How to Start the Consular Processing for Your Family in New Jersey
If you have family members living outside the United States who want to join you in New Jersey, you may need to go through the consular processing. Consular processing is a procedure for obtaining an immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate outside the country. Here are the steps you need to follow to start the consular processing for your family in New Jersey:
Step 1: Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)
To begin the consular processing, you need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes a familial relationship between the US citizen or lawful permanent resident and the foreign family member. You need to submit this form to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and evidence of US citizenship or permanent residency.
Step 2: Wait for the Approval Notice
Once the USCIS approves your I-130 petition, you will receive an Approval Notice. This notice confirms that your petition has been approved and that your case has been forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
Step 3: Pay the Fees and Submit the Required Documents to NVC
After receiving the Approval Notice, you need to pay the fees and submit the required documents to the NVC. The NVC will review your case and ask for additional documentation, if necessary. You will need to provide documentation such as a copy of the Approval Notice, passport-style photos, and a completed visa application form.
Step 4: Attend the Interview
Once the NVC has reviewed and accepted all the required documents, they will forward your case to the US embassy or consulate in your family member’s home country. The embassy or consulate will schedule an interview for your family member. During the interview, your family member will be asked questions to determine their eligibility for a US visa.
Step 5: Receive Visa and Travel to the United States
If your family member is approved for a US visa, they will receive the visa in their passport. They can then travel to the United States and apply for admission at the port of entry.
It’s important to note that the consular processing timeline can vary depending on several factors, such as the embassy’s workload, the complexity of the case, and the availability of visa numbers. Therefore, it’s essential to plan accordingly and be patient throughout the process.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that consular processing may not be the best option for every case. If your family member is already in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, they may be eligible to adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident without leaving the country. Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Starting the consular processing for your family in New Jersey requires careful planning, thorough documentation, and patience. By following the steps outlined above and working with an experienced immigration attorney, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and reuniting with your loved ones in the United States.
As a team of experienced immigration attorneys, we at The Scheer Immigration Law Group can provide comprehensive legal assistance with starting the consular processing for your family in New Jersey. We can assess your eligibility, prepare and file forms and documents, respond to requests for evidence, communicate with USCIS and NVC, prepare for the interview, and address any issues or delays that may arise during the process. With our expertise and guidance, we can help you increase your chances of a successful outcome and be reunited with your loved ones in the United States.