What are the steps in Consular Processing and estimated processing times?

1. The USCIS forwards the approved immigrant petition (the I-797 Notice of Action) to the National Visa Center (NVC) if the alien has indicated his desire to apply for consular processing. Otherwise, he/she has to file Form I-824 to request consular processing; (6-8 weeks)

2. The NVC sends an information and forms packet (Packet 3) to the alien when an immigrant visa number becomes available; (2-3 weeks after the immigrant visa number has become available)

3. The Alien and his family complete Packet 3 and return it to the NVC; (2 weeks)

4. The NVC processes Packet 3; (6-8 weeks)

5. The NVC notifies the State Department Visa Office of the completed Packet 3 processing and requests allocation of visa numbers for the alien and his family; (2-4 weeks)

6.The NVC schedules an immigrant visa processing appointment for the alien and his family at the U.S. consulate which issues immigrant visas. (6-8 months) The alien must attend the appointment at the U.S. consulate abroad.

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