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Collating Your Documents for the National Visa Center and NVC Case Processing
The National Visa Center (NVC) is essential to the green card application process. It serves as an intermediary between the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the applicant.
The NVC is responsible for collecting and processing the necessary documentation and fees required for immigrant visa applications. They also facilitate communication with the applicant and schedule the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Employment- and family-related requests are frequently handled by NVC. If your spouse is living abroad and you are trying to apply for a spousal visa, the NVC will become involved after your petition (Form I-130) is approved.
Using our experience, personalized strategies, and commitment to client success, Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, can help you navigate the complicated immigration system.
Role and Responsibilities of the NVC
NVC is critical in processing immigrant visa applications. Its primary tasks are as follows:
- Receives visa applicants’ paperwork and fees. It verifies their accuracy and prepares the case for future processing.
- Collects visa processing fees such as the immigrant visa application fee and the processing charge for the affidavit of support.
- Assigns a case number for immigrant visa applications and keeps records. It contacts applicants and sponsors, perhaps seeking further documents or information.
- Determines visa number availability based on visa category and application priority date. It tells applicants when their priority dates are no longer valid.
- Analyzes and pre-processes immigrant visa petitions and applications. It then sends them to the appropriate United States embassy or consulate for visa interviews.
NVC Document Submission
Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the petition, they send the petition to the NVC. It contacts the immigrant applicants in their home country. It requires them to pay the necessary fees and submit documents to NVC as follows:
The applicant must submit an online immigrant visa application (Form DS-260). It does this via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. This form collects personal information, background information, and supporting paperwork.
After you submit Form DS-260, the NVC will request the necessary supporting papers. These papers may differ based on the visa type and the individual’s situation. Documents that are often requested include:
- Biographic page(s) in the passport for the chief applicant and each accompanying family member
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates are both acceptable
- Police certifications from the applicant’s previous residences
- Affidavit of assistance (Form I-864) or other forms of financial assistance
- Documents of civil nature, such as divorce or death certificates (where appropriate)
- Certificates of education or work experience (where relevant)
The NVC gives thorough instructions on how to submit the relevant documents. Most papers are submitted electronically via the CEAC website. Some papers, however, such as original civil documents or translations, may have to be mailed to the NVC.
NVC Case Review
NVC will review your case once you have submitted all of your documents.
You will receive one of the following emails from the NVC:
- Additional Information is Required: If the NVC determines that you still need to submit further or corrected documents, you will receive an email about the status change. Follow the instructions to provide the necessary information or correct the documents.
- Documentarily Complete: You have paid the required fees and submitted the necessary immigrant visa application. You have also submitted the Affidavit of Support and supporting documents. The NVC will then work with the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for you. This is known as the consular processing procedure. You will be required to attend a visa interview.
NVC Visa Interview
The consular officer will review your application during the immigrant visa interview. The interview aims to assess your eligibility for the visa.
Depending on the visa category, the officer may ask different questions.
Additional information or proof may be requested before a final decision is made.
If everything is in order, you may be instructed to pick up the visa, or they may courier it to you.
NVC Processing Time
The processing time at the NVC varies based on several factors, including:
- The priority date: Certain types of green cards have priority dates. The dates determine the order in which applications are processed.
- Payment processing: You can ensure no issues or delays with fee payments.
- Form accuracy: Prevent complications and time delays by double-checking your forms for errors or mistakes.
- Supporting documents: Facilitate the process by submitting all required supporting documents promptly.
For the latest information on NVC processing times, refer to the NVC. Timeframes provided by the U.S. State Department.
The NVC and Priority Dates
After USCIS processes your application, it is sent to the NVC, usually taking one to two months.
Your application is assigned a priority date, indicating its submission date. The NVC releases a monthly NVC visa bulletin. The bulletin specifies dates for various visa categories, countries, and limits.
Once your priority date becomes current, the NVC will send you a welcome letter. The letter will provide instructions for paying the required fees. It will also instruct you to collect civil documents and prepare for your consular interview.
How an Attorney Can Help
There are advantages to using an experienced and skillful immigration lawyer in Dallas, Texas. Our team can help with NVC case processing in a variety of ways. They can:
- Give legal advice
- Assist with document production and review
- Act as your representative in communications with the N.V.C.
- Build a case strategy
- Provide interview preparation
- Troubleshoot difficulties
- Guarantee your interests are safeguarded
Working with a professional immigration lawyer can help to simplify the process and resolve complications. It raises the likelihood of a successful resolution.
Contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, today and let us help you achieve your dreams of living and working in the U.S. With our commitment to our clients and our belief in making the American dream possible for all, our experienced and dedicated team brings a wealth of knowledge, integrity, and personalized legal strategies to navigate the complex immigration system.
We value building long-lasting relationships with our clients and are ready to guide you through the process of obtaining legal status. Take the first step towards your immigration goals, and reach out to us for a consultation.
