Consular processing is a method for obtaining a U.S. visa from outside the United States. It involves submitting an application to a U.S. consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country. After the application is reviewed and approved, the applicant attends an interview at the consulate, where they provide necessary documentation and answer questions. If the interview is successful, the consulate issues the visa, allowing the individual to travel to the U.S. for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or family reunification. This process is essential for those who are not already in the U.S. and wish to enter legally.