March 7th, 2024 at 04:55 am

NVC Visa Interview Updates: EB & FB Green Card

Starting the process of obtaining a US immigrant visa requires maneuvering through a convoluted system that is influenced by several variables. An essential middleman in this procedure, the National Visa Center (NVC) is vital to the smooth and effective processing of immigrant visa applications.

This in-depth manual seeks to explore the nuances of the NVC process in greater detail, offering a clear comprehension of the different phases, deadlines, and critical actions associated with it. This guide attempts to provide applicants with the information they need for a successful immigration journey, from USCIS approval to document submission, case construction, and the effect of the ongoing global pandemic on US Visa processing.

USCIS Approval and NVC Pre-processing

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval of the immigrant visa petition forms the basis of the immigrant visa application procedure. The petitioner’s application (I-130 or I-40) is reviewed by the USCIS to make sure it satisfies the requirements.

The file is subsequently sent to the National Visa Center for preliminary processing after it has been approved. At the NVC, the case goes through an important preliminary evaluation and is set up for subsequent processing during the pre-processing phase. By assessing the case’s eligibility and readiness for the next step, this phase of the immigration journey sets the foundation for the succeeding steps.

NVC Welcome Letter and Invoice

When a case reaches the NVC, it is assessed according to the priority date, which is a crucial factor in determining the processing order. The NVC begins the application process by sending the applicant a welcome letter if the priority date coincides with or approaches the current cutoff date. This welcome letter accomplishes two things:

First of all, there comes an invoice for the cost of the visa application. Applicants need to comprehend the price structure to plan and spend resources appropriately.
Second, the welcome letter walks applicants through the necessary paperwork and procedural requirements by providing comprehensive directions for the following steps in the process.

Case Creation and View at the NVC

In the immigration procedure, the filing of a case at the NVC is a critical step. The NVC creates a distinct case number and invoice ID by entering information from the immigrant petition into its database. The welcome letter contains this information, which is crucial for applicants to access the Consular Electronic Application Center (CAC) during the Visa application process.

Document Submission and Review

The timely and accurate submission of necessary documentation is critical to the successful advancement of an application for an immigrant visa. These documents consist of the applicant’s DS-260, the petitioner’s Affidavit of Support, and accompanying financial records. Certain documentation may be required for each type of visa, so it’s critical to comprehend and meet the standards that apply to the applicant’s circumstances.

Applicants must submit the necessary paperwork and pay all applicable fees before the NVC starts the screening process. After that, the NVC carefully checks to make sure all required information is given. This phase is essential for figuring out whether the applicant is qualified for an interview for an immigrant visa.

Timeline for Case Review and Inquiries

A review of documents filed in 2024 is currently underway at the NVC. Applicant understanding of the case review timeline gives them an idea of how long this process should take. Crucially, prompt responses and respect for submission deadlines increase the process’s overall effectiveness.

Those who are anxious to know how their case is progressing can choose to contact the NVC with questions. However, to minimize needless delays and improve communication between the applicant and the NVC, the NVC should refrain from responding to identical requests submitted in 2024.

NVCs Warning on INA Section 203g

Regarding Section 203g of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the NVC provides a warning. According to this clause, the Secretary of State may cancel an alien’s registration petition if they do not apply for an immigrant visa within a year of being informed that they are available.

However, if the foreigner proves within two years of notice that they were unable to apply because of circumstances beyond their control, the petition may be revived. Applications must comprehend the ramifications of INA Section 203g. The registration petition may be terminated and benefits related to the backlog report may be lost if responses to notices from the NVC are not received within a year.

US Visa Processing Amidst the Pandemic

The current global epidemic has had a substantial influence on several facets of daily life, including obtaining a visa and traveling abroad. By January 31, 2024, 380,000 candidates had finished their paperwork at the NVC and were prepared for an interview, demonstrating the influence on the processing of US visas.

However, the number of visas that US embassies and consulates across the world are processing has decreased as a result of the difficulties the pandemic has presented. Even while US consulates and embassies are making a concerted effort to start offering regular Visa services in each location, the pandemic’s ongoing effect on processing timeframes is still a reality.

42,141 documentarily complete applications are slated for interview appointments in February 2024, demonstrating the efforts made to keep things as close to normal as possible when it comes to Visa processing.

US Citizenship: Birth in the US and Abroad

Examining a basic facet of US immigration, the handbook investigates the circumstances surrounding the issuance of US citizenship, both at birth in the US and overseas. Regardless of parental status, anybody born within the borders of the United States is automatically granted US citizenship.

The idea of the “Right of the Soil,” which is the cornerstone of citizenship for people born in the United States, is emphasized by this fundamental idea. The guide also explains how foreign-born people can become citizens of the United States. In certain situations, if specific requirements are satisfied, an individual may become a citizen of the US.

These prerequisites include having a US citizen parent who has lived in the US before the child’s birth, having at least one US citizen parent, and fulfilling all other citizenship requirements. Additionally, a special circumstance is described in which a kid under the age of five who is found abandoned and unable to find their parents is assumed to be a citizen of the United States

This clause highlights the protected status of obtaining US citizenship at birth and demonstrates the commitment to defending the rights of those who are most vulnerable.