A. Immigrant Visa processing is comprised of three separate stages.
Family-based petition (Form I-130) is first filed at the USCIS. After Form
I-130 is approved (see USCIS Case Status Online) and the priority date in
the visa category you are seeking is current (see Current Visa Bulletin),
you will receive a visa packet form the DOS National Visa Center.  Once your
visa packet is processed, your file will be transferred to the US Consulate
in your country or origin and a visa interview scheduled shortly thereafter.
You can check the processing dates of applications at these government
agencies by logging on to
http://www.rootlaw.com/links/us-immigration-website-links.html  If you have
case specific questions or encounter processing delays with your case, it is
always advisable to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.     

Mr. James E. Root is the principal immigration attorney at ROOT LAW GROUP,
an Exclusive Immigration Law Firm with offices in L.A., Orange, San
Bernardino and San Fernando counties.  For a free consultation contact (888)
ROOT-LAW or visit them at www.RootLaw.com