CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19 ADVISORY

Due to the health risks posed by the Corona Virus tragedy, our office is following the directives of the governor of California in order to minimize the risks to our staff, our clients and our community. Our office will continue to operate fully, as it has thus far, observing our normal schedule, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will continue to schedule appointments to meet with clients and will do this via ZOOM or Telephone only.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our lawyers or staff members, please do so by calling our office at 619-291-1112. You can also contact us via e-mail at [email protected]janbejar.com

Thank you for your understanding.

AVISO DE CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19

Debido a los riesgos para la salud planteados por la tragedia del Virus Corona, nuestra oficina está siguiendo las directivas del gobernador de California para minimizar los riesgos para nuestro personal, nuestros clientes y nuestra comunidad. Nuestra oficina seguirá funcionando a pleno, como lo ha hecho hasta ahora, cumpliendo con nuestro horario habitual, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 5:30 p.m. Continuaremos programando citas para reunirnos con los clientes y lo haremos solo a través de ZOOM o por teléfono.

Si desea programar una cita con alguno de nuestros abogados o miembros del personal, hágalo llamando a nuestra oficina al 619-291-1112. También puede contactarnos por correo electrónico a [email protected]

Gracias por su comprensión.

Resolving Immigration ProblemsIn An Honest & Responsible Manner

How does consular processing work?

When seeking permanent residency status, there are a couple of different ways in which this can be achieved. Consular processing is one of them. Those who qualify for consular processing do not currently reside in the country, but do have an approved immigrant petition and an assigned visa number. Those wishing to enter the United States, in California or elsewhere, can apply for their visas at U.S. consulates abroad.

When submitting an application for consular processing, it is important to list the appropriate immigrant category for one’s situation. This category simply describes one’s basis for entering the country. The different categories are family, employment, humanitarian and special classes. There are certain exceptions that may be made for varying circumstances.

After an application has been submitted, the petitioner will have to wait for approval or denial. A final decision will be sent to a filer in writing. If an application is approved, the paperwork is generally forwarded to a National Visa Center which is responsible for collecting fees and preparing the visa. While this is taking place, an interview will be scheduled by the consular office, wherein a final decision to grant a visa will be made. Again, if approved, a visa packet will be provided, which must then be given to a Customs and Border Protection officer upon entry into the United States.

If everything is approved, after arriving in the United States, a green card should be issued within 30 days. If, for whatever reason, consular processing applications are denied, it is possible to appeal such decisions. An immigrantion attorney can assist those currently residing in California or elsewhere, or those wishing to enter the United States, with consular processing applications and any issues that may arise when using this way to apply for residency status.

Source: uscisprocessingtimes.org, “Consular Processing“, Accessed on Oct. 31, 2015

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We are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

For our clients’ convenience we offer English and Spanish speaking services.