consular processing

Family Immigration

What Happens After My I-140 Is Approved?

After I-140 approval, wait for your priority date to become current, then file for adjustment of status or consular processing to obtain your green card.

Khadija DerrickJanuary 9, 2025

A couple of corporate workers consulting notes on a tablet

E-2 Visa

Can You Apply for an E-2 Visa with a Pending I-140 Petition?

You can pursue an I-140 while on an E-2 visa, but timing and strategy are crucial to avoid issues with immigrant intent and visa renewals.

Khadija DerrickNovember 6, 2024

A woman working on her laptop at a desk in her home

Family Immigration

What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying for an immigrant visa through consular processing and adjusting status to permanent resident through filing an I-485?

The consular processing option and adjustment of status option have different advantages and disadvantages such as ease of international travel, extending one’s stay in the US, and US work authorization.

Khadija DerrickFebruary 6, 2024

Questions & Answers Uncategorized

Should I check Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status on my I-140 petition?

Unless you are planning to do a concurrent filing with Form I-140 and I-485, it is generally better to check the consular processing option on your I-140 petition.

Khadija DerrickJuly 18, 2023

E-1 Visa

E-1: Change of status v. Consular Processing

E-1 Change of status v. Consular Processing.

Khadija DerrickMay 19, 2023

Immigration

Applying for a Green Card through the Immigrant Visa Process

In many cases where a noncitizen is applying for a green card through either a family based green card petition or employment based green card petition, the noncitizen may need to complete the application by applying for an immigrant visa…

Khadija DerrickNovember 2, 2022

A business man running extremely quickly

E-2 Visa Immigration

Can I expedite my E-2 visa interview?

Typically, interview dates for E-2 applications are offered after the DS-160 is submitted online and supporting documents are provided to the reviewing consulate.

Khadija DerrickNovember 2, 2022

Immigration

What is the process to apply for a green card from within the U.S.? What is the process outside the U.S.?

Green card applicants who apply from within the U.S. go through a process called adjustment of status. Applicants who apply from abroad go through a process called consular processing at a U.S. Consulate.

Khadija DerrickMarch 11, 2022

Deportation & Humanitarian Immigration Immigration

Stop Deportation by Applying for a Green Card-Consular Processing

The goal in preventing deportation/removal is not to avoid departure from the United States, but to facilitate the green card under the difficult circumstances presented by a deportation court case.

Khadija DerrickFebruary 7, 2022

A business man working on his tablet at his desk

E-1 Visa Immigration

Can I Change Status from B-1 to E-1?

You can change status from B-1 to E-1 if you did not violate your status, your petition is received before your I-94 expires, and you meet the E-1 requirements.

Khadija DerrickDecember 13, 2021

Business woman sitting outside smiling with her laptop

Immigration

Can a Consular Officer Re-consider my O-1 Petition?

While not common, Consular officers do have a discretion to send an O-1 petition to USCIS for re-consideration if they think you don’t meet the O-1 criteria.

Khadija DerrickOctober 22, 2021

E-1 Visa E-2 Visa H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

Can I Apply for an E Visa in a Non E Visa Treaty Country?

You may apply for an E visa in a country that is not a treaty country, but may not be advisable in some cases.

Khadija DerrickOctober 13, 2021

H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

H-1B Visa Interview: Tips and Common Questions

At the H-1B visa interview, the officer may ask you questions about the U.S. role, company, and your background.

Khadija DerrickOctober 7, 2021

Immigration L-1 Visa

L-1 Visa Interview: Tips and Common Questions

At the L-1 visa interview, the officer may ask you questions about the U.S. role, company, and your background.

Khadija DerrickOctober 4, 2021

H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

What is B in Lieu of H-1B Visa?

In certain limited circumstances, you can get a temporary B visa in lieu of H-1B visa and temporarily work in the U.S.

Khadija DerrickSeptember 27, 2021

H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

How do I change employers on an E-3 visa?

If you want to change your E-3 employer, it can either be processes by USCIS or by a US Consulate abroad.

Khadija DerrickSeptember 6, 2021

Immigration

Can I Transfer My Visa Application to Another Consulate?

Generally, it is not possible to transfer your visa petition from one Consulate to another unless the Consulates are located in one country.

Khadija DerrickAugust 24, 2021

Immigration

Are U.S. Consulates Conducting Visa Interviews Online?

The U.S. Consulates are currently not conducting visa interviews online and you have to appear for an in person interview (unless you qualify for an interview waiver).

Khadija DerrickMay 3, 2021

Family Immigration Immigration

What Happens When my K Visa is Approved? My Approval is Only Valid for Four Months? How Long Do I have to Enter the Country and Get Married?

When the U.S. citizen is living in the U.S. and the beneficiary (the person the U.S. Citizen will marry) is outside the U.S., the U.S. citizen can file an application for a fiancé(e) visa with USCIS. This is known as…

Jenny ZhanJune 25, 2019

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Approvals

Immigrant Visas Approved for a Diversity Lottery Applicant and his family from Germany

Scott Legal just had immigrant visas approved for a diversity lottery applicant and his family. The applicant and his family are from Germany and their interview was in Frankfurt. The applicant was our E-2 client who initially wanted to apply for E-2 visa but…

Jenny ZhanMay 13, 2019

Immigration

FY 2020 Diversity Visa Winners Selected

U.S. Statement Department have announced that they have chosen the winners of the FY 2020 Diversity Visa Lottery. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes up to 50,000 green cards available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals…

Jenny ZhanMay 10, 2019

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Family Immigration Immigration

I was selected in a Diversity Visa Lottery. How do I qualify for the Diversity Lottery Green Card? What documents do I need to submit for the Diversity Lottery?

If you receive notification from the Electronic Diversity Visa Website that you have been selected in the Diversity Visa Program, you must complete numerous steps before you can get your green card. One of the critical factors is that the…

Jenny ZhanMay 2, 2019

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Family Immigration Immigration

What is the Process for a Green Card if I Marry a U.S. Citizen? How do I get a Green Card through Marriage? What are the ways to get a Green Card?

There are three common ways to get a green card through marriage to a U.S. Citizen. This post summarizes the three different options. Obtaining a Green Card through a Fiancé Visa (K Visa) When the U.S. citizen is living in…

Jenny ZhanJanuary 31, 2019

News

Ian E. Scott sits on AILA Panel on Consular Processing

On November 14th, Ian E. Scott from Scott Legal, P.C. sat on an immigration panel to discuss consular processing procedures and issues. The panel reviewed the following topics. Introduction to the FAM: what it is and how to use it…

Jenny ZhanNovember 16, 2018

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

What Do You Need to Know About Applying for an E-2 Visa at a U.S. Consulate?

An E-2 visa is a visa that can be issued to nationals of certain countries who want to start a business in the U.S. that will ultimately hire U.S. workers. The business can be a small one that requires a…

IanScottApril 2, 2017

What Happens After My I-140 Is Approved?

Can You Apply for an E-2 Visa with a Pending I-140 Petition?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying for an immigrant visa through consular processing and adjusting status to permanent resident through filing an I-485?

Should I check Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status on my I-140 petition?

E-1: Change of status v. Consular Processing

Applying for a Green Card through the Immigrant Visa Process

Can I expedite my E-2 visa interview?

What is the process to apply for a green card from within the U.S.? What is the process outside the U.S.?

Stop Deportation by Applying for a Green Card-Consular Processing

Can I Change Status from B-1 to E-1?

Can a Consular Officer Re-consider my O-1 Petition?

Can I Apply for an E Visa in a Non E Visa Treaty Country?

H-1B Visa Interview: Tips and Common Questions

L-1 Visa Interview: Tips and Common Questions

What is B in Lieu of H-1B Visa?

How do I change employers on an E-3 visa?

Can I Transfer My Visa Application to Another Consulate?

Are U.S. Consulates Conducting Visa Interviews Online?

What Happens When my K Visa is Approved? My Approval is Only Valid for Four Months? How Long Do I have to Enter the Country and Get Married?

Immigrant Visas Approved for a Diversity Lottery Applicant and his family from Germany

FY 2020 Diversity Visa Winners Selected

I was selected in a Diversity Visa Lottery. How do I qualify for the Diversity Lottery Green Card? What documents do I need to submit for the Diversity Lottery?

What is the Process for a Green Card if I Marry a U.S. Citizen? How do I get a Green Card through Marriage? What are the ways to get a Green Card?

Ian E. Scott sits on AILA Panel on Consular Processing

What Do You Need to Know About Applying for an E-2 Visa at a U.S. Consulate?

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