If you would like to increase the rate of processing with the National Visa Center, you would probably be allowed to request an expedited service. This may come in handy if ever your case requires timely actions like during a medical crisis. Here, we’ll show you how to submit an expedited request for an NVC application and the criteria that you have to fulfill.
What do We Mean By Expedited Processing
Expressing means your application jumps in front so that your case is dealt with more quickly than it would be otherwise. Nevertheless, expedited processing does not occur without the basic conditions for such a request. Generally, the NVC will follow this route when adjudicating the expedited request due to a physical life or death emergency medical condition.
Who Can Request For It
During this discussion, candidates interested in applying for jobs in another country may wish to know the following;
- If the application you’re making has got a life-threatening issue you can ask for rush service. Basically, according to the U.S. Department of State, if one is qualified to use a visa in his/her relative’s category and if there is a life-threatening medical situation that endangers the life of one’s relative, then one may be helped to have the case fast-tracked.
- Yet, if a visa is out of reach for your relative due to visa ceilings or quota restrictions, NVC cannot speed up the process of your application because it is regulated by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 which governs the issuance of visas. When there is no visa category, the NVC has no legal authority to provide the application with an accelerated procedure.
Steps to Request Expedited Processing
If your case qualifies for expedited processing, here’s how you can request it:
- Prepare Documentation: You will need to submit a letter (or statement) from a physician or medical facility confirming the life-or-death emergency. This letter should include:
- A statement clearly explaining the medical emergency and why it requires urgent action.
- The contact information of the physician or medical facility.
- Any supporting medical documentation that further explains the situation.
- Submit Your Request to NVC: Once you have the necessary medical documentation, you can submit your expedited request to the NVC. This can be done by sending an email to NVCExpedite@state.gov.
- Important: Make sure the medical letter or statement is attached as a scanned document to your email
Include the Required Information: When sending your expedited request, make sure to include the following information in your email:
- Subject Line: Write “Request for NVC Expedite”
- Case Number: In the subject line and body of the email, include your NVC case number.
- Beneficiary’s Information: Include the full name, date of birth, and two contact phone numbers for the beneficiary (the person applying for the visa).
- Petitioner’s Information: Include the full name and date of birth of the petitioner (the person sponsoring the application).
Example of Email Format for Expedited Processing
Here’s an example of how to format your email:
- Subject Line: Request for NVC Expedite
- Body of Email:
- Dear NVC,
- I am writing to request expedited processing for my relative’s application due to a life-or-death medical emergency. Below are the details of the case:
- Beneficiary’s Name: [Full Name]
- Beneficiary’s Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
- Beneficiary’s Contact Numbers: [Phone 1], [Phone 2]
- Petitioner’s Name: [Full Name]
- Petitioner’s Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
- NVC Case Number: [Your NVC Case Number]
- Attached is a letter from the medical facility confirming the emergency.
Thank you for considering this request. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
What Happens After You Submit the Request?
Once you’ve submitted your expedited request, the NVC will review it. Keep in mind that expedited requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and they are typically reserved for urgent life-or-death situations. If your request is approved, the NVC will speed up the processing of your application. However, if the request is denied, your case will proceed at the regular processing speed.
Important Considerations for Expedited Processing Requests
- Timing: You can request expedited processing at any point during the NVC process, but you will need your NVC case number to submit a request. Make sure you have this number before you send your email.
- Life-or-Death Emergencies Only: The NVC grants expedited processing for life-or-death medical emergencies. If your situation doesn’t qualify, your request will likely be denied.
- No Visa Availability: If there is no visa available for your relative’s category (due to annual limits on immigrant visas), the NVC cannot expedite your petition. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule.
- Documentation: Ensure you include all required documentation, including a letter from a physician or medical facility, and other supporting documents. Incomplete applications may delay the review process.
Why Expedited Requests Are Important
If your case qualifies for expedited processing, it can significantly reduce the waiting time for your relative’s visa application. The NVC typically works through applications in the order they are received. An expedited request, if approved, can move your case ahead of others in the queue, which can be crucial in emergencies.
However, remember that expedited requests are not granted based on convenience or preference—they are strictly for situations involving life-or-death medical conditions.
To expedite your NVC application, follow these steps:
- Confirm that your case involves a life-or-death medical emergency.
- Obtain a letter from a physician or medical facility stating the emergency.
- Email the NVC at NVCExpedite@state.gov with all the required information, including your NVC case number and documentation.
- Wait for the NVC to review your request and provide a response.
If your expedited request is approved, your application will be processed faster. If it’s denied, your case will continue through the standard process. Always make sure to submit all required documents to avoid delays.
For more detailed assistance, Law and Visas can provide expert help in navigating the NVC process and expediting your case when necessary.
