Consular processing only begins after the foreign national’s petition for lawful permanent residency is granted, and an immigrant visa number has been issued to them. Wait time to secure an immigrant visa number and apply for a green card through family-based consular processing largely depends on whether the applicant is an immediate or a family preference relative of a permanent resident in Wheaton.
After USCIS grants the applicant’s petition and issues them an immigrant visa number, the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center, a branch of the Department of State. The applicant will be required to complete additional forms and submit payment for processing fees.