The National Visa Center (NVC) plays an essential role in the green card process, especially for applicants living outside the U.S. This U.S. State Department office handles the pre-processing of family and employment-based green card applications once the initial petition is approved. If you are applying for a green card through consular processing, understanding the NVC’s role can help you navigate the journey more smoothly.
What Is the National Visa Center (NVC)?
The National Visa Center (NVC), located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is part of the U.S. State Department. After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your green card petition—such as a Form I-130 or Form I-140—your case is forwarded to the NVC. The NVC is responsible for managing the next steps, including fee payments, document collection, and ensuring that only complete applications are sent to U.S. Embassies or Consulates for final processing.
If you’re applying for a green card from outside the U.S. through consular processing, you will likely encounter the NVC at some stage. This guide explains how the NVC fits into your green card process.
When Does Your Green Card Application Reach the NVC?
Your green card application begins with USCIS. Once your family or employment-based petition is approved, USCIS sends your case to the NVC. The NVC will only start working on your application if the applicant is living outside the U.S. and once your priority date becomes current.
Your priority date determines when your application can proceed, depending on the most recent cut-off date listed in the U.S. Department of State’s visa bulletin. If your priority date is not yet current, the NVC will hold off on processing until it is.
What Does the NVC Do With a Green Card Application?
Once the NVC receives your petition, it creates a case for you in its system, assigns you a case number, and sends you a Welcome Letter. This letter includes:
- Your case number
- A beneficiary ID number
- An invoice number
You can use these details to log into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to check your status, send documents, and manage your case.
Steps After the NVC Receives Your Case
DS-261 Form:
After receiving your Welcome Letter, the next step is to fill out the DS-261 form (Online Choice of Address and Agent). This form tells the NVC how to communicate with you and is free of charge. The NVC will process your DS-261 in about 3 weeks.
Fee Payments:
After the DS-261 is processed, you will need to pay two required fees totaling $445:
- Application processing fee: $325
- Financial support form fee: $120
For employment-based green card applications, the application processing fee is $345.
DS-260 Form:
After paying the fees, you’ll need to complete the DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application). This is the main green card application for family members living abroad.
Supporting Documents:
The NVC will guide you in submitting all the necessary documents. Some U.S. consulates allow you to upload or email these documents, while others require physical copies to be mailed.
Forwarding to the Consulate:
Once the NVC checks your DS-260 form and supporting documents, it forwards them to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate responsible for scheduling your immigrant visa interview.
The final decision on your immigrant visa will be made by the embassy or consulate after your interview.
How Long Does NVC Processing Take?
The time it takes for the NVC to process your case depends on factors such as:
- Your priority date
- Payment processing time
- Whether all documents are correctly submitted
For up-to-date processing times, check the NVC Timeframes on the U.S. State Department’s website.
How to Contact the National Visa Center
The NVC does not handle requests sent by mail anymore. You can contact them:
- By phone: Call 1-603-334-0700 (Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time).
- By email: Use the Public Inquiry Form or email support-NVC@state.gov.
Is the NVC Process Different for U.S. Citizens Sponsoring Family Members?
Yes. For U.S. citizens sponsoring immediate family members (such as a spouse or child), the process is faster. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not affected by priority dates. However, for non-immediate relatives (e.g., siblings or parents), priority dates apply.
If your sponsor becomes a U.S. citizen after your petition is filed, you can submit proof of their citizenship to the NVC so they can update your visa category.
Can I Use the NVC if I’m Already in the United States?
No. If you are already in the U.S. and applying for a green card through adjustment of status (AOS), you do not need to deal with the NVC. USCIS will handle the entire process for you.
FAQs About the National Visa Center (NVC)
What is the National Visa Center (NVC)?
The NVC is the U.S. Department of State’s processing center for immigrant visa applications. It manages green card applications, including family-based and certain employment-based petitions, by gathering documents, reviewing forms, and then forwarding approved cases to U.S. Embassies and Consulates for the final decision.
How do I check if the NVC is processing my case?
You can check your case status by visiting the NVC Status Check page on the U.S. State Department website. You will need to enter your case number and other required details.
How can I contact the National Visa Center?
You can contact the NVC by phone at 1-603-334-0700 (Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST) or email support-NVC@state.gov. You can also use the Public Inquiry Form for inquiries.
How do I submit the required documents to the NVC?
Required documents can be submitted either by email to Support-NVCdocuments@state.gov or by mail to:
- National Visa Center, Attn: WC
- 31 Rochester Avenue, Suite 200
- Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914, USA
What are the fees for using the NVC?
The basic fee for using the NVC is $120, but additional fees may apply depending on your visa type.
What are the NVC’s hours of operation?
The NVC operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST). It is closed on weekends and U.S. government holidays. For a complete list of holidays, visit the NVC’s website.
Understanding the role of the National Visa Center in your green card journey can help you navigate the process more efficiently. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid delays in your application.
