United States

Consular Processing

Pathway for beneficiaries outside the US to obtain an immigrant or non-immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate.

Validity

Issued visa permits entry; LPR status granted upon admission for immigrant visas

Processing Time

Varies by post and category — National Visa Center stage typically 2 – 6 months after petition approval

Pathway

Direct path to LPR for immigrant visa applicants admitted to the US

Section 01

Eligibility

Core criteria an applicant must meet to file under this category.

Approved underlying petition (I-130, I-140, etc.) or qualifying non-immigrant basis
Current priority date for preference categories
Admissible to the US (no disqualifying criminal, health, security, or fraud grounds)

Section 02

Income Requirements

Financial Threshold

I-864 Affidavit of Support at 125% of federal poverty guidelines for family-based immigrant visas (100% for military petitioners).

Other Qualifications

Documents & Conditions

Supporting requirements typically reviewed before and during the application.

DS-260 (immigrant) or DS-160 (non-immigrant) submission
Civil documents per the post's reciprocity schedule
Medical exam by a panel physician
Police certificates from every country of residence after age 16 (immigrant visas)
Consular interview

ImportantEligibility criteria, financial thresholds, and processing times are set by the relevant immigration authorities and change periodically. The figures shown are current general guidance only and do not constitute legal advice. We confirm exact requirements for your case during consultation.