Foreign nationals who desire to live in the United States as permament residents have two options.  First, those already in the United States may be eligible for a process completed in the United States known as adjustment of status. Second, those outside the United States and those already in the United States who are not eligible for adjustment of status may be eligible for a process known as consular processing.  Adjustment of status is generally a better option, but is not available to everyone.  Today's blog will describe the basic elements of consular processing.

Consular processing for permanent residency starts with a determination of the immigrant's eligibility.  Applicants must be prepared to show their inclusion in one of the appropriate immigration categories.  For many, the eligible is based on approved petitions filed by qualifying relatives or employers.  For others, eligibility rests on refugee status or another special class of immigrant.  Once the proper category has been determined, the petition is filed and approved.  Then, depending on the category, the immigrant must wait until the "priority date" is current.  When the priority date is current, the immigrant may proceed to complete the application process at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

The application includes a visa processing fee, submission of various documents to show financial support, demonstration that the immigrant does not have certain types of medical problems and a demonstration that the immigrant does not have a criminal history that would render him/her inadmissible.  If the immigrant does have a history of medical problems, immigration violations or criminal history, the immigrant may seek a waiver of these grounds of inadmissibility.  

Because of the complexity of consular processing, it is critical to have the assistance of qualified, experienced attorneys on your side.  Christiansen Law Firm specializes in assisting individuals obtain permanent resident status through consular processing.  The attorneys of Christiansen Law Firm have extensive experience in consular processing.  Contact the immigration attorneys of Christiansen Law Firm to obtain assistance with your consular processing today.