Processing of Immigrant Visa (IV) Applications at the NVC

1. How long does it take to process an immigrant visa application at the NVC?


The processing time for an immigrant visa application at the NVC varies depending upon the individual case. However, the average processing time is typically 4-6 months from the time the petition is filed with the USCIS until the visa interview at the embassy or consulate.

2. Does the NVC accept applications from immigrants who are currently residing outside of the United States?


Yes, the National Visa Center (NVC) can accept applications from immigrants who are residing outside the United States. However, certain requirements must be met in order for the application process to begin.

3. What documents must an immigrant submit to the NVC in order to process their visa application?


An immigrant must submit the following documents to the National Visa Center (NVC) in order to process their visa application:

1. Form DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application.
2. A valid passport.
3. Birth certificate.
4. Marriage and/or divorce certificates (if applicable).
5. Police certificates for each country in which the immigrant has resided since the age of 16 or older.
6. Medical examination.
7. Evidence that the intending immigrant can financially support himself or herself (and any dependents) in the United States.
8. Evidence that the immigrant is not inadmissible to the United States (e.g. criminal records).

4. What is the cost of submitting an immigrant visa application at the NVC?


The cost of submitting an immigrant visa application at the NVC is $325.00. This fee covers the processing of the visa application and the administrative cost of the National Visa Center (NVC).

5. How can applicants pay the NVC fees associated with processing their immigrant visa application?


Applicants may pay the NVC fees associated with processing their immigrant visa application by either using a credit card online, by submitting a fee bill form with a check or money order, or by using an approved third-party vendor to pay the fees.

6. Is it possible to check the status of a pending immigrant visa application at the NVC?


Yes, it is possible to check the status of a pending immigrant visa application at the NVC. Applicants can use the NVC Case Status Online tool to check the status of their application. It is also possible to contact the NVC to get more information about an application.

7. Are there any special instructions for submitting immigrant visa applications to the NVC from certain countries?


Yes, some foreign missions have specific instructions for submitting immigrant visa applications to the NVC. For example, applicants from China are required to submit their application packets to the NVC in a special envelope. Applicants from India are required to submit their application packets in a special envelope and also include supporting documents such as a copy of the marriage registration certificate and/or a court-certified single status affidavit. Applicants from Vietnam must include a copy of their approved I-130 petition from USCIS in their application packet. For other countries, please contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate for instructions on submitting an immigrant visa application to the NVC.

8. Are there any special requirements for submitting immigrant visa applications to the NVC from certain countries?


Yes, there are special requirements for submitting immigrant visa applications to the NVC from certain countries. For instance, applicants from Cuba must submit an original birth certificate and a copy of their passport. Additionally, applicants from the Democratic Republic of Congo must submit a police record or judicial background check. Depending on the country of origin, applicants may also need to submit additional documents such as a medical examination or evidence of financial support.

9. What is an immigrant visa number and how is it assigned by the NVC?


An immigrant visa number is the unique number assigned to a foreign national who has applied for a permanent resident visa. It is assigned by the National Visa Center (NVC) of the U.S. Department of State. The NVC reviews the application and assigns each applicant an individual visa number. This number is used to track the status of the application and for all communication with the applicant, embassy or consulate, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

10. Is there a language requirement for submitting an immigrant visa application at the NVC?


Yes, there is a language requirement for submitting an immigrant visa application at the National Visa Center (NVC). Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak English.

11. How long does it take for an approved immigrant visa to be issued by the NVC?


Once an immigrant visa petition is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), it typically takes 6-8 weeks for the NVC to issue the visa.

12. Is it possible to expedite processing of an immigrant visa application at the NVC?


Yes, it is possible to expedite processing of an immigrant visa application at the NVC in certain cases. Those cases can include medical emergencies, military deployment, an urgent career opportunity, or humanitarian circumstances.

13. How can I contact the NVC if I have questions regarding my immigrant visa application?


The NVC can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (603) 334-0700.

14. Is it possible to travel while my immigrant visa application is being processed at the NVC?


Yes, it is possible to travel while your immigrant visa application is being processed at the NVC. However, there are some requirements that must be met in order to do so. If you are applying for a family-sponsored visa, you will need to obtain an advance parole document from the USCIS before traveling. If you are applying for an employment-based visa, you will need to get a valid H-1B or L-1 visa before you can travel. In addition, you will need to have a valid passport and receive authorization from the NVC prior to departing.

15. Does the NVC provide any assistance with completing or filing an immigrant visa application?


No, the NVC does not provide any assistance with completing or filing an immigrant visa application. You must hire an immigration lawyer or qualified representative to help you with your application.

16. Are there any special restrictions on who can apply for an immigrant visa at the NVC?


Yes, there are certain restrictions on who can apply for an immigrant visa at the NVC. For example, a person who has been found inadmissible to the United States or has a criminal record may not be eligible for an immigrant visa and must apply for a nonimmigrant visa instead. Additionally, an applicant must have an approved petition from USCIS before the NVC can process their immigrant visa application.

17. Does the NVC provide information on how to check an applicant’s name against a foreign government’s records?


No, the NVC does not provide information on how to check an applicant’s name against a foreign government’s records. Applicants should contact their local foreign government directly for more information.

18. Are there any restrictions on who can be included in a single immigrant visa application submitted to the NVC?


Yes, there are several restrictions on who can be included in a single immigrant visa application submitted to the NVC. The primary applicant must be the spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, and all derivative applicants must meet the same criteria. Additionally, all derivative applicants must have an “immediate relative” relationship to the primary applicant and must not have any past violations of immigration laws or criminal convictions.

19. Does the NVC require applicants to submit fingerprints as part of their immigrant visa application process?


Yes, the NVC requires applicants to submit fingerprints as part of their immigrant visa application process.

20. Is it possible to make changes or corrections to an already-submitted immigrant visa application at the NVC?


No, it is not possible to make changes or corrections to an already-submitted immigrant visa application at the National Visa Center (NVC). If any information needs to be updated, the applicant must submit a new application with the correct information. Additionally, if any documents are missing from the application, they should be submitted as soon as possible.