For employers supporting international hires, the visa process does not end when a petition is approved. Consular processing can be one of the least predictable stages of an employee’s journey to the U.S.—and HR and Global Mobility teams often have limited visibility into what happens behind the scenes.
In Meltzer Hellrung’s webinar, “Behind the Consulate Window — What HR Needs to Know About Consular Processing,” Matthew Meltzer was joined by Yvette Bansal, a former U.S. Department of State consular officer, for a candid look at how consulates operate and what employers can do to better prepare employees for the process.
What the Webinar Covered
The discussion explored practical questions that can directly affect international hiring and workforce planning, including:
- What happens during a consular interview: What officers are trained to evaluate and what the interview is actually designed to screen for.
- Planning for uncertainty: How employers can build realistic timeline and budget buffers around consular scheduling.
- Preparing employees: What employees should know before completing the DS-160 and appearing for their interview.
- Responding to delays: How to interpret a 221(g) issuance and recognize when an issue may warrant escalation to immigration counsel.
The webinar also addressed recent updates on domestic travel that are impacting employees.
For HR, Global Mobility, and in-house legal teams, understanding the realities of consular processing can help set more realistic expectations and prepare employees for a critical stage of the U.S. visa process.
Watch the Recording
Hear the full discussion and gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on consular processing from someone who spent years adjudicating visas at the U.S. Department of State.
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Download the Materials
Access the webinar presentation and supporting materials to revisit the key points and share them with colleagues involved in international hiring and mobility.
Download PDF: MH August Webinar
⚖️ Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, please contact Meltzer Hellrung.
