Moving to the United States through Consular Processing can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This is a life-changing step, and BDV’s Client Services Team is here to help guide you through it.
You will officially begin working with the BDV Client Services Department once your immigrant visa has been approved and you have it in hand.
Important: Do not make major travel, financial, or relocation arrangements until your visa has been issued and delivered to you.
BDV will support you throughout your transition; however, you are responsible for completing all resettlement tasks and preparing for your move.
Below is a clear, streamlined timeline of what to expect. You can also refer to the Checklist to learn more about the details to prepare yourself to start working!
Phase 1: Pre-Move Preparation (Before Traveling to the U.S.)
Before arriving in the United States, you are responsible for preparing financially, logistically, and personally for your relocation.
Your Checklist outlines specific preparation items such as:
English readiness expectations
Financial planning and savings
Travel arrangements and visa deadlines
Accommodation planning
Required documents
Personal and logistical preparations
Arrival Timeline Requirement
BDV requires Consular Processing clients to enter the United States within 2 months of receiving their visa, and always before the visa expiration date.
If you anticipate needing more time, notify your BDV Client Services Specialist immediately.
Proper preparation before arrival will significantly reduce delays in starting work.
Phase 2: Arrival & Resettlement (Pre-Hire Phase)
Your BDV Specialist will guide and monitor your progress, but you are fully responsible for completing all required resettlement tasks listed in your Checklist. You must complete all Pre-Hire Checklist items before employment can begin.
These include:
Securing housing
Obtaining your Social Security card
Arranging reliable transportation
Obtaining a driver’s license
Opening a bank account
Obtaining a US phone number
Securing childcare or school arrangements (if applicable)
Your Specialist will also coordinate internally to request your official worksite assignment so that you will be able to finalize permanent housing near your job.
Important Housing Reminder
If your sponsor operates with variable worksites, do not sign a long-term lease until your exact worksite is confirmed by BDV.
Phase 3: Transition to Your Coordinator (Employment Preparation)
Once you are fully settled and confirm readiness to work, your BDV Specialist will transfer your case to your BDV Coordinator.
Your Coordinator manages all sponsor-facing employment steps, including:
Contacting the sponsor to verify their availability
Scheduling orientation
Coordinating background checks
Coordinating drug testing
BDV's and sponsors' goal is to help you begin working within 60 days or less from your arrival in the United States, once your checklist items are completed.
Because sponsor employers often face labor shortages, starting work as soon as possible is essential.
Do NOT contact your Sponsor employer directly before your official hire date.
As mentioned above, your BDV CS Coordinator will manage all communication with your sponsor. Reaching out on your own can:
Confuse or upset HR staff
Disrupt the established hiring protocol
Cause delays
Negatively affect your case
Create issues if hiring needs or worksites shift frequently (which is common)
This includes:
Phone calls
Emails
Showing up in person
Contacting staff via LinkedIn
Messaging on any social media
Once BDV provides your orientation details and confirms your supervisor, you may communicate with them from your hire date forward. Even then, do not initiate social media contact unless they approach you first.
Post-hire Phase: After starting work
After you begin working with your sponsor, BDV Client Services continues to support you throughout your employment commitment. While we cannot intervene in your sponsor’s business decisions, we are here to guide you, answer questions, and assist with workplace concerns whenever possible and ensure a smooth and professional experience while you complete your EB-3 employment commitment and become a permanent resident!
Communication Expectations
BDV aims to respond to your messages within 2 business days.
If you do not receive a reply by then, you may contact the BDV chat for assistance.