Which Government Agency Processes Immigration Applications?

In case you want to apply for a green card or lawful permanent residence, a nonimmigrant or temporary visa, or certain immigration benefits, you have to deal with a series of US government agencies. These are the basic possibilities:

DOS or US Department of State

The DOS functions via the US embassies as well as consulates spread around the globe. If you wish to enter from a country outside the USA, you will have to deal primarily with a US consulate.  Even if you might be living in the US right now, you still need to approach a consulate, in order to complete your visa application. Immigration lawyers reiterate that US consulates do not offer visa-processing services. Details are available on the DOS website.

You can find some more details right here: http://immigration.usattorneys.com/. You may not have to spend so much time on some of these other sites and information since your lawyer will help you with the process and inform you exactly what you need to do. If you go to the website just mentioned you can find the legal help you require. This will save you time in the long and short run.

NVC or the National Visa Center

NVC is essentially a private company which is under contract with the DOS. Its duty is to manage all case files while the process of the green card application is under way. When the USCIS approves a visa petition made by a US based company or family, the file is handed over to the NVC which manages the case, until the individual's priority date has turned current and his/her visa is available.

Once this happens, the NVC will duly forward the file to USCIS district office or the concerned US consulate. An immigration attorney can provide you with more information on the topic.

You may have a timetable but the system does not. The system is tedious and it can be even worse if you take the wrong advice from a family member and it sets you back a few months. Every situation is unique. You need an immigration lawyer. You can fine one right here: https://usattorneys.com/.  

USCIS or US Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS was formerly known as INS or Immigration and Naturalization Services. In fact, it is an agency of DHS or the Department of Homeland Security. You might be living outside the US, but you or your petitioner, the employer or family member who is sponsoring you, must deal with the USCIS, especially when you submit an application for a green card, instead of a temporary visa. 

CBP or Customs and Border Protection

The CBP is also under the DHS, and is responsible for the patrolling the borders of the United States. The agency’s role involves meeting an immigrant at an airport or other entry point into the US, when he/she arrives in the country with his/her visa. When this happens, the agency will conduct a final check to ensure that the paperwork of your visa is in order and that you did not procure the visa frequently.   

You should have an immigration lawyer working with you in this complex and slow process. 

DOL or Department of Labor

The DOL functions via its Employment & Training Administration. In case your green card or visa application happens to be based on employment with any US employer, some parts of the paperwork might need to be filed with, as well as ruled on, by the DOL. The DOL’s aim is to ensure that by employing immigrant workers, employers in the US aren’t making it difficult for US workers to find jobs, and that you are paid a reasonable wage. 

For the most part, immigration laws are complex. In addition, there are several agencies involved in the visa process, which makes it prudent to consult an experienced immigration lawyer to make sure you comply with the rules and regulations no matter what type of visa you apply for.

You may believe you are lost at sea and this will remain so until you find a legal professional who can help you weave yourself through this process. Press right here to make this happen.