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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

Our Illinois-based national immigration law attorney and Kasturi Law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, knows the U.S. Department of State National Visa Center (NVC) plays a central role in the consular processing of immigrant visa applications for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States. Here, we discuss the NVC’s role in consular processing.

The Role of the National Visa Center in Consular Processing

What is the National Visa Center’s Role in U.S. Immigration Consular Processing?

After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves an immigrant visa petition—which may include Form I-130 for family-based immigration or Form I-140 for employment-based immigration—the approved petition is forwarded to the NVC for further processing.

From there, the process includes:

  • Case Creation and Assignment of NVC Case Number

The NVC, in a crucial step, creates a case file for each approved immigrant visa petition and assigns a unique NVC case number. This case number, of significant importance, identifies and tracks the visa application throughout the consular processing, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

  • Document Collection and Review

The NVC, with its meticulous approach, collects required documents from the petitioner and beneficiary (visa applicant) to support the visa application. This may include forms, civil documents (such as birth and marriage certificates), financial documents, and other supporting evidence.

The NVC reviews the submitted documents with utmost care for completeness and accuracy.

  • Fee Payment

The NVC notifies the petitioner and beneficiary of the required visa application processing fees and provides instructions for fee payment. Once the fees are paid, the NVC will confirm receipt and process the visa application.

  • Visa Interview Scheduling

After all required documents and fees have been submitted and processed, the NVC forwards the case file to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the visa interview will take place. The embassy or consulate then schedules the visa interview for the beneficiary.

  • Transfer of Case to Embassy or Consulate

The NVC transfers the case file to the designated U.S. embassy or consulate and notifies the petitioner and beneficiary of the interview appointment details.

  • Preparation for Interview

Before the visa interview, the beneficiary must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician and complete any additional required forms or screenings. The embassy or consulate may also request further documentation or information as needed.

  • Visa Interview and Decision

At the visa interview, a consular officer reviews the applicant’s eligibility for the immigrant visa and determines whether to approve or deny the visa application. If approved, the applicant receives instructions on obtaining the immigrant visa and traveling to the United States.

Do You Need Help Preparing for Consular Processing? Kasturi Law Can Help.

At Kasturi Law, our immigration practice is driven by the desire to give a voice to those who most need it, including those who need help preparing for consular processing.

Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you confidently move forward.