NVC Consular Processing

Consular Processing is the pathway for individuals applying for an immigrant visa (green card) from outside the United States. This process is managed by the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. Department of State. Once the applicant's immigrant petition is approved by USCIS, the case is transferred to the NVC, which handles pre-processing before forwarding the application to a U.S. embassy or consulate for the final visa interview.

Step 1: USCIS Petition Approval

Before starting consular processing, an applicant must have an approved immigrant petition (e.g., I-130 for family-based immigration, I-140 for employment-based immigration, I-526 for EB-5 investors). Once USCIS approves the petition, they send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

Step 2: Case Creation by NVC

The NVC assigns a case number and notifies the applicant or petitioner when the case is ready for processing.
The applicant must log into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal to monitor updates and submit required documents.

Step 3: Pay Fees to NVC

Before proceeding, the applicant must pay the fees through the CEAC portal before continuing with the application.

Step 4: Submit Required Civil Documents & DS-260 Form

Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online through the CEAC portal.
Submit supporting civil documents.

Once all documents are uploaded and processed, NVC will review the case and notify the applicant if additional documentation is required.

Step 5: NVC Completes Case Review & Schedules Interview

After all fees are paid and required documents are submitted, NVC reviews the case.
Once complete, NVC forwards the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
The applicant receives an appointment notice for the visa interview at the designated U.S. consulate.

Step 6: Medical Examination & Interview Preparation

The applicant must undergo a medical examination at a designated panel physician before the visa interview.
Prepare for the interview by bringing all required documents, including the appointment letter, original copies of submitted documents, DS-260 confirmation page, and medical exam results.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview

The applicant attends an in-person visa interview at the assigned U.S. embassy or consulate.
A consular officer reviews the case and asks relevant questions regarding the applicant's eligibility.
The officer approves or denies the visa based on the interview and submitted documents. If further administrative processing is needed, additional time may be required.

Step 8: Visa Issuance & Entry to the U.S.

If the visa is approved, the applicant receives an immigrant visa in their passport.
The applicant must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online before traveling to the U.S.
Upon arrival in the U.S., the applicant presents the visa package at a U.S. port of entry, where CBP officers grant admission as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
The physical green card is mailed to the applicant’s U.S. address within a few weeks.

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