The National Visa Center: Make Sure You Actively Respond to Their Demands.
The National Visa Center (NVC) takes an active role in some applications for permanent residence. It is important to maintain active communications if your permanent residence petition involves the NVC.
The NVC is part of the U.S. Department of States and works with U.S. consulates and embassies abroad to streamline the permanent residence application process. NVC collects payment for immigrant visas, requests documents, reviews documents, and forwards documents to the appropriate U.S. consulate or embassy.
The NVC is usually involved in permanent residence petitions for family members living abroad. The NVC is also involved when a foreign national chooses, or is required by law, to finalize his/her permanent residence petition at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Once the permanent residence petition is approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the approved petition is forwarded to the NVC. Here are some things you need to know:
- NVC notifies the petitioner and attorney when it has received the approved permanent residence petition.
- This initial notification occurs within two to eight weeks from the time the NVC receives the approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- The initial notification will contain a case number.
- The initial notification will be via email or through regular mail.
- You must keep this case number since this case number must appear on any correspondence you have with the NVC.
- You must alert the NVC of any address changes for petitioner and visa applicant.
- You must respond to any requests from the NVC within 364 days. Failure to respond within 364 days will terminate your application.
If your visa has been terminated, it may be possible to reopen your visa petition. You should contact an attorney to see if that is possible and to help you with that request.
If you are not able to reopen your visa, you will need to begin the immigrant visa petition process from the start. You will not be able to use your original priority date.
You may communicate with the National Visa Center by phone, mail, or online.
Phone (for immigrant visa inquiries only):
(603) 334-0700. Customer Service Representatives can speak with you Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight EST, excluding holidays.
Mail (for immigrant visa inquiries only):
National Visa Center
Attn: WC
31 Rochester Avenue
Suite 200
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2915
*All mail should be sent certified to confirm delivery.
Online:
Submit a public inquiry form available at this link: https://secureforms.travel.state.gov/ask-nvc.php
©Scott Global Migration Law Group, 2017