Frequently Asked Questions about Consular Processing

Consular Processing Basics:

• What is Consular Processing?
• What is the benefit of Consular Processing?
• When can I begin Consular Processing?
• Who may use Consular Processing?
• How long does Consular Processing take?

Consular Processing Procedures:

• What is a Packet 3?
• What documents do I need for Consular Processing?

Consular Processing Locations:

• Where would I apply for Consular Processing
• How do I determine where the consulate is in my home country?
• I am from China.  Where do I apply for consular processing?
• I am from Hong Kong.  Where do I apply for consular processing?
• I am from Taiwan.  Where do I apply for consular processing?

Consular Processing Basics:

What is Consular Processing?

Consular Processing is the process where a beneficiary of an immigrant petition applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate overseas. 

What is the benefit of Consular Processing?

The major benefit of Consular Processing is speed in obtaining a green card. Consular Processing takes between 5 to 13 months on average. Once the Consular Processing application is approved, you enter the United States as a permanent resident.

When can I begin Consular Processing?

Consular Processing can begin only when your immigrant petition is approved and a visa number is available.

Who may use Consular Processing?

Consular processing may be used by persons who are outside of the United States, or persons who are in the United States but choose to apply at a U.S. consulate rather than applying for adjustment of status.

How long does Consular Processing take?

Generally, Consular Processing is faster than Adjustment of Status in most cases. From the date an immigrant visa is available, the average processing time is 5 to 13 months.

Consular Processing Procedures:

What is a Packet 3?

A Packet 3 is a set of forms and information sent by the National Visa Center when an immigrant visa number.  These forms must be completed by the beneficiary and family and returned to the National Visa Center.  This packet is then sent to the State Department Visa Office to request allocation of a visa number, and an appointment is scheduled for an immigrant visa processing appointment.

What documents do I need for Consular Processing?

You will need the following documents for Consular Processing:

• The Original I-797 approval notice for your I-130 or I-140 immigrant petition;
• Consular Processing application forms;
• A copy of the immigrant petition as filed;
• The receipt notice for Form I-824 (if you requested consular processing when filing your immigrant petition) or the approval notice for Form I-824 (if you requested consular processing after filing your immigrant petition);
• Medical exam;
• Birth Certificate;
• Passport;
• Military Records, if applicable;
• Marriage Certificates, if applicable;
• Documentation of termination of prior marriages (e.g. divorce decree or death certificate), if applicable;
• Evidence that your last residence was in the host country of the embassy or consulate;
• Employment information for the past 10 years;
• Address since the age of 16; and,
• Police certificates from every country where you have resided for one year or more since the age of 16.

Any documents in a foreign language must be translated into English.

Consular Processing Locations:

Where would I apply for Consular Processing?

Consular Processing must be done at the U.S. consulate or embassy in the foreign country of residence or country of birth.

How do I determine where the consulate is in my home country?

The State Department website has links to U.S. consulates around the world. 

I am from China.  Where do I apply for consular processing?

You may apply for consular processing through the U.S. Consulate at Guangzhou, China. The street address is Consulate General of the United States, 1, Shamian South Road, Guangzhou 510133, in the People's Republic of China.

I am from Hong Kong.  Where do I apply for consular processing?

You may apply for consular processing through the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong, China. The address is U.S. Consulate General, 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong, in the People's Republic of China.

I am from Taiwan.  Where do I apply for consular processing?

You may apply for consular processing through the American Institute in Taiwan. The address is American Institute in Taiwan, #7, Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan.