1. What is the National Visa Center (NVC)?
The National Visa Center (NVC) is a part of the U.S. Department of State that is responsible for pre-processing most family-based and some employment-based immigrant visa petitions before they are sent to the appropriate U.S. consulate or embassy for final processing. The NVC’s job is to collect, review, and securely store the required immigrant visa application forms and supporting documents, and then forward them to the appropriate consular office for final adjudication. NVC also provides information to the public about the immigrant visa process and helps applicants with scheduling their visa interviews.
2. What role does the NVC play in the immigration process?
The National Visa Center (NVC) is responsible for securely collecting and organizing the documentation required for U.S. immigration and managing the visa application process. It is the central collection agency for all immigrant visa applications in the United States. The NVC will collect all the required documents, perform pre-processing of the case and assign a visa case number. The NVC will also communicate with the U.S. consulate abroad, schedule interviews, and provide the immigrant visa applicant with instructions on how to attend the interview at the U.S. consulate abroad.
3. How long does it take to receive notification from the NVC?
It typically takes up to 90 days to receive notification from the NVC.
4. What documents are required after I submit my immigration petition?
After submitting your immigration petition, you will need to provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with supporting documents such as a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of legal entry into the United States, and any other evidence that proves you meet the eligibility requirements for the immigration benefit you are seeking.
5. Does the NVC provide instructions on how to complete the visa application?
Yes, the NVC provides instructions on how to complete the visa application. The NVC website has a section with detailed instructions and links to the visa application form.
6. How do I pay the visa application fee and processing fee to the NVC?
The NVC accepts only debit/credit cards, Western Union, and money orders. Cash or checks are not accepted. The NVC fee calculator can help you determine the total cost of your application.
7. How do I submit my visa application to the NVC?
You will need to submit your visa application to the National Visa Center (NVC) electronically. You will need to log in to your NVC account and fill out the DS-260 form on the website. Once the form is completed, you must submit it to NVC. If you need any help with this process, you can contact the NVC or a private visa agency.
8. What is the timeline for processing my application at the NVC?
The processing time for applications at the NVC varies depending on the case and is usually between six and 12 months.
9. When will I receive my visa number from the NVC?
The National Visa Center (NVC) will send you an email as soon as your visa number has been assigned. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the visa number to be assigned.
10. Where do I find information about medical examinations and vaccinations needed for visa issuance?
You can find information about medical examinations and vaccinations needed for visa issuance on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for the visa. You may also contact the relevant embassy or consulate directly for more information.
11. What are the eligibility requirements for immigrant visas?
In order to be eligible for an immigrant visa, the applicant must:
1. Have a valid offer of employment from a U.S. employer.
2. Have a qualifying family relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
3. Have received an approved immigrant petition from USCIS.
4. Meet the requirements for the applicable visa category, including health and character requirements.
5. Have a valid passport and be physically present in the United States to attend their visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
6. Have paid all applicable fees and taxes required for their visa application.
12. Can I check the status of my immigration petition online?
Yes, you can check the status of your immigration petition online at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. You will need your receipt number to do so.
13. How do I schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy?
You must first complete an online visa application form (DS-160). Once you have submitted the completed form, you will be able to schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may be able to schedule an appointment online, by phone, or in person.
14. Can I expedite the processing of my immigrant visa application at the NVC?
Unfortunately, we are unable to expedite the processing of immigrant visa applications at the NVC. Each application is processed on a case-by-case basis and is handled in the order it was received. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to process each application.
15. How can I update my contact information or provide additional documentation to the NVC after submitting my petition?
If you need to update your contact information or provide additional documentation after submitting your petition, contact the National Visa Center (NVC) directly by calling (603) 334-0700 or sending an email to [email protected].
16. How do I apply for an immigrant visa for a family member living outside of the United States?
You must file an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form serves as a request for a family member to receive an immigrant visa so that he or she can come to the United States to live permanently. After filing the I-130, the foreign relative must go through an immigration interview and be approved before being issued an immigrant visa.
17. Is there a fee associated with collecting documents from the NVC prior to a visa interview?
No, there is no fee associated with collecting documents from the National Visa Center (NVC) prior to a visa interview.
18. How do I check if all of my documents have been received by the NVC?
You can check the online case status on the NVC website to see if all of your documents have been received. You can also contact the NVC directly by email or phone if you need more information.
19. What is the process for requesting a waiver for an immigrant visa application?
The process for requesting a waiver for an immigrant visa application varies depending on the situation. Generally, applicants must submit Form I-601 “Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility” along with the corresponding fees, evidence, and supporting documents to establish eligibility for the waiver. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may also be required to appear for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Additionally, applicants may need to submit additional information or documents to support their waiver application.
20. What should I bring with me to my visa interview at a U.S consulate or embassy?
It is recommended that you bring the following items to your visa interview:
– A valid passport
– All necessary visa application forms
– Any required documents, such as a letter of invitation, financial documents, or a certificate of eligibility
– Photos that meet the requirements for the visa class you are applying for
– Any additional evidence of your qualifications or job skills
– Your appointment letter or confirmation page