The Guide to the National Visa Center
The National Visa Center (NVC) is a facility that acts as a middleman between U.S. embassies and consulates and visa applicants. The institution was established in 1994 to unify the visa application process and streamline administration of United States visa applications. It is responsible for collecting and storing the documentation needed to support visa applications, performing security checks and communicating with U.S. embassies and consulates.
The NVC processes visa applications for all immigrant visa categories such as family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity visas. The role of the NVC in this process is critical as visa applicants receive instructions only from this center on what documents are required to complete visa processing.
In this guide, we will explore the process of applying for a visa through the National Visa Center, including common questions, and concerns that applicants have along with helpful tips to make it a smooth and successful experience.
The National Visa Center Workflow
The NVC has jurisdiction over visa applications from all over the world. Immigrant visa applicants, who are commonly seeking residency in the United States, transit through the NVC to undergo the processing procedures required to complete their visa application before they are scheduled for the next step, attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate-present in the applicant’s country of origin.
Before the immigrant visa interviews are scheduled, the NVC processes the visa applications through various case stages. The following is a detailed account of the National Visa Center workflow:
1. Receipt and Review
Once a visa application is approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the approved application is then routed to the NVC. The NVC acknowledges the receipt of the approved application through email and mail to the applicant and the petitioner (sponsor).
The NVC then proceeds to examine if information provided in the application is correct and complete. If there is any missing or invalid information or if there are any documentation issues on the application, the applicant is provided with instructions on how to rectify the issue.
2. Payment of Processing Fees
After the application is reviewed, the NVC sends the applicant an invoice outlining the processing fees due. The processing fee covers the cost of document reviews, security checks, and communication services during the application process. The processing fee can be paid online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), through a bank draft, or via a credit card payment sent by mail.
3. Submission of Required Supporting Documents
Alongside the processing fee, the applicant is also required to submit a set of supporting documents specified by the NVC. These requirements change depending on the type of visa and applicant’s country of residence.
The supporting documents usually include personal identification document copies like national identification or check-in cards, proof of financial support, medical examination records, and any evidence of prior visa ineligibility or criminal history. Once the applicant provides the documents, the NVC reviews and confirms their validity and accuracy.
4. Review of the Child Status Protection Act
If an applicant submitted an application on behalf of a minor, the NVC is required to confirm whether the child is eligible for adjusted status under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). The CSPA law entitles a child of a green card holder or U.S. citizen to age-out protection by adjusting their status to airmail visa eligibility age.
5. Schedule a Visa Interview
The final stage of the NVC processing is scheduling an interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The NVC sends the applicant notice of the interview schedule, and the next steps are to attend the arranged interview appointment at the location indicated.
Visa Application Processing Time
When processed through the NVC, visa application processing time takes, on average, 6-12 months. The timeline for processing depends on the type of visa type an applicant applies for. Hence applicants must be patient, organized, and ready to follow up when necessary.
It is important to note that individuals with missing, incomplete or invalid information on their visa application form will experience longer processing times. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the application is filled out completely and accurately before submitting it, to avoid processing delays.
How to Check the Status of Your Visa Application
During visa application processing, it is normal to wonder about the status of your application. The NVC makes it easy to check the status of your visa application through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) online platform.
To check the status of the visa application, log in to the CEAC dashboard and select the check your status function. Once there, enter your application number and other relevant information, and the system will display the status of your application.
Common Issues and Concerns during Visa Processing
Despite being a professional entity, visa processing through the NVC involves many administrative procedures that can be complex. Consequently, visa applicants are often faced with numerous questions and concerns about the application process. Below are some of the most common issues that applicants encounter:
1. Excessive Processing Delays
When the processing of a visa application exceeds the average processing time by several months, it raises serious concerns about the processing efficiency of the NVC. To get a response on the delay, visa applicants are encouraged to contact the NVC and/or check their application status on the CEAC platform regularly.
2. Missing Documents
Submitting complete supporting documentation is crucial in visa processing. Suppose applicants’ document submissions are missing, corrupt, invalid, or incomplete. In that case, the NVC will notify the applicant via mail to indicate which required documents are missing or need correction.
3. Security Checks
Numerous security checks are conducted on visa applicants’ forms by the NVC or US Department of State authorities to verify the applicants’ identity, criminal history, and eligibility for a U.S. visa. Applicants who have had any prior criminal convictions or have had past visa denials may face additional scrutiny that prolongs processing times.
Some Helpful Tips for Successful Visa Acquisition
Visa acquisition is a challenging task that requires detailed preparation, organization, and attention to detail. To set you on the right path and ensure success, here are tips designed to ease the visa processing process:
1. Careful Review and Confirmation of Application Documents
To achieve prompt processing of your visa application, you must ensure all your application documents meet the NVC’s requirements. Doing so requires carefully reading and confirming that the application instructions have been followed, ensuring supporting documents are valid, and that there are no spelling or omissions errors.
2. Prompt Completion and Submission of Documents
Submitting all the necessary documents promptly is a vital aspect of acquiring your visa. This can be achieved by preparing all your application documents in advance, ensuring all forms are completed accurately and providing the NVC with all the required information expeditiously.
3. Following Up on Your Application Status
Staying in touch with the NVC and having regular updates on the progress of your application is critical. Accessing the CEAC platform and regularly checking the status of your visa application will keep you informed of its progress and allow you to address concerns, if any, promptly.
Conclusion
The NVC represents a crucial intermediary in the United States visa application processing journey. While applicants often face complex and lengthy procedures when applying for U.S., the center’s competent and professional administration ensures that the visa application procedure is accomplished efficiently.
Following the guide above with tips on how to navigate the visa application process, applicants can now experience a smoother and successful visa processing procedure and realize their dream of acquiring a visa to the United States.
