What consular processing is
If you are outside the US, or inside on a non-immigrant visa but want to pick up your green card abroad, you take the consular processing path. The application moves from USCIS to the State Department's National Visa Center (NVC), which handles fees, documents, and embassy scheduling.
Step-by-step
- 1. Petition approved - I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) approved by USCIS.
- 2. USCIS transfers the case to NVC once the priority date is current.
- 3. NVC fees - pay the immigrant visa fee and affidavit of support fee.
- 4. DS-260 - complete the online immigrant visa application.
- 5. Civil documents - upload birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificates, etc.
- 6. Documentarily qualified - once NVC accepts everything, the case is ready for interview.
- 7. Interview scheduled - at the US embassy/consulate covering your residence.
- 8. Medical exam - completed by a panel physician before the interview.
- 9. Interview - typically 5-15 minutes; bring originals.
- 10. Visa issued and travel - green card mailed once you enter the US.
AOS vs CP comparison
| Factor | Adjustment of Status (AOS) | Consular Processing (CP) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the US | US embassy abroad |
| Form | I-485 | DS-260 |
| EAD while waiting | Yes (C09) | No |
| Travel while pending | Only with advance parole | Free - you are abroad anyway |
| 75-country freeze (2026) | Not affected by freeze | Affected - interviews paused at frozen posts |
| Processing time | 8-16 months | 6-12 months (no freeze) |
| Cost (approximate) | $1,440 | $700 (NVC + interview) |
| Decision style | Paper review + occasional interview | Single in-person interview |
| Refusal handling | Motion to reopen / appeal at USCIS | Limited; usually must re-petition |
When to choose CP
- You are already outside the US and have no reason to move temporarily.
- Your home country embassy has shorter waits than USCIS field offices.
- You want a single decisive interview rather than years of paper review.
- You need to travel freely during the process.
When to stay with AOS
- You are already in the US in valid status.
- Your country is on the 2026 freeze list - CP interviews are paused.
- You need the EAD or advance parole benefits while waiting.
- You prefer flexibility to respond to RFEs in writing rather than at interview.