1. What is the role of the National Visa Center (NVC)?

The National Visa Center (NVC) is the centralized processing center for immigrant visa applications. NVC assists applicants with the Immigrant Visa (IV) process, including collecting and reviewing documents, scheduling interviews, providing information on the immigrant visa process, and issuing visas. The NVC also supports the Department of State in its preparation for visa interviews at US Embassies and Consulates abroad.

2. What services does the NVC provide?

The National Visa Center (NVC) provides several services to immigrants seeking to come to the United States. These services include: collecting visa application fees, collecting and reviewing immigrant visa applications, scheduling immigrant visa interviews, and processing immigrant visas after the interview. The NVC also provides assistance to applicants by answering questions about the visa application process, providing information about the status of their application, and helping them prepare for their interview.

3. How do I begin the visa application process through the NVC?

To begin the visa application process through the NVC, you will first need to submit a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the person who wants to immigrate to the U.S. Once the petition is approved, it will be sent to the NVC for processing. The NVC will then contact the petitioner and/or applicant to provide instructions on how to complete the next steps in the visa application process.

4. What documents must I submit to the NVC for a visa application?

For an immigrant visa application, you must submit a valid passport, birth certificate, police certificate, financial documents, photos, medical records, and evidence of relationship to the petitioner/sponsor. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your specific circumstances.

5. What fees are associated with applying for a visa through NVC?

The fees associated with applying for a visa through NVC include an immigrant visa application processing fee, an affidavit of support fee, and an immigrant visa fee. The processing fee is $325 USD per person. The affidavit of support fee is $120 USD per person in most cases. The immigrant visa fee varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s age.

6. How long does it take for NVC to process visa applications?

NVC generally processes visa applications within six to eight weeks, however, processing times may vary based on individual cases.

7. Are there any additional requirements for processing a visa through NVC?

There are several additional requirements for processing a visa through NVC, including: submitting a completed Form DS-231, Part II (Immigrant Visa Application) and its accompanying documents; paying the immigrant visa application processing fee; completing the Affidavit of Support form and submitting the required supporting documents; and providing valid civil documents, such as a birth certificate, police certificate, and marriage certificate.

8. How is an interview arranged after the NVC processes my application?

Once the NVC processes your application, they will send you a letter with instructions on scheduling an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Depending on the country, you may be able to schedule the interview online or by phone.

9. How do I check on the status of my visa application that has been sent to the NVC?

You can check the status of your visa application by calling the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700. You can also check the status of your application online on the NVC website.

10. When should I expect to receive a visa interview appointment after my application has been processed by the NVC?

The wait time for a visa interview appointment after your application has been processed by the NVC varies depending on the individual situation and the country you are from. The NVC typically schedules visa interview appointments approximately 4-6 months after your application has been processed, however, this timeline can vary significantly.

11. How long do I have to wait to receive an immigrant visa after being approved by the NVC?

It typically takes 6-8 weeks for an immigrant visa to be issued after being approved by the NVC. This process can be delayed for various reasons, such as if additional information or administrative processing is needed.

12. How do I provide additional documents or information to the NVC during the visa application process?

If you are asked to provide additional documents or information during the visa application process, you will need to submit them to the National Visa Center (NVC). You can submit your documents electronically via their online portal or by mail.

13. What do I need to do if I need to change or update my contact information with NVC?

If you need to update any of your contact information with NVC, you can do so by submitting Form DS-261, “Choice of Address and Agent.” This form is available on the NVC website and must be completed and submitted online.

14. Does NVC provide assistance in preparing documents for visa applications?

No, the National Visa Center (NVC) does not provide assistance in preparing documents for visa applications. The NVC facilitates communication between applicants, petitioners, sponsors, and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the applicant will apply for a visa. Applicants are responsible for completing and submitting all required forms and documents to the appropriate Embassy or Consulate.

15. What information does the NVC need from a sponsor in order to process a visa application?

The NVC needs a copy of the sponsor’s U.S. income tax returns (federal and state) for the last three years, proof of current income or assets, an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and appropriate filing fee from the sponsor. Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances of the case.

16. Can a person apply for multiple visas through the NVC at one time?

No, a person can only apply for one visa at a time. However, they can submit multiple applications at the same time to the NVC.

17. Can the NVC help to expedite the processing of a visa application?

No, the National Visa Center (NVC) does not have the authority to expedite the processing of any visa application. The NVC is an organization within the United States Department of State that assists with the processing of immigrant visa applications. Its role is to collect and review required documents, ensure their completeness, and forward them to the US embassy or consulate abroad where the visa is to be issued.

18. Does the NVC provide assistance in locating lost visas or applications that have gone missing?

No, the NVC does not provide assistance in locating lost visas or applications that have gone missing. If an application or visa is lost, it must be replaced with a new application and/or visa.

19. Are there any restrictions on who can apply for a visa through the NVC?

Yes. Generally, applicants must have a sponsor, a qualifying family relationship to the sponsor, and meet all eligibility requirements for the immigrant visa category they are applying for.

20. Does the National Visa Center communicate directly with U.S. embassies and consulates abroad regarding visa applications?

No, the National Visa Center does not communicate directly with U.S. embassies and consulates abroad regarding visa applications. Instead, the National Visa Center acts as an intermediary between the U.S. Department of State and applicants and provides visa-related services such as collecting visa application forms and supporting documents, and forwarding those documents to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for processing.