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.
Can I expedite my NVC case if there’s a financial emergency
Yes, you can expedite your NVC case due to a financial emergency. The National Visa Center (NVC) recognizes severe financial hardship as a valid reason for requesting expedited processing. Here are the key points to consider:
Criteria for Expedited Processing
- Severe Financial Hardship: You must provide thorough documentation that demonstrates the financial loss you are experiencing or will experience if your case is not expedited. This could include loss of income, inability to pay bills or other significant financial impact.
- Other Valid Reasons: While financial hardship is acceptable, the NVC also considers other urgent situations such as life-or-death medical emergencies and humanitarian reasons.
How to Request Expedited Processing
- Prepare Your Documentation: Draft a letter outlining your situation and the reasons for your request. Include supporting documents that demonstrate your financial hardship.
- Email Your Request: Send your expedite request to NVCExpedite@state.gov. Make sure to include:
- Your case number is in the subject line.
- Relevant personal details (e.g., names and dates of birth of the petitioner and beneficiary).
- A clear explanation of your financial situation and any supporting evidence.
- Follow Up: After submitting your request, monitor the status of your application through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check NVC Case Status
Visit the Visa Status Checker:
Navigate to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Status Checker webpage. This site allows you to check the status of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications.
Enter Your Visa Case Number:
You will need your immigrant visa case number, which is provided in the Welcome Letter from the NVC. This number is typically 13 characters long, starting with three letters followed by ten numbers. For nonimmigrant visas, the number is usually eight characters long.
Review Your Case Status:
After entering your visa number in the appropriate field, submit it to view your current case status. The status may indicate whether your application is “at NVC,” “in transit” to the consulate, or “ready” for an interview.
Additional Information
- If you have submitted an expedited request and it has been approved, your case will be forwarded directly to the consular post for interview scheduling, usually within 30-45 days
What should I do if my NVC case status is “in transit”
If your NVC case status is “in transit,” it indicates that your application has been processed by the National Visa Center (NVC) and is currently being transferred to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview. Here are the steps you can take and what to expect:
What It Means: The “in transit” status signifies that the NVC has scheduled your visa interview and sent your case to the appropriate consular office. This is a positive development in the visa application process, as it means you are moving closer to your interview.
Next Steps:
Wait for Updates: Typically, it may take a few days to a couple of weeks for the status to change from “in transit” to “ready,” which indicates that the consulate has received your case and is preparing for your interview.
Check Your NVC Account: You can log into your NVC account to monitor the status of your case. You will need your case number and invoice ID to access this information.
What to Do Next
Prepare for Your Interview: While waiting, ensure that you have all necessary documents ready for your visa interview. This includes:
- Valid passport
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Financial support documents
- Civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
Contact NVC if Delayed: If your case remains in transit for an extended period (more than a couple of weeks), consider contacting the NVC directly at (603) 334-0700 for clarification on your case status.
Expedite Requests: If there are urgent circumstances (such as medical emergencies), you may consider submitting an expedite request. This involves sending an email to NVCExpedite@state.gov with details of your situation.
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.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a CR-1 Visa or an F2A Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
