Some immigrants arriving in New Jersey received their U.S. visas by going through consular processing. You use this route for lawful entry if you are still in your home country. To pursue the status of a lawful permanent resident upon entering the United States, you will approach the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. These local authorities will take your application and engage with U.S. immigration officials.
Requirements for green card eligibility
You must meet the criteria to come to United States and receive a green card, the credential needed for lawful permanent residence. For family immigration, you will need a relative who is already a U.S. citizen to support your petition. Your sponsoring relative may also be a green card holder but not yet a citizen. However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) views citizen petitioners as its priority.
You may also find success if you have a U.S. employer as a sponsor. Under these circumstances, you could have the ability to bring your immediate family members to the country while you work.
Special statuses, such as asylum seekers or refugees, also create the possibility that you can immigrate through consular processing. These special statuses allow you to petition on your behalf instead of relying on a sponsoring relative or employer.
Expect scrutiny of your application
You will face a lengthy process of submitting documentation and undergoing a medical exam. The local consulate or embassy will conduct investigations to confirm your identity and honesty regarding all of your application materials. After passing all assessments, you will receive a visa and then ultimately your green card upon settling in the United States.
