Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can help you through the residency process in California. While the goal is to come to the U.S., it can start in your home country with what’s called consular processing.
The procedure is different for those who are already in the United States, but no matter what your goals are, we can guide you through it. Set up a free consultation today.
Tricky Cases
Nearly all intending immigrants who aren’t residing in the United States must go through consular processing in their own country. Many who already live here are not eligible for the adjustment of status procedure because of expired visas, illegal entry or other reasons. Nearly all of them are required to return to their home countries and begin the consular processing process. It’s a very complicated process though, and the representation of a qualified and skillful attorney is strongly recommended if you’re in any of the following situations:
- You’ve been deported.
- You’ve previously been convicted of a serious crime.
- You entered the United States illegally.
- Your passport is now expired.
- Asylee status has already been granted to you.
The Cost of Consular Processing
Not only is consular processing a confusing and complicated process, but it’s also expensive. The filing fee for a family-based visa is $675 ($625 if you complete it online.) On top of that is a $325 application fee for a total of $1,000. There will be a medical examination fee at the consulate along with a police records charge in the home country. If two or three people from the same family are seeking to immigrate, expect the charges to double or triple.
The Interview
An interview with an officer at the U.S. consulate is the final step in the visa process. The purpose of the interview is to confirm the information in your application and review your government documentation (birth certificates, passports etc.) medical, financial information along with any information on arrests and convictions. Assuming your interview is satisfactory, don’t expect to be told to go to the next window for your visa. You’ll likely receive a call or a letter telling you when you can return to pick up your visa along with a sealed visa packet. Don’t open the packet. It can only be opened by a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer. Be prepared to travel. There will be a time limit on how long you have to come to the United States.
Contact a California Immigration Lawyer Today.
Even without any intervening issues, consular processing can be overwhelming. A qualified and experienced Central Valley immigration lawyer from Maison Law Immigration lawyers can perform all of the necessary legal work to ensure that there will not be needless confusion or delays in the complicated legal process. Upon being retained, we’ll take control of the application process from the start to the finish. When USCIS sees us representing you, its personnel will know that you’re serious and well-intentioned in coming to the United States. Contact the California immigration lawyers at Maison Law Immigration Lawyers for a consultation as soon as you can, especially if it looks like you might have particularly difficult case.
