PRACTICE OVERVIEW
Guiding Families and Individuals Through the U.S. Immigration System Abroad
Consular processing is the pathway for many individuals seeking to enter the United States as lawful permanent residents. If you or your family member is outside the U.S. and pursuing a green card, The Emory Law Firm is here to help. With offices in Charlotte and Kinston, we represent clients across North Carolina and around the world with professionalism, precision, and compassion.
What Is Consular Processing?
Consular processing is the procedure for obtaining an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Once approved, the visa holder may enter the United States and immediately gain lawful permanent residency (green card status).
Who Needs Consular Processing?
Consular processing is typically used by:
- Foreign nationals living outside the United States
- Beneficiaries of family-based or employment-based immigrant petitions
- Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens applying for K-1 visas
- Diversity Visa (green card lottery) winners
Steps in the Consular Processing Journey
- Petition Approval: A family member or employer files Form I-130 or I-140 with USCIS, which must be approved before moving forward.
- Case Transfer to NVC: Once USCIS approves the petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing and fee collection.
- Document Submission: Applicants must submit civil documents, financial support forms (Form I-864), and visa applications (DS-260).
- Embassy Interview: The applicant attends a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Visa Issuance & Entry to the U.S.: If approved, the applicant receives an immigrant visa and enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.
How Our Immigration Attorneys Help
The consular process involves strict documentation, complex procedures, and high stakes. At The Emory Law Firm, we support clients at every stage:
- Petition preparation and USCIS submission
- National Visa Center (NVC) correspondence and support
- Completing and reviewing Form DS-260
- Collecting required civil and financial documents
- Interview preparation and embassy-specific guidance
- Resolving issues like inadmissibility or visa delays
Common Challenges in Consular Processing
- Delays due to missing or incorrect documentation
- Ineligibility findings or inadmissibility grounds
- Difficulty obtaining required civil documents
- Communication issues with NVC or the embassy
- Denials based on prior immigration violations or criminal history
We work to prevent these issues before they arise—and aggressively address them if they do.
Waivers of Inadmissibility
If you or your family member is found inadmissible due to unlawful presence, a criminal record, misrepresentation, or other grounds, we can assist with filing for a waiver of inadmissibility (such as Form I-601 or I-212). Our firm has experience building strong, waiver-ready cases.
Why Choose The Emory Law Firm?
- ✅ Personalized attention from start to finish
- ✅ Decades of combined experience in U.S. immigration law
- ✅ Fluent in complex visa procedures and waiver strategies
- ✅ Offices in Charlotte and Kinston for convenient access
- ✅ Trusted support for families navigating immigration from abroad
Serving Clients in North Carolina and Worldwide
Whether you’re petitioning for a loved one from the U.S. or preparing for a consular interview overseas, we’re ready to help. We proudly assist clients in Charlotte, Kinston, and surrounding communities throughout Mecklenburg County, Lenoir County, and internationally.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today
Consular processing can be intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let The Emory Law Firm guide your family’s immigration journey with confidence and care.
Charlotte Office
11020 David Taylor Dr, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28262
📞 (704) 371-4333
Kinston Office
2422 N Herritage Street
Kinston, NC 28501
📞 (704) 324-8500
Contact us today to speak with an experienced consular processing lawyer in North Carolina.