Find Philadelphia Consular Processing Attorneys

How you can obtain a green card if you are outside the United States

After U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your immigrant petition and you become eligible for a visa, you can obtain your green card through one of two methods — adjustment of status or consular processing. In most cases, a person located in the United States can adjust status to a permanent resident without leaving the country. Consular processing involves applying for permanent residency at an American consulate or embassy.

Immigration attorneys in Philadelphia communicate directly with the U.S. consulate to complete green card processing and provide detailed instructions to beneficiaries and petitioners.

From a local law office in Philadelphia, consular processing help is available

A full-service law firm handles all aspects of consular processing, including for:

• Philadelphia-based family members — Assist U.S. citizens and permanent residents with consular processing of relatives who are located outside the United States
• Pennsylvania businesses — Guide businesses through all stages of recruitment, labor certification and applying to USCIS for alien workers
• Family members and employees living abroad — Provide thorough support to green card seekers regardless of where they are located

Determining how long you must wait for visa availability

USCIS forwards approved petitions to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The application remains at NVC until a visa becomes available as indicated by a current priority date. An immigration center in Philadelphia can determine your expected date of visa availability. If a petition is unjustly denied, you may have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Prepare for your consulate appointment and admission to the United States

The U.S. consulate schedules an interview soon after a visa becomes available. A consular officer conducts an interview and provides the beneficiary with a visa packet to present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry during the CBP inspection. The beneficiary is immediately authorized to live and work in the United States and should expect to receive a green card within 30 days of arrival.

Contact an immigration attorney in Philadelphia for a free consultation

Call 267-244-1683 or use the online contact form for assistance with your immigration case from a qualified lawyer near you.