What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is how a person gets an immigrant visa for a US green card through a US embassy or consulate abroad, instead of adjusting status inside the US. The National Visa Center handles the case, the applicant attends an interview and the visa is issued if approved. The person becomes a permanent resident on entering the US.

Example

An applicant living in India with an approved immigrant petition and a current priority date completes the forms, attends the consular interview and, if approved, travels to the US with the immigrant visa.

Related

• What Is Green Card? Definition and Example
• What Is TN Visa? Definition and Example

See adjustment of status and visa bulletin.

Related terms and guides

• Adjustment of status
• Visa Bulletin
• Green card backlog for Indians

Sources

• USCIS, Consular Processing, https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/consular-processing, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.