top of page
Marble Steps
Image by Tamara Govedarovic

Consular Process for Residency in the United States

Do you have a relative in another country who wants to legally immigrate to the United States?

At Santiago Legal , we help you bring your loved ones through the consular process, safely and in compliance with all immigration requirements.

What is the Consular Process?

The consular process is the legal path that family members residing outside the United States must follow to obtain their Green Card (permanent residence).

This process is carried out in two stages:

  • Within the U.S., you (the petitioner) file an immigration petition.

  • Outside the United States, your relative attends their interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

With our help, you can ensure that every step is performed correctly, without errors that could delay or affect the outcome.

Image by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
Image by Tingey Injury Law Firm

Who can you bring through the Consular Process?

You can sponsor your family member if you are:

  • U.S. Citizen: You can petition for your spouse, children, parents, siblings, or fiancé(e).

  • Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder): You can petition for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.

  • Employment, humanitarian, or asylum applications can also be made, depending on the case.

At Santiago Legal, we review your eligibility and that of your family member, preparing everything from the initial petition to the final interview.

Image by Iñaki del Olmo
Image by Cris Constantin

What does our legal service include?

We assist you throughout all stages of the consular process, including:

  • Preparing and Submitting the I-130 Petition

  • Case follow-up with the National Visa Center (NVC)

  • Correct submission of forms such as DS-260, I-864, and civil documents

  • Support with translations, family testing, and payment of fees

  • Preparing for the interview at the consulate or embassy

  • Post-interview counseling and immigrant visa follow-up

  • Support with work permits and adjustment of status if your family member enters with an immigrant visa

Our team also advises you on future procedures such as green card renewal and citizenship.

Image by Alvin Mahmudov
Image by Bergkinder
Image by Tingey Injury Law Firm

Useful resources and required documents

Common documents for the Consular Process:

  • Beneficiary's passport

  • Birth and/or marriage certificate

  • Approved Form I-130

  • Form DS-260

  • Affidavit of Support (I-864)

  • Passport-style photos

  • Certified translations

  • Criminal record certificates (depending on the country)

Do you want to bring your partner, children, or parents to live with you legally in the U.S.?

At Santiago Legal, we offer legal assistance in Spanish and English, in person or virtually, to help you every step of the way.

Image by Global Residence Index

Are you in Minnesota and need help with your immigration status?

bottom of page