Updated March 2025: This course was originally released in December 2020. It has been edited and is current as of March 2025.

This self-paced CLE online course, eligible for up to 25 total credits (including 2 ethics credits), provides a resource for immigration attorneys advising clients as their visas are processed in US embassies and consulates. The 8 course modules take participants through the different facets of consular processing, starting with the consular context, covering nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, waivers, and options when your client’s visa is denied. In each module, participants learn from instructive videos, articles and practice advisories, sample forms and letters, and quick reference resources such as charts, checklists, or templates. The course provides hands-on engagement via interactive elements such as discussion questions, practice exercises, quizzes, and tests at the end of each module.

What to Expect

• Module 1: Consular Processing and the Role of Consular Officers
• Module 2: Standalone Nonimmigrant Visas and What It Takes to Get One
• Module 3: Treaty Trader/Investor: Changing Trends in Consular Processing
• Module 4: Petition-Based Nonimmigrant Visas
• Module 5: Immigrant Visas
• Module 6: Waivers
• Module 7: When Things Go Wrong for Consular Processing
• Module 8: Non-Visa Services at Consulates

CLE Credit

AILA has filed for CLE credits in appropriate jurisdictions. Eligible participants can receive up to 28 total credits (including 2 ethics credits) in 50-minute jurisdictions and up to 23 total credits (including 2 ethics credits) in 60-minute jurisdictions. To receive CLE credit, attorneys must record their attendance using the CLE code provided at the end of the program via My CLE.

Registration Disclaimer: Participation in this AILA online course is solely restricted to AILA members and nonmember attorneys. Non-attorney attendance is limited to employees of AILA members in good standing, HR professionals who have an AILA member reference, employees of accredited educational institutions providing support to international student and scholar services at their employing institutions, and accredited representatives under 8 CFR §292.2. AILA does not permit course participation by persons who provide representation without authorization in violation of 8 CFR §292.1, such as for-profit "immigration consultants" and “notarios.”