Consular Processing
Applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Last verified: 2026-09-07
General overview
Consular processing is used when the intending immigrant is outside the United States. After an immigrant petition is approved and a visa number is available, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then to an embassy or consulate for document review, a medical examination and an interview. If the visa is issued, the applicant travels and is inspected at a port of entry.
Main application stages
- 1Petition approval and transfer to the National Visa Center
- 2Fee payment, forms and civil document submission
- 3Medical examination with an approved physician
- 4Interview at the embassy or consulate
- 5Visa issuance, travel and inspection at the port of entry
Who may consider this pathway
- Applicants living outside the United States, including in Canada and Iran
- Families completing a family or employment petition from abroad
- Applicants who cannot adjust status inside the United States
General eligibility considerations
- An approved petition and an available visa number
- Civil documents that meet the reciprocity requirements of the country
- Panel physician medical examination
- Admissibility findings made by the consular officer
Common documentation categories
- Passports and civil records with certified translations
- Police certificates from qualifying countries
- Financial support documents
- Petition approval notice
Important limitations
- Interview waiting times vary widely by post
- Some nationalities process at designated third-country posts
- A consular decision cannot be appealed in the ordinary sense
Frequently asked questions
Where would an Iranian applicant interview?
Designated posts and procedures are published by the Department of State and change; confirm on the official site and with U.S. counsel.
Can you attend the interview with me?
No. Representation before the Department of State is reserved to authorized U.S. representatives.
Official sources
Last verified: 2026-09-07
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