The DOS phase of the US immigration process, shown below, occurs when the alien submits a temporary (non-immigrant) or permanent (immigrant) visa application to a U.S. Consulate abroad. If approved, the consulate (DOS) issues a temporary or permanent US visa. While this is often the simplest stage of the process, it can also take several months to complete for permanent visa applications or if there are persistent issues of inadmissibility, which may delay application for years or permanently if not properly addressed.

Note: This stage is unnecessary for aliens who are in the US and eligible to change or adjust their present immigration status. Additionally, the following non-immigrant visas - H, K, L, O, P, Q, R, TC, S, and V, require prior USCIS approval before applying for a temporary visa at the DOS.

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