Getting your green card through a U.S. consulate is a very different process from applying inside the United States. For many families, the path to lawful permanent residence must happen outside the country. This process is called Consular Processing, and it can feel stressful because it involves interviews abroad, long distances, and the fear of being separated from loved ones.

At Rebecca Kitson Law, we help you understand what will happen before, during, and after the interview. We explain the steps in simple language, prepare your documents with care, and guide your family so no one feels confused or alone. Our goal is to make the process clearer and more manageable, especially when travel and separation are involved.

Whether your case is based on family sponsorship, a waiver, a humanitarian petition, or a fiancé(e) visa, we walk with you through each stage so you can move forward with more confidence.

What Consular Processing Really Means

Consular Processing is the method of applying for a green card from outside the United States, usually through a U.S. consulate or embassy. Many people take this path because of how they entered the U.S. or because a waiver is required.

This process often includes:

• Preparing documents in the U.S.
• Completing a medical exam in your home country
• Attending an interview at a U.S. consulate
• Returning to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident

For families, the hardest part is usually the idea of being separated, even if only for a short time. We prepare you carefully so the process feels as predictable as possible.

Who Consular Processing Is For

Consular Processing may be the right option if you or your loved one fits one of these situations:

Family-Based Green Card Applicants
A spouse, parent, or other qualifying relative is sponsoring you for residency.

People Needing Provisional Waivers (I-601A)
You need forgiveness for unlawful presence before leaving the U.S. for your consular interview.

Waivers Filed Abroad (I-601 and Related)
You must request forgiveness for certain past immigration issues from outside the United States.

Humanitarian and Self-Petition Cases
You qualify for a green card through a U visa, T visa, or VAWA and must complete part of the process abroad.

Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants
You are engaged to a U.S. citizen and need a K-1 visa to enter the U.S., marry, and later apply for a green card. K-2 visas may apply to children.

If you are not sure where your case fits, that’s very normal. We take the time to understand your history and explain the safest path forward.

Do Any of These Situations Feel Familiar?

Traveling for your consular interview can feel stressful, and many families share the same worries and experiences. Here are situations you might recognize:

A spouse preparing to travel for the interview
A husband must go to Ciudad Juárez for his appointment, and his family fears being apart. We prepare him for the interview, explain the likely timeline, and guide his family through each step.

A family needing a provisional waiver
A mother qualifies for a green card but must first show hardship to her U.S. citizen family. We help gather strong evidence and present her family’s story clearly.

A fiancé(e) waiting abroad
A partner in Guatemala or El Salvador is nervous about the K-1 visa interview. We explain the requirements, prepare both partners, and help them feel more confident before the appointment.

A parent trying to reunite with a child
A child abroad is waiting for approval to join a parent in the U.S. We guide the sponsor and the child through each step so the family can reunite safely.

Someone with past immigration issues
A person fears that a mistake from many years ago will stop their case. We review their history, prepare any needed waivers, and create a strategy that fits their situation.

These are very common experiences — and no one should face them alone.

How We Support You Through Consular Processing

We prepare your case fully before anyone travels.
Your documents, waivers, and forms are organized so the interview is as smooth as possible.

We explain the interview in simple, clear terms.
You will know what the officer may ask, what to bring, and how to answer with confidence.

We guide your family while you are away.
We stay available to your loved ones so they always know what’s happening.

We respond quickly to consulate requests.
If more documents are needed, we help you submit them correctly and without delay.

We stay with you until you return as a permanent resident.
From paperwork to visa issuance, we guide you every step of the way.

Common Questions About Consular Processing

How long will I be away from my family?
It depends on the consulate and your case, but we prepare everything early to reduce the time apart.

What if I entered the U.S. without papers?
You may still qualify, especially with a waiver. We review your full history before any travel.

Is the interview difficult?
It can feel intimidating, but we prepare you so you know what to expect.

Where do interviews take place?
Usually at the U.S. consulate in your home country.

What if the consulate asks for more information?
We help you respond correctly so your case does not get stuck.

Can people be approved even with past mistakes?
Yes. Many people qualify with waivers. Your past does not automatically close the door.

When You’re Ready, We’re Here to Help

Consular Processing affects the whole family, not just the person traveling. You deserve preparation, clarity, and steady support throughout the journey.

When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk with you — from preparation to interview to the moment you enter the United States as a resident.