Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, P.A. | The Immigration Law Firm

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Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, P.A. | The Immigration Law Firm

Immigration Law Attorneys In Florida And Latin America

Reliable Consular Processing Attorneys In Miami

Consular processing allows individuals outside the U.S. or those inside who are ineligible for Adjustment of Status (AOS) to apply for an immigrant visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate. Because consular denials generally cannot be appealed, having skilled legal representation is crucial. At Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, P.A., we provide hands-on guidance to help unite families.

Consular Processing Vs. Adjustment Of Status

While both paths lead to a green card, key differences include:

  • Location: AOS must occur inside the U.S. Consular processing applicants must complete the process abroad.
  • Applicant type: If an immigrant visa is immediately available, people who entered the U.S. legally can apply for AOS even after their nonimmigrant visa expires, as long as they qualify as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Consular processing is for applicants abroad or those with status or entry complications.
  • Work and travel: AOS applicants can apply for interim work and travel permits while waiting. Consular processing applicants cannot work in the U.S. without an approved immigrant visa.

If you can sponsor your family, applying for an immigrant visa through consular processing is a suitable option, especially when your loved ones remain abroad.

What To Expect When Applying Under Consular Processing

The steps for consular processing involve:

  • As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative, you must file a Form I-130 for your beneficiary and wait for the USCIS’s decision.
  • Following an approval, the National Visa Center collects immigrant processing fees and supporting documentation.
  • Your beneficiary must attend a scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country.
  • Upon approval, your beneficiary receives a Visa Packet, pays the USCIS Immigrant Fee and travels to the U.S.
  • Your beneficiary must surrender this to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon their arrival in the U.S. If admitted, they will hold a lawful permanent resident status and be eligible to live and work in the country.
  • Border agents admit your beneficiary as a lawful permanent resident, and their physical green card arrives by mail.

The processing speed may vary. If your relative lives in a country with low-demand consulates, they may receive a decision more quickly than those with high-demand consulates.

You Can Expect Full Attention From Our Attorneys

Consular processing can be overwhelming to navigate, but you are not alone in this. At Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, P.A., we are committed to assisting you in securing an immigrant visa for your family. Call us at 305-424-2645 or send us an email to set an appointment with our skilled consular processing lawyers.