1. What is the role of the National Visa Center (NVC) in the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker process?
The National Visa Center (NVC) is responsible for forwarding approved I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker petitions to the US Embassy or Consulate where the beneficiary will apply for their visa. The NVC will also provide guidance and assistance to the petitioner and beneficiary throughout the visa application process.
2. What documents does the NVC require for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applications?
The NVC requires the following documents in order to process an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application:
1. Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
2. Two passport-style photographs of the applicant
3. Evidence of the applicant’s religious vocation and experience
4. Evidence of the religious organization’s tax-exempt status
5. Evidence of the religious organization’s existence and legitimacy
6. A letter from the religious organization confirming the petitioner’s job offer and salary
7. Evidence of the petitioner’s qualifications for the work to be performed
8. A copy of travel documents (if applicable)
9. A copy of proof of any legal name changes (if applicable)
10. Payment for the appropriate filing fees
3. How does the NVC verify that an applicant meets the requirements for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker status?
The NVC will verify that an applicant meets the requirements for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker status by reviewing the applicant’s documentation and interviewing the applicant. The applicant must provide evidence that they have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years prior to filing, and have been working in a religious capacity for at least two years. This may include evidence of their religious education, proof of their employment or volunteer work in a religious capacity, and any other documents that demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to their religious denomination.
4. Does the NVC perform background checks on I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants?
Yes, the National Visa Center (NVC) does perform background checks on applicants filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Religious Worker. The background check includes a review of the applicant’s criminal history, as well as a U.S. Department of State security check.
5. What is the process for paying visa fees through the NVC in the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application process?
The process for paying visa fees through the NVC in the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application process is as follows:
1. Once you have received your I-360 receipt notice, you must submit the visa fee payment to the NVC.
2. You can make the payment either through ACH debit, credit card, or money order.
3. To pay with ACH debit, you must provide the NVC with the routing and account numbers from your checking or savings account.
4. To pay with a credit card, you must provide the credit card number, expiration date, cardholder name, billing address, and security code.
5. To pay with a money order, you must provide the money order number and the name of the payee.
6. The NVC will use this information to process your payment and will send you a confirmation email when the payment is complete.
6. How does the NVC help applicants complete the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker petition form?
The NVC does not provide assistance in completing I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker petition forms. Instead, applicants should review the USCIS website or seek legal advice for guidance on how to properly complete the form. Additionally, the NVC will provide processing information and instructions for applicants who have already submitted an I-360 petition form.
7. Does the NVC offer any resources to help with the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application process?
Yes, the NVC offers a variety of resources to help with the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application process. The NVC website provides a step-by-step guide to the I-360 application, which includes instructions on how to complete the forms and gather necessary supporting documents. Additionally, individuals may call or email the NVC’s Customer Service Center for assistance. Additionally, applicants can find answers to frequently asked questions about the I-360 process on the NVC website.
8. Is it possible to expedite an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application with the NVC?
No, it is not possible to expedite an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application with the NVC. However, applicants can request expedited processing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they meet certain criteria, such as if the applicant is facing extreme financial hardship due to their situation or if they need to travel urgently for humanitarian or other compelling reasons.
9. What is the average processing time for an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application at the NVC?
The average processing time for an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application at the NVC is currently 86 days.
10. What happens if an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application is denied by the NVC?
If an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application is denied by the NVC, the applicant may file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The applicant may also request a motion to reopen or reconsider their application with the NVC if they have new evidence to present.
11. How does the NVC communicate with applicants regarding their I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applications?
The NVC typically communicates with applicants regarding their I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applications through email or mail. Applicants can check the status of their application online, and the NVC will also contact them with any updates or requests for additional information.
12. How does the NVC determine if an applicant qualifies as a “special immigrant” under U.S. immigration law?
The NVC reviews the applicant’s petition to determine if they meet the requirements for special immigrant classification. The petition must demonstrate that the applicant is applying under one of the eligible categories for special immigration, including persons working in religious occupations or ministries, translators, certain physicians, retired employees of international organizations, and others. The NVC will also review supporting documentation to verify the applicant’s eligibility.
13. Are there any special requirements for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants who are outside of the U.S.?
Yes, special requirements for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants who are outside of the U.S. include meeting all of the other eligibility requirements applicable to special immigrant religious workers, including establishing that they have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years prior to filing the petition and providing evidence of at least two years of membership in a religious vocation or occupation in a position involving a substantial and significant level of religious training, education, or work experience.
14. Does the NVC provide any assistance in scheduling USCIS interviews for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants?
No, the NVC does not provide any assistance in scheduling USCIS interviews for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants. Applicants should contact the USCIS field office responsible for their area to request an appointment.
15. What documents must be submitted to complete an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application at the NVC?
To complete an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application at the NVC, applicants must submit the following documents:
1. Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
2. Evidence of the worker’s two years of qualifying religious work experience in the United States or abroad
3. Evidence of the worker’s good moral character
4. Evidence of the worker’s affiliation with a qualifying religious denomination in the United States for at least two years prior to filing Form I-360
5. Evidence of the worker’s current employment with a qualifying employer
6. Proof of relationship to employer, if applicable
7. Copy of passport and other identity/citizenship documents
8. Biographical information including photographs and fingerprints
9. Fee payment
16. Does anyone need to appear in person at the NVC for an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application?
No, it is not necessary for an applicant to appear in person at the NVC for an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application. All necessary forms and documents can be submitted either by mail or electronically.
17. Does the NVC provide translation services for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants?
No, the NVC does not provide translation services for I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicants. Applicants must provide their own translations of any application materials that are not in English.
18. Which government agencies are involved in reviewing and approving an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application at the NVC?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in the United States is responsible for reviewing and approving all I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applications submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC). Additionally, the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security may conduct background checks in order to verify the applicant’s identity and eligibility.
19. Does the NVC provide any assistance with obtaining religious worker visas for family members of an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicant?
No, the NVC does not provide any assistance with obtaining religious worker visas for family members of an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker applicant. Family members must apply for their own religious worker visas through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
20. When will an applicant receive a case number and receipt notice from the NVC after submitting an I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application?
An applicant will typically receive a case number and receipt notice from the NVC within one month of submitting the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker application.