For those seeking an immigrant visa to the United States, the journey involves several key agencies. After your petition is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your case doesn't go directly to an embassy. Instead, it's transferred to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC), which plays a vital administrative role.
The National Visa Center (NVC) acts as the bridge between USCIS and U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, processing all immigrant visa petitions after they are approved domestically and before they are sent overseas for an interview.
account_balanceThe NVC's Role in the Immigration Journey
Think of the NVC as a central clearinghouse. Its primary job is to ensure you have submitted all the necessary fees, forms, and documents before your case file is sent to the consulate for your interview. This pre-processing step makes the final interview stage more efficient and helps identify any missing information early on, preventing major delays down the line.
checklist_rtlThe NVC Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Once the NVC receives your approved petition from USCIS, they will create your case and contact you to begin processing. The process generally follows these steps:
- mailReceive Welcome Letter: The NVC will send a Welcome Letter or email containing your Case Number and Invoice ID Number. You'll need these to log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
- paymentsPay Processing Fees: You must pay two main fees online: the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee and the Affidavit of Support Fee.
- edit_documentSubmit Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260): Each intending immigrant must complete and submit the Form DS-260 online. This extensive form collects your detailed background information.
- attach_moneyCollect and Submit Financial Documents: The petitioner must submit a signed Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) along with supporting financial evidence (tax returns, proof of income, etc.) to show they can financially support the applicant.
- folder_sharedCollect and Submit Applicant's Civil Documents: The visa applicant must gather and submit scans of their required civil documents. This is a critical step where accuracy is key.
upload_fileKey Civil Documents for NVC Submission
You will be required to upload clear, legible scans of several personal documents to the CEAC portal. If any of these documents are not in English, they **must** be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- badgePassport: A copy of the biographic data page of your valid passport.
- cakeBirth Certificate: To prove your identity and country of birth.
- favoriteMarriage Certificate: If you are married. You must also submit certificates for any previous marriages that ended.
- local_policePolice Certificates: From your country of residence and any country you have lived in for more than one year since age 16.
- military_techMilitary Records: If you have served in any country's armed forces.
event_availableFinal Review and Interview Scheduling
After you have paid all fees and submitted the DS-260, Affidavit of Support, and all required civil documents, the NVC will review your case. If everything is complete, they will place you in the queue for an interview appointment. Once an interview slot is available at the designated U.S. embassy or consulate, the NVC will send you an interview appointment notice. They then forward your entire case file to the consulate, where the final decision on your visa will be made.
Expert Guidance for a Smooth NVC Process
The NVC stage is document-intensive, and errors can cause frustrating delays. Ensuring your civil documents, especially certified translations, meet Department of State standards is crucial. Let us handle the details so you can proceed with confidence.