The first step in the consular process is to file the appropriate applications for the corresponding visa requested at the consulate or embassy abroad.
Consular Processing
CONSULAR PROCESSING
The U.S. consular process is how individuals apply for visas at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad to enter the U.S. It involves completing the required visa application forms, scheduling and attending a visa interview, and providing supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility for the desired visa category.
The typical timeline for the U.S. consular process can have wide variations depending upon applications that must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before having your case transferred to a consulate for review, whether the application and documents need first to be submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC), and if any waivers must be filed and approved before attending consular interview. The final step in consular processing involves scheduling and attending a visa interview appointment at the U.S. consulate in the foreign national’s home country, processing and adjudication, and receiving the visa stamp in the passport if approved.
CONSULAR APPLICATION PROCESS
Visa Applications & Pay Fees
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Applicants complete the appropriate visa application forms for the type of visa being requested, pay the required fees, and schedule a visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Attend Visa Interview
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Attend the visa interview, where a consular officer reviews the application, asks questions about travel plans and eligibility, and may request additional documentation.
Wait for Approval & Visa Stamp
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Following the interview, applicants await a decision on their visa application and, if approved, receive the visa stamp in their passport, allowing them entry into the U.S.
TYPICAL CONSULAR PROCESS TIMELINE
The timeline for the U.S. consular process varies depending on factors such as the applicant's nationality, visa category, and the workload at the embassy or consulate. This process may be substantially slower if additional applications are required before requesting the consular interview.
Visa Interview Appointments
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Before advancing to a consular interview, applicants should follow all required steps for submitting applications and receiving approvals for the type of visa they seek. Depending on the kind of visa being requested, preliminary steps could take as little as a few weeks to as long as several years.
Visa Processing & Final Decision
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After the interview, visa processing times can range from a few days to several weeks before the applicant receives a decision on their visa application.
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Additional Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)