What Is the National Visa Center?
The National Visa Center is a Department of State facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that processes immigrant visa cases before consular interviews.
NVC serves as the intermediary between USCIS (which approves petitions) and U.S. consulates abroad (which conduct interviews and issue visas).
All immigrant visa applicants processing through consulates must go through NVC. This includes family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa applicants.
When Does Your Case Go to NVC?
Your case transfers to NVC after USCIS approves your immigrant petition (Form I-130 for family cases, Form I-140 for employment cases).
For cases with visa availability (current priority dates), NVC begins processing immediately after receiving the file from USCIS.
For cases without current priority dates, NVC holds the case until the visa bulletin shows your date is current, then begins active processing.
What Are the NVC Processing Steps?
NVC processing follows a structured sequence:
Step 1: Case creation: NVC receives your file from USCIS and creates a case with an NVC case number.
Step 2: Fee payment: Pay the immigrant visa application fee ($325 per applicant) and, for most family cases, the Affidavit of Support review fee ($120).
Step 3: DS-260 submission: Complete and submit Form DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Step 4: Document collection: Upload or mail required civil documents, financial evidence, and photographs.
Step 5: Review: NVC reviews submissions for completeness. If documents are missing or deficient, NVC requests additional information.
Step 6: Interview scheduling: Once documentarily complete, NVC schedules your interview at the designated U.S. consulate.
How Do You Pay NVC Fees?
Pay fees online through the CEAC portal. You need your NVC case number and invoice ID to access payment.
Immigrant visa fee: $325 per applicant (principal and each derivative family member).
Affidavit of Support fee: $120 per financial sponsor (required for most family-based cases).
Keep payment receipts. Fees are generally non-refundable even if the visa is ultimately denied.
What Is Form DS-260?
Form DS-260 is the online immigrant visa application submitted through the CEAC system. Each applicant (including derivatives) must complete a separate DS-260.
The form collects biographical information, immigration history, travel history, family information, work history, education, and security-related questions.
DS-260 cannot be saved and resumed easily. Gather all information before starting, including exact dates, addresses, and employment details for the past 10+ years.
Tips for Completing DS-260
Accuracy is essential. Information on DS-260 must match your civil documents exactly. Discrepancies cause delays.
List all prior U.S. visits, visa applications, and immigration history completely. Omissions can be considered misrepresentation.
Answer security questions carefully. False answers have serious consequences. When uncertain, consult an immigration attorney.
After submission, you can "unlock" DS-260 to make corrections before your interview, but this may delay processing.
What Documents Does NVC Require?
Required documents vary by visa category but typically include:
Civil documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, police certificates, military records, and court records.
Financial documents: Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with tax returns, W-2s, employment letters, and evidence of assets.
Photographs: Recent passport-style photos meeting Department of State specifications.
Passport copies: Biographical page of valid passports for all applicants.
What Are Police Certificates?
Police certificates (also called police clearances or criminal record checks) document your criminal history from countries where you lived.
Requirements vary by country. Some countries issue certificates directly; others require specific procedures. Check Department of State reciprocity schedules for country-specific requirements.
Obtain certificates from every country where you lived for 12 months or more after age 16. Certificates are generally valid for one year.
How Long Does NVC Processing Take?
NVC processing time depends on several factors:
Document submission speed: Cases move faster when applicants submit complete documents quickly. Delays in gathering documents extend the timeline.
NVC review time: Currently 1 to 3 months after becoming documentarily complete for interview scheduling.
Visa availability: If your priority date is not current, your case waits at NVC until dates become current.
Consulate backlogs: Interview wait times vary significantly by consulate, from weeks to many months.
How Do You Check NVC Status?
Track your case through the CEAC portal using your NVC case number.
Status updates include: case received, fees paid, DS-260 submitted, documents received, documentarily complete, and interview scheduled.
Contact NVC through the online inquiry system for specific questions. Phone wait times can be extensive.
What Does "Documentarily Complete" Mean?
A case becomes documentarily complete when NVC has received and accepted all required fees, forms, and documents.
Documentary completion triggers interview scheduling. NVC forwards your case to the consulate and requests an interview appointment.
If NVC finds deficiencies after initial review, they send requests for additional documents, delaying documentary completion.
How Do You Avoid Document Deficiencies?
Review NVC document checklists carefully before submission. Each visa category has specific requirements.
Ensure translations accompany all non-English documents. Translations must be complete and certified.
Upload clear, legible scans. Poor quality images may be rejected.
Double-check that names, dates, and other details match across all documents and forms.
What Happens After NVC?
After documentary completion, NVC schedules your interview at the U.S. consulate in your country.
You receive an interview appointment letter specifying date, time, and location. The letter includes instructions for medical examinations and what to bring.
NVC transfers your file to the consulate before your interview. The consulate receives your documents electronically.
Medical Examination Requirements
Complete medical examinations with designated panel physicians before your interview. Only approved physicians can conduct immigration medicals.
Find panel physicians through the Department of State panel physician list.
Medical results are typically sent directly to the consulate. Bring copies to your interview as backup.
Common NVC Issues and Solutions
Expired documents: Police certificates and medicals have validity periods. If your case is delayed, documents may expire and require renewal.
Name discrepancies: Names must match exactly across documents. Provide legal name change documentation if names differ.
Missing documents: Respond promptly to NVC requests for additional documents. Delays extend processing time.
Fee payment issues: Ensure payments process successfully. Failed payments block case progress.
Agent authorization: If using an attorney or representative, file Form DS-261 to authorize them to communicate with NVC.
What If You Move During NVC Processing?
Update your address with NVC through the CEAC portal or by contacting NVC directly.
Address changes may affect which consulate handles your case. Notify NVC of any relocation.
Keep contact information current. Missing NVC communications causes delays.
Expedite Requests at NVC
NVC may expedite cases in limited circumstances: medical emergencies, humanitarian situations, or Department of State requests.
Submit expedite requests through the NVC inquiry system with supporting documentation.
Expedites are discretionary and rarely granted. Most cases process in standard order.
Can You Transfer to a Different Consulate?
Consulate assignments are based on where you live. Transfers to different consulates require justification.
Submit transfer requests to NVC explaining why you need to interview at a different location.
Transfers may cause delays as files must be redirected. Avoid unnecessary transfer requests.
