29 South Webster Street, Suite 370 Naperville,
IL 60540

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience and a decade of experience representing individuals and families successfully navigating their immigration journeys, including those seeking employment-based visas.

We understand navigating consular processing for an employment-based immigrant visa can be complex, but thorough preparation ensures a smoother experience and reduces the risk of delays.

Visa Consular Processing

Here, we provide a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and tips for securing essential employer documentation.

Understand the Consular Processing Timeline

After your I-140 petition is approved, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) if you’re outside the U.S. You’ll need to wait for a visa number to become available under the employment-based preference category. Once that happens, the NVC will instruct you to submit the required documentation and schedule an interview at your local U.S. consulate.

The next steps include:

  • Gather Personal and Employment Documents

You’ll need to compile a series of personal documents, including:

  • A valid passport.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Police clearance certificates (from countries where you’ve lived for six months or longer since age 16).
  • Civil documents, such as marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable).

On the employment side, you’ll need:

  • A copy of the I-140 approval notice.
  • Your job offer or employment contract.
  • Evidence of the job’s qualifying criteria, such as the position, salary, and qualifications required.

Your employer plays a crucial role in the consular processing stage, and should provide you with:

  • A detailed letter of employment that verifies the job offer, salary, and conditions of employment. This letter should match the details of the I-140 petition.
  • Proof of ability to pay your salary, including recent financial statements, tax returns, or payroll records to demonstrate the employer’s financial standing.
  • Any additional documentation that proves the legitimacy of the business, such as incorporation certificates, business licenses, or organizational charts.

Employer involvement in the consular process is crucial for successfully approving an employment-based immigrant visa.

  • Prepare for the Medical Exam

A mandatory part of the consular process involves undergoing a medical examination by a physician approved by the consulate. Schedule your exam well before your interview, and bring the results to the consulate on the day of your appointment.

  • Pay the Required Fees

Pay all necessary fees, including the immigrant visa application fee and other consulate-specific charges. Payment must be made before your interview, and you should keep copies of your receipts as proof.

  • Prepare for the Interview

The consular interview is your final step. During the interview, the consular officer will review your documentation and ask questions about your job offer, qualifications, and intention to immigrate. Be prepared to explain your employment situation clearly and provide additional supporting documents if requested.

Preparing for consular processing is a specialty of Kasturi Law. If you need help with your employment-based immigrant visa, we provide end-to-end legal guidance.

Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today For a Consultation

Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.