Visa Interview
Also known as: Consular interview, embassy interview
Process · EB-5 Glossary
Definition
An in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate as part of the consular processing pathway. The consular officer reviews the petition, verifies the applicant's identity and admissibility, and makes the final determination on visa issuance.
Context
Visa interviews are required for consular processing applicants but not for adjustment of status applicants (though USCIS may schedule an interview for I-485 in some cases). Interview preparation should include all original documents filed with the petition.
More Process Terms
- Advance Parole
An authorization document that permits a person to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad while an adjustment of status application is pending. Advance Parole does not guarantee admission; the holder must still be found admissible at the port of entry.
- Approval Notice
The official USCIS document confirming that an immigration petition or application has been approved. In the EB-5 context, the I-526E approval notice is the critical milestone that confirms the investment meets program requirements and establishes the priority date.
- Biometric Appointment
A scheduled appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) where the applicant provides fingerprints, photographs, and a signature. Biometrics are required for most immigration applications, including I-485 and I-829. The biometric services fee is $85 per applicant.
- Case Status
The ability to track the progress of an immigration petition or application using the receipt number (a 13-character alphanumeric code beginning with three letters) through the USCIS online case status tool. The tool reports the current processing stage (received, initial review, request for evidence, approved, denied, etc.).
- EAD
A card issued by USCIS that authorizes a non-citizen to work in the United States. In the EB-5 context, EADs are available to investors who have filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). The EAD permits employment with any employer, unlike employer-specific work visas such as H-1B.
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