The National Visa Center (NVC) is operated by the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. It administers the processing of immigrant visa applications after USCIS approves a petition and before the case is sent to a consular post for adjudication.
How is the NVC notified about an approved case?
The petition submitted to USCIS must include a request for immigrant visa/consular processing. If the petition is submitted with a request for the applicant to adjust status in the USA, USCIS will not transfer the case to the NVC. Instead, the applicant will need to submit Form I-824 to initiate the transfer from USCIS to the NVC.
What is the NVC caseload?
In fiscal 2024, the agency issued almost 645,000 immigrant visas. The NVC has faced backlogs throughout the years. The Department of State website includes information on the processing times. It is updated weekly.
What are the steps to the NVC process?
A case is created in the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) system. A Welcome Letter is sent to the applicant and attorney of record. The Welcome Letter will include the immigrant visa case number, invoice ID, and instructions for creating an account on CEAC. It may take up to ten calendar days for payments to be reflected in the system.
When a Welcome Letter is received, applicants should pay the required fees and upload all civil documents to move the case to the scheduling queue when the priority date becomes current.
Case processing begins only after all fees have been paid and the required documents are uploaded to the CEAC account.
How do I use the CEAC?
Once the NVC sends the Welcome Letter with the case number, the applicant must create an account and choose an agent. A case will be created after the applicant pays the immigrant visa fee invoices. The applicant may access and complete the DS-260 form after the fee has been processed.
I made an error on my DS-260 application. Can I go back and edit it?
No. Once a DS-260 application is submitted, editing is not possible. The application can only be unlocked if the consular section unlocks it for the applicant and makes the requested changes. The applicant can inform the officer at the time of the interview of any information that is incorrect or outdated.
Why did the NVC reject my document?
The NVC uses country-specific document guidelines to determine the availability and acceptability of documents. The NVC should send an email explaining the reason for rejection. If a document is rejected without a reason, applicants may contact the NVC using the online Public Inquiry Form.
Are English translations required?
Translations are not generally required if the document is in English or in the language where the applicant will be interviewed.
What happens after my case is documentarily complete?
Once the NVC determines the case is documentarily complete, it will generate a notification in the CEAC account. The CEAC account will provide a summary page with information about the status and location of the case. NVC will then hold or schedule the interview based on the availability of the post. Once the interview has been scheduled, the case will be transferred to the selected consular post. All subsequent communication must be with the consular post. All updated documents must be brought to the interview unless the consular post instructs otherwise.
How can I check for case updates in CEAC?
When the NVC updates a case or requests additional information, a message will be posted in the account. An email will be sent to every address associated with the account.
Can I make an emergency request to the NVC?
If the file is still at the NVC, requests for expedited processing or emergency appointments may be sent by email to [email protected]. The NVC does not adjudicate expedite requests. Instead, it sends the request to the appropriate consular post for review. The consular post has the discretion to approve or deny any requests.
I have not heard from the NVC for at least 60 days after my case was approved by USCIS. What should I do?
If an applicant has not received a Welcome Letter or any contact from the NVC, s/he may contact [email protected]. A copy of the USCIS approval notice should be provided.
I want to transfer my case to a different consular location. What steps must I take?
If the case is pending at the NVC, an applicant may request to transfer the case to another post using the Public Inquiry Form. If the case is already at the consular post, the request to transfer should be made to the intended receiving post.
What is the one-year contact requirement?
The regulations provide for termination of registration of the visa petition of any applicant who fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year following the notification of availability for those applying on the basis of an approved I-130, I-140, and I-360.
The most effective ways to maintain contact with the NVC are:
- Pay a fee in CEAC
- Submit a document in CEAC
- Complete form DS-260
What if the NVC issued a termination warning notice in error?
The applicant should submit an inquiry to the Public Inquiry Form as soon as possible. S/he should request supervisor review and provide proof of contact.
To request a paid consultation to discuss your immigrant visa case, please contact our immigrant visa Attorney at Stone Oak Immigration PLLC.
