.

If you are eligible to apply for a Green Card, you then need to determine which process to use – adjustment of status or consular processing. Where are you?

Is it better to adjust your status or go through consular processing?

If the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, and the spouse seeking a green card lives in the United States and currently has valid immigration status (that is, they have a temporary visa, such as an H-1B work visa or an F-1 student visa, that has not expired), they can choose between adjustment of status and consular processing.