Consular Processing: Bringing Your Family Member to the U.S.

Facilitating Green Cards for Family Members Outside the U.S.

Consular processing is the procedure used by family members outside the U.S. to apply for a visa and ultimately obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. For U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, this is the process that allows spouses, children, and other eligible family members to reunite and start a new life in the U.S.

At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we guide individuals and families through each step of consular processing to ensure that every document is in place, and the journey is as smooth as possible.

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Who Needs Consular Processing?

Consular processing is required for individuals who are outside the United States and wish to immigrate through a family-based petition. The following family members can be sponsored for a green card through consular processing:

U.S. Citizens Sponsoring

  • Spouses
  • Children (under 21)
  • Parents

 

Green Card Holders Sponsoring

  • Spouses
  • Children (under 21)

Consular processing is available for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and family preference categories for spouses and children of green card holders.

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The Consular Processing Steps

The consular processing procedure is broken down into several steps, which must be followed carefully to ensure a successful outcome.

Step 1: Filing the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

  • I-130 is the initial petition filed by the U.S. citizen or green card holder to establish the family relationship.
  • After approval, USCIS will forward the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

Step 2: NVC Processing

  • Once the I-130 petition is approved, the NVC will assign a visa number and provide instructions on submitting required documents such as passport, police certificates, and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
  • The NVC will also collect fees and verify that all required documents are complete before scheduling an interview.

Step 3: Immigrant Visa Interview

  • The applicant must attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country.
  • The consular officer will review the family relationship and check for any eligibility issues.
  • The applicant will undergo a medical exam and must provide any required vaccinations.

Step 4: Visa Approval & Issuance

  • If the consular officer is satisfied, the immigrant visa is approved, and the applicant can travel to the U.S. to receive lawful permanent resident status.

Step 5: Entry to the U.S. and Green Card Issuance

  • Upon arrival in the U.S., the immigrant is granted lawful permanent residency and receives their green card by mail.
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Common Concerns with Consular Processing

While consular processing is an important step in the family-based immigration process, there are several common concerns that applicants should be aware of:

  • Delays in the interview process – Processing times can vary significantly, especially due to visa backlogs and embassy delays.
  • Medical exams and vaccination requirements – Immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical exam and meet vaccination requirements before entering the U.S.
  • Age-out issues – Children who turn 21 during the process may no longer qualify for certain family-based categories.
  • Consular Processing delays – Sometimes, applications can be delayed due to administrative processing or missing documentation.
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How can Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration Help?

  • Expert guidance on petition filing to ensure the correct documents are submitted.
  • Navigating the consular processing process to ensure timely submission of all documents and required forms.
  • Preparation for the visa interview – We ensure you are fully prepared for your consular interview to minimize any complications.
  • Assistance with common issues, such as visa delays, age-out issues, and handling any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Why Partner with Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration?

  • Personalized Strategy: Each case receives a tailored approach based on specific circumstances.
  • Proven Track Record: Success in uniting families through immigration solutions.
  • Clear Communication: Regular updates and transparency throughout the legal process.
  • Dedicated Advocacy: Persistent efforts to achieve favorable case outcomes.
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See What Our Clients Say About Us!

""I am beyond grateful for the incredible support I received from my immigration lawyer, Ava Benach, and her amazing team. From the very start, they treated me with kindness, patience, and understanding, making a complex and overwhelming process feel manageable. Despite the challenges of my case, Ava made the impossible possible. She is not only an exceptional attorney but also a compassionate and generous human being who genuinely cares about her clients. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering support were invaluable to me. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ava’s wonderful colleagues, Ashley and Erica, who were incredibly helpful, meticulous, and always punctual. Their attention to detail and commitment made all the difference, and I truly appreciate their hard work. The level of service I received was worth far more than the fees we paid. Ava’s knowledge and professionalism are unmatched, and I trusted her completely every step of the way. If you need an immigration lawyer who will fight for you while treating you with respect and care, I wholeheartedly recommend Ava Benach and her team. Thank you, Ava, Ashley, Erica, and the entire team, for everything you have done for me!"" - Abdullah K.
""For those of you who need immigration assistance from a kind human soul and an expert lawyer, you don’t need to look further than Ava Benach. I have known Ava since around 2013, and throughout the years, she has been more than just my lawyer—she has been a trusted advocate, a source of strength, and a guiding light during uncertain times. From the very first moment I spoke with her, I felt an immediate sense of trust and reassurance. She listens with genuine care, treats every case with the utmost dedication, and makes sure her clients fully understand their options. Ava’s expertise in immigration law is unmatched. She has an incredible ability to break down even the most complex legal matters, ensuring her clients feel informed and empowered. She is not just a brilliant attorney—she is also a compassionate human being who truly cares about the people she represents. Beyond her legal work, Ava’s dedication to helping others extends to her writing and advocacy. Her blog on naturalized citizenship and denaturalization is just one example of how she takes the time to educate and support not only her clients but also the wider immigrant community. She goes above and beyond to make sure people have the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their journey with confidence. I cannot fully express how grateful I am to have had Ava by my side. She is an exceptional attorney who fights tirelessly for justice while treating her clients with kindness, respect, and unwavering support. If you need an immigration lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate, Ava Benach is the one to call. Thank you, Ava, for everything you have done for me and for so many others. You are truly making a difference in the world, and I am forever grateful."" - Genet A.
""I am incredibly grateful to Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my immigration case. From the very first consultation, I felt welcomed and assured that I was in good hands. The team was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely caring, taking the time to answer all my questions and explain the process in detail. Ava and Sarah were especially helpful, and they guided me every step of the way, providing clear communication and keeping me updated on progress. Their hard work and dedication made a significant difference in experience. I highly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration to anyone in need of immigration assistance. They are truly a team of professionals who care about their clients and fight for their success. Thank you once again, Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration !"" - Raymond A.
""I cannot express enough gratitude to Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Thanks to your professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of immigration law, I now have my green card. From day one, your team demonstrated a genuine commitment to my case, providing not only expert advice but also compassionate support that made all the difference in this important process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration to anyone looking for a reliable, professional and efficient team for immigration matters and thank you. miss sarah pitney for helping me in this long process that gave everything so that i was in the best way thank you for everything"" - Carlos M.
""I cannot express enough gratitude to Benach Collopy LLP. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of immigration law, I now have my green card. From day one, their team demonstrated genuine commitment to my case, providing not only expert advice but also compassionate support that made all the difference in this important process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Benach Collopy LLP to anyone seeking a reliable, professional, and efficient team for immigration matters. Thank you for changing my life!"" - Alessia O.
""Ava is an immigration powerhouse! Her expertise and commitment to her clients are unmatched. While other lawyers were at a loss, Ava took charge and confidently navigated our case with precision. From day one, she knew exactly what needed to be done and executed it flawlessly. Thanks to Ava’s relentless dedication, we have our green card! She went above and beyond, and we are beyond grateful for her exceptional work. If you need an immigration expert, Ava is the one you want on your side."" - Fede P.
""My Immigration Journey: From Uncertainty to Triumph! I embarked on my immigration journey 5-6 years ago, navigating uncharted waters with little understanding of the complex process. I faced numerous challenges, changed lawyers, and sought answers, but to no avail. That was until I found Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Through diligent research, I discovered the right team and was fortunate to have Dree as my initial consultation attorney. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, and provided invaluable guidance, setting the tone for a successful partnership. As my case progressed, I had the pleasure of working with David, who took the reins and expertly navigated me through the remaining process. David, you are a beacon of hope, guidance, and humility. Your selflessness, compassion, and willingness to help are traits that make you an outstanding attorney and an inspiration to many. Under the exceptional guidance of Dree and David, my immigration process transformed from a daunting task to a manageable and successful journey. The entire team's professionalism, empathy, and commitment to excellence are unparalleled. To anyone seeking immigration guidance, I highly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Sofia , David, and the team are the epitome of excellence, and I'm honored to have had the privilege of working with them. Thank you, David and Sofia for being shining examples of what it means to serve with humility and kindness."" - Shoukat A.