1. What is the role of the National Visa Center (NVC) in family-based immigration?

The National Visa Center (NVC) plays a major role in family-based immigration. It is responsible for pre-processing immigrant visa applications for individuals who have been selected by the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. The NVC will collect all necessary documents from the applicants, review them, and then forward them to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country for an interview. After the interview, the NVC will provide instructions on how to complete the visa application process. The NVC also provides assistance to applicants and their families throughout the entire immigration process.

2. What documents does the NVC require for family-based immigration?

The NVC requires the following documents for family-based immigration:

1. Form DS-230, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (for each family member)

2. Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (for each family member)

3. Recent passport-style photos (for each family member)

4. Original civil documents (birth and marriage certificates, divorce decrees, etc.)

5. Proof of legally changing name (if applicable)

6. Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support)

7. A copy of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residency evidence

8. Medical Examination Forms (Form I-693 for each family member)

9. Police Certificate(s) (if applicable to the family member)

3. How long does it take for the NVC to process an immigrant visa application after it is submitted?

The time it takes for the NVC to process an immigrant visa application varies, depending on the type of visa and country of origin. Generally, the NVC processing time can range from 6 months to several years.

4. How does the NVC coordinate with the Department of State and U.S. embassies or consulates to facilitate family-based immigration?

The NVC coordinates with the Department of State and U.S. embassies or consulates to facilitate family-based immigration by gathering documents from petitioners, issuing case numbers, and transmitting immigrant visa packages to the appropriate embassies or consulates. The NVC also contacts the Petitioners and Beneficiaries to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted and that all fees are paid in a timely manner. The NVC also assists with scheduling interviews at the embassies or consulates by arranging appointments at times that are convenient for both the Petitioner and the Beneficiary. After the interviews, the NVC reviews the results of the interviews to determine if an immigrant visa is to be issued.

5. What is the process for obtaining an immigrant visa number through the NVC?

The process of obtaining an immigrant visa number through the NVC typically involves six steps:
# Filing a Petition: The US citizen or permanent resident must first file a petition (Form I-130) with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
# NVC Receipt of Petition: Once USCIS has approved the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
# Payment of Fees: The petitioner must pay the necessary fees to the Department of State.
# Collection and Submission of Documents: The petitioner must provide the NVC with all required documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, police reports, etc.
# Interview Appointment: Once the NVC has all the necessary documents, an interview appointment will be scheduled.
# Approval: If everything is in order, the NVC will approve the application and issue an immigrant visa number.

6. What is the priority date and how does it affect NVC processing times?

The priority date is the date USCIS received an immigrant visa petition (Form I-130, Form I-140, etc.) for a particular foreign national that has been approved. This date is used to determine when the foreign national can apply to adjust status or register for an immigrant visa. It can affect NVC processing times because NVC will use the priority date to decide when to proceed with the case, and if the visa number is available based on the priority date.

7. How does a family member become a sponsor for a relative immigrating through family-based immigration?

To become a sponsor for a relative immigrating through family-based immigration, the family member must complete and submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The sponsor must provide evidence of their relationship to the immigrant, proof of their status in the U.S., and documents that establish their financial ability to support the immigrant. The sponsor will also need to provide an Affidavit of Support, which is a contract promising to financially support the immigrant relative if necessary.

8. What is a form I-864 and why must it be submitted to the NVC?

Form I-864 is an affidavit of support. It is a legally binding contract an immigrant sponsor signs to accept financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant. This form must be submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC) in order for the sponsored immigrant to be approved for a green card. The form is used to show that the sponsor has sufficient income and assets to support the sponsored immigrant, and that the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge.

9. How is the NVC involved in determining if an applicant is eligible to immigrate through family-based immigration?

The NVC (National Visa Center) is responsible for handling the administrative processing of immigrant visa applications, including collecting and reviewing necessary documents and fees, as well as scheduling interviews. The NVC reviews the documents submitted to ensure that the applicant meets all requirements for family-based immigration before sending the case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an interview. The NVC also helps to ensure that all submitted documents are authentic and that any required fees are paid.

10. How do I submit additional documents to the NVC and what documents could be required?

You can submit additional documents to the NVC by sending them to the address listed on their website. Documents that may be required include birth and marriage certificates, financial statements, employment records, and police clearances.

11. Does the NVC provide any services or information about naturalization?

Yes, the NVC provides information and resources about the naturalization process on its website. It also offers an online application and provides assistance with completing the application. Additionally, the NVC provides fee waivers for individuals who qualify.

12. Does the NVC have any resources available to help families during their immigration process?

Yes, the NVC offers a variety of resources to help families during their immigration process. These resources include: webinars, information sheets, checklists, and videos. They also offer a free family-based immigration book which provides information about the immigration process. Additionally, the NVC offers a variety of other services such as providing assistance with completing forms and providing guidance on important topics related to the immigration process.

13. Is there a fee associated with the NVC’s services related to family-based immigration?

Yes, there is a fee associated with the NVC’s services related to family-based immigration. Fees must be paid in order for the NVC to process a family-based immigration application. The current fees are listed on the NVC website.

14. When is an immigrant visa packet sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate once it is received by the NVC?

Once the NVC receives an immigrant visa packet, it is typically sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate within 10 business days.

15. Can the immigrant visa process be expedited and how can this be done through the NVC?

Yes, the immigrant visa process can be expedited. This can be done through the National Visa Center (NVC). Applicants can request that the NVC expedite their cases by submitting a request in writing and providing a detailed explanation as to why their case should be expedited. The NVC will then review the request and make a decision regarding whether or not to expedite the case.

16. Who are considered qualifying relatives for family-based immigration and what documents are needed by the NVC to prove relationship?

A qualifying relative for family-based immigration is any immediate family member such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling or other family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident. The National Visa Center (NVC) requires documents to prove the relationship such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption papers, and evidence of financial support.

17. What happens if I miss my interview date at the U.S. embassy or consulate and how can I reschedule with the assistance of the NVC?

If you miss your interview date at the U.S. embassy or consulate, you must contact the National Visa Center (NVC) to reschedule. The NVC will be able to provide assistance with rescheduling your interview. You will need to provide proof that you have a valid reason for missing the interview and pay any necessary fees.

18. Does the NVC provide assistance with completing any forms necessary for family-based immigration?

No, the National Visa Center (NVC) does not provide assistance with completing any forms necessary for family-based immigration. Instead, the NVC handles the processing of approved family-based immigrant visa applications from the U.S. Department of State and provides guidance on the process to follow and the documents required for each stage of the process.

19. What happens if my application is denied by the Department of State, and how can I appeal this decision with help from the NVC?

If your application is denied by the Department of State, you may appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). You can contact the National Visa Center (NVC) for assistance in filing the appeal. The NVC will provide you with information on how to submit a request for a hearing, when to file the appeal, and what forms, documents, and fees are required.

20. How is payment of fees handled at the NVC for family-based immigration applications?

The National Visa Center (NVC) requires that all fees for family-based immigration applications be paid before the case can be processed. These fees can be paid online, by mail, or in person. Applicants should review the NVC website for instructions on how to pay any necessary fees.