1. What is a USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice for Consular Processing?

A USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice for Consular Processing is a notice sent by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to inform an individual that their immigration application or petition has been transferred to a US consulate abroad for further processing. This usually occurs when an individual’s case requires an in-person interview at a consulate, such as for an immigrant visa or fiancé(e) visa. The transfer notice will provide information on where and how to proceed with the next steps in the consular processing of the case.

2. Why did I receive a USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice for Consular Processing?

A USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice for Consular Processing is usually sent when an individual’s immigrant visa petition (I-130) is approved and the case is being transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then process the case and forward it to the appropriate U.S. consulate or embassy abroad for further processing. This notice informs the applicant that their case has been transferred and provides instructions on how to proceed with consular processing.

3. Does this mean my case has been transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC)?

No, not necessarily. It is possible that your documents were sent to the NVC for processing, but it could also mean that they have been forwarded to another department within USCIS for further review or adjudication. You should wait for official notification from USCIS or the NVC regarding the status of your case.

4. How long does it take for a case to be transferred to NVC after receiving the transfer notice?

It typically takes 2-4 weeks for a case to be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) after receiving the transfer notice. However, the exact time frame may vary depending on the workload of the NVC and the complexity of your case. It is recommended to regularly check your case status online or contact USCIS or NVC for updates on your case.

5. Will there be any delays in processing my case with the transfer?

It is possible that there may be some delays in processing your case during the transfer process. This can depend on various factors, such as the workload and procedures of the receiving office, any missing or incorrect information in your case file, and the complexity of your case. However, USCIS aims to transfer cases as efficiently as possible and will notify you if there are any significant delays. You can also check the status of your case online or contact USCIS for updates.

6. Can I still check my case status on the USCIS website after receiving the transfer notice?

Yes, you can still check your case status on the USCIS website after receiving the transfer notice. However, depending on the timing of the transfer and where your case was transferred to, there may be a delay in updating the information on the website. It is recommended that you continue to check periodically for updates or contact USCIS directly for more information.

7. Can I request expedited processing of my case after receiving the transfer notice?

Yes, you can submit a request for expedited processing of your case to the USCIS office where your case was originally filed. However, the decision to grant expedited processing is at the discretion of USCIS and will depend on your circumstances and reasons for requesting expedited processing. It is important to provide specific and verifiable reasons to support your request. You may also need to include evidence or documentation to show how a delay in processing will significantly affect you or your employer.

8. Will I receive a new case number from NVC after the transfer?

When a case is transferred from USCIS to NVC, the NVC will assign a new case number for administrative purposes. This new case number will be used for all correspondence and documentation related to the visa process. It is important to make note of this new case number as it will be used in all future communication with NVC and the US Embassy or Consulate where you will have your visa interview.

9. Do I need to take any action after receiving the transfer notice?

No, you do not need to take any action after receiving the transfer notice. The transfer process will be handled between your old and new bank, and your account information should automatically update with your new bank. However, it is always a good idea to double check that all of your automatic payments and direct deposits have transferred over correctly.

10. Can I still attend my visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate with the old case number?

No, you will need to update your case number with the US Embassy/Consulate. The embassy/consulate will then issue a new appointment with the updated case number. It is important to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate for the visa interview process.

11. What happens if I do not receive any communication from NVC after the transfer notice was mailed out?

If you do not receive any communication from the NVC after the transfer notice was mailed out, you may need to contact the NVC directly to inquire about the status of your case. You can reach them via phone at 1-603-334-0700 or through their online inquiry form. It is also possible that there may be a delay in processing your case, so it is recommended to wait at least two weeks before contacting the NVC.

12. Can I still update my contact information or address after receiving the transfer notice?

Yes, you can update your contact information or address after receiving the transfer notice. You should contact the appropriate party listed on the transfer notice (i.e., the sender, recipient, or transfer agent) to make any changes or updates to your information. It is important to keep your contact information and address up-to-date to ensure that you receive important notifications and updates regarding your transfer.

13. How will I know when my case is ready to be scheduled for an interview at the US Embassy/Consulate?

You will receive a notification from the National Visa Center or the US Embassy/Consulate when your case is ready to be scheduled for an interview. This notification may also include instructions on how to schedule your interview, what documents to bring, and any additional requirements for your specific case. It is important to regularly check your email and mail for any updates on your case status.

14. Can I withdraw my application after receiving a USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice for Consular Processing?

Yes, you can withdraw your application at any time before your visa is issued. However, once your case has been transferred to the Department of State for consular processing, you will need to follow the instructions provided by the National Visa Center or the U.S. embassy or consulate where you have been assigned for further guidance on withdrawing your application.

15. Will there be any changes in fees or forms required for consular processing after receiving a transfer notice?

It is possible that there may be changes in fees or forms required for consular processing after receiving a transfer notice, as each embassy or consulate may have different requirements. You should consult with the specific embassy or consulate where you will be completing your consular processing for any updates or changes in fees and forms. It is always best to check the most current information on the official website of the embassy or consulate.

16.Can I file an appeal or motion while my case is being processed by NVC?

Yes, you can file an appeal or motion while your case is being processed by the National Visa Center (NVC). However, it may not necessarily delay or affect the processing of your case at NVC. It is important to contact a qualified immigration attorney for guidance on the specific details and requirements for filing an appeal or motion in your case.

17.What happens if there are any errors on my USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice?

If there are any errors on your USCIS Case Status Transfer Notice, you should contact USCIS immediately to request a correction. This can be done by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by submitting an online inquiry through your USCIS account. It is important to ensure that all information on your notice is accurate in order for the transfer of your case to proceed smoothly.

18.Can I still travel internationally while my case is being processed at NVC?

Yes, you can still travel internationally while your case is being processed at NVC. However, you must inform NVC and the consulate or embassy where your visa interview will be conducted of your upcoming international trip to avoid any delays or complications in your visa application. It is also recommended that you keep all necessary documents related to your visa application with you while traveling.

19.Are there any restrictions or limitations on employment authorization while waiting at NVC?

Yes, there are limitations on employment authorization while waiting at NVC. Applicants who have submitted their documents to the NVC and are waiting for further processing may be able to obtain a work permit through Form I-765, which is the application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD). However, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for an EAD.

Additionally, applicants who are not eligible for an EAD may not be authorized to work in the United States while waiting at NVC. It is important to note that even if an applicant has a valid work visa or is in the United States on a visitor visa, this does not automatically allow them to work while awaiting NVC processing. Unauthorized employment can result in serious consequences such as denial of future immigration benefits or deportation. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for any questions about employment authorization while waiting at NVC.

20.Will there be any updates provided during NVC processing and how will they communicate with me?

Yes, there will be updates provided during NVC processing. The NVC will notify you of any necessary documents or fees that are missing or incomplete, as well as the status of your case. They will communicate with you primarily through email, but also through regular mail if necessary. It is important to regularly check your email and mailbox for updates from the NVC during this process.