Consular Processing

Key Points to Know

  • The J-1 visa is not a “dual intent” visa, meaning that you cannot have the intent to get a green card when you apply.
  • If an individual engages in activities suggestive of immigrant intent (like marrying a U.S. citizen or initiating a green card application) within 90 days of entering the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, it might be inferred that they misrepresented their intentions.
  • A waiver allows you to simultaneously stay in the country while you adjust your status to get a green card.

Consular Processing Articles

  • J-1 Waiver Marriage to a U.S. Citizen J-1 to Green Card

    J-1 Waiver: Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

    Published on April 09, 2024

    The J-1 visa is a common and popular nonimmigrant work and study visa that encourages foreign nationals to come to the U.S. temporarily to learn and gain skills to take back to their home country. J-1 visa holders are completely free to marry U.S. citizens, but that does not automatically qualify them for permanent resident…

  • Green Card Consular Processing Cover photo

    Green Card Consular Processing Benefits & Steps

    Published on November 16, 2022

    Consular processing is a method by which a beneficiary of an approved family-based, employment-based or other immigration petition can apply for a visa through a U.S. Department of State consulate office abroad. There are many benefits when it comes to green card consular processing. However, you must first determine if you fit into an eligible…

  • H-1B Visa Application Process Cover Photo

    H-1B Application Process: Step by Step Guide

    Published on September 17, 2022

    The H-1B application process is highly complex and involves numerous steps, which are described in detail on this page. H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits foreign workers in specialty occupations to enter the country. While the H-1B already has an application process that is more complicated than most other visas, this fiscal year,…

  • IR1 Visa and CR1 Visa cover photo

    IR-1 Visa And CR-1 Visa – Key Differences, Eligibility, Application Process, Costs, And More!

    Published on July 13, 2022

    CR-1 visas and IR-1 visas are spousal visas that foreign residents can get when marrying a U.S. citizen. Although they are similar in that your spouse can secure a green card, there are some significant differences. In this article, you will learn whether CR1 or IR1 is right for you. You will also learn about…

  • Obtaining Citizenship Through Marriage

    Obtaining Citizenship Via Marriage

    Published on July 03, 2020

    As a foreign national, there are two steps to achieving U.S. citizenship through marriage. You must first become a lawful permanent resident, otherwise known as a green card holder. Once that is achieved, you can then apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. If you are already in the United States as a green…

  • E-2 Visa Interview

    E-2 Visa Interview Process, Tips, and Sample Questions

    Published on November 10, 2017

    Whether it is for a prospective job or for a U.S. visa, going through an interview can be a stressful situation. If you need to participate in an E-2 visa interview, it helps to be completely prepared long before you sit down with your consular officer. In this post we’ll answer these questions: Who needs…