A: Briefly, the steps in consular processing are:

1.The USCIS forwards the approved immigrant petition (the I-797 Notice of Action) to the National Visa Center (NVC) if the alien has indicated his desire to apply for consular processing in an immigration petition. Otherwise, he has to file Form I-824 to request consular processing;

2.The NVC sends Packet 3 to the alien when an immigrant visa number becomes available;

3.The alien and his family complete Packet 3 and return it to the NVC;

4.The NVC processes Packet 3;

5.The NVC notifies the State Department Visa Office of the completed Packet 3 processing and requests allocation of visa numbers for the alien and his family; and

6.The Consular Office abroad schedules an immigrant visa processing appointment to be attended by the alien and his family at the nearest U.S. consulate that issues immigrant visas.