1- Receipt and Processing of Approved Petitions
After USCIS approves an immigrant petition (such as a family-based or employment-based petition), the case is forwarded to the NVC for further processing.
2- Case Number Assignment
The NVC assigns a unique case number to each approved immigrant petition. This case number is crucial for tracking the case throughout the subsequent stages of the immigration process.
3- Choice of Agent and Address
The NVC communicates with the petitioner and the intending immigrant to collect required fees and to obtain information about the petitioner's choice of agent (typically an attorney or a representative) and the immigrant's mailing address.
4- Fee Payments
The NVC collects various fees associated with the visa application process, including the immigrant visa application fee and the Affidavit of Support fee.
5- Review of Affidavit of Support and Supporting Documents
The NVC reviews the financial sponsorship forms (such as the Affidavit of Support) and supporting documents submitted by the petitioner to ensure that the intending immigrant will have adequate financial support in the United States.
6- Document Collection
The NVC collects and retains documents related to the immigrant visa application, including the Affidavit of Support, civil documents (such as birth certificates and marriage certificates), and any other required forms.
7- Visa Application Processing
Once all required fees are paid and necessary documents are submitted, the NVC works to schedule visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the intending immigrant resides.
8- Transfer to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
After completing its processing, the NVC transfers the case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for further processing, including the scheduling of the visa interview and the final determination of visa eligibility.