Consular processing for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa is an important phase in obtaining lawful immigration status in the United States, yet it remains one of the most underestimated components of the process by many practitioners. The term refers to any visa or immigration matter adjudicated at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Given that most U.S. immigration cases—whether for temporary travel, employment, or permanent residency—will pass through a consular post at some stage, representation by an attorney with direct consular experience is essential.
Barella Global’s locations in the United Kingdom and Europe provide significant advantages over U.S.-based immigration law firms. With offices in Brussels and London, the firm is strategically positioned in the same time zone as most of its consular clients, allowing for real-time communication and hands-on case management. The firm has successfully represented clients in a wide range of consular matters, including business and investor visas, family-based immigrant cases, and complex inadmissibility issues requiring waivers or heightened scrutiny.
Managing Attorney Kyle Barella is an experienced U.S. immigration lawyer who has visited several U.S. embassies and consulates across Europe and has met with local consular officials to better understand post-specific practices and procedures. This firsthand experience enables the firm to anticipate potential challenges and guide clients with practical, consulate-specific insight. Barella Global’s U.S. immigration lawyers are available for in-office consultations in London and Brussels, as well as at client locations throughout Europe and the United Kingdom.
When is Consular Processing Relevant?
Consular processing plays a central role in the majority of U.S. immigration cases. Any immigration benefit sought by an applicant or beneficiary located outside the United States must be processed through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Every U.S. visa, whether nonimmigrant or immigrant, is issued exclusively at this level.
Contrary to a common misconception, U.S. visas cannot be obtained within the United States. Applicants physically present in the U.S. can only apply for a change of status with USCIS. However, once they depart the country, they must still undergo consular processing to obtain the actual visa that allows reentry.
Common Examples of Consular Processing
The following examples illustrate when consular processing becomes relevant:
Example 1 – Immigrant Visa Consular Processing
Alex, a citizen of the United Kingdom, invests in a qualified EB-5 Regional Center project while studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. After his F-1 status expires, he returns to the UK and later learns his I-526E petition has been approved. Since Alex is outside the United States, his case transfers to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document collection and scheduling of his immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in London. Although his petition approval is a positive development, it does not guarantee visa issuance. At this stage, working with a lawyer experienced in consular processing is recommended to ensure compliance with all requirements and to address any potential issues at the London Embassy.
Example 2 – Nonimmigrant Visa Consular Processing
Maya, a citizen of Belgium, was visiting the United States on a B-2 visa when she received misguided advice from a U.S.-based immigration lawyer who incorrectly told her that she could “apply for” an E-2 Treaty Investor visa from within the country. Relying on that advice, Maya filed for a change of status and was approved for E-2 classification. A month later, following her grandfather’s passing, she traveled to Brussels for the funeral. Upon preparing to return to the United States, Maya discovered that her change of status approval was not an actual visa and therefore did not permit reentry. To resume her travels, she would now need to submit a new E-2 visa application through the U.S. Embassy in Brussels.
Had she worked with Barella Global’s European-based U.S. immigration attorney familiar with consular requirements and local post practices from the outset, she could have avoided the unnecessary expense and disruption caused by her prior attorney’s incorrect advice.
Our U.S. Consular Services
Barella Global provides comprehensive representation for clients engaged in both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing before U.S. consular posts worldwide. Our unique positioning in London and Brussels enables real-time communication with clients and direct coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates throughout Europe, aligning with local time zones — a significant advantage over U.S.-based immigration firms.
Our U.S. consular services include:
- Preparation and support with DS-160 and DS-260 visa applications
- Interview preparation and individualized briefing on post-specific expectations
- Liaising directly with consular sections to resolve inquiries, visa refusals, and administrative processing delays
- Handling eligibility assessments, appointment bookings, and expedited appointment requests
- Representation in complex cases, including those involving inadmissibility findings or visa revocations
- Direct filing requests for spousal sponsorships and other immediate-relative cases
- E-visa filings for treaty investors and employees
- Third Country National (TCN) visa applications in Europe
- Coordination of civil and financial documentation for immigrant visa processing through the NVC
- Guidance regarding local consular culture, policies, and evolving practices under new presidential administrations
- Assistance with passport and citizenship services, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and related family-based filings
Our U.S. Consular Services
Barella Global’s U.S. immigration lawyers offer extensive experience navigating the intricacies of consular processing — from initial case preparation to post-interview follow-up. With offices in London and Brussels, our proximity to major U.S. embassies enables our attorneys to act swiftly, stay informed of local procedural nuances, and maintain open communication with consular officials when appropriate.
Our firm’s strategic presence in Europe, combined with deep knowledge of both business and family-based immigration, ensures that each client receives personalized and responsive service at every stage of the visa process.
For hands-on guidance through the consular process, contact Barella Global to schedule a confidential consultation. Our U.S. immigration lawyers are available to discuss eligibility, documentation, and strategy for your specific case. You may also conveniently book a consultation online through our booking platform.
Photo by Serge Vandendriessche, courtesy of U.S. Department of State / State Magazine
The Barella Global Advantage
Barella Global offers clients a unique blend of U.S. immigration law expertise and international accessibility. With offices in London and Brussels, we work in our clients’ time zones, making communication seamless and efficient. Our team has extensive experience representing clients before U.S. embassies and consulates across the UK and Europe, giving us valuable insight into local procedures and expectations. Whether you are pursuing a family-based case, addressing admissibility issues, or seeking a corporate or investor visa, we provide strategic, results-focused guidance tailored to your goals.
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