For those looking to secure a visa through the U.S. Department of State, the journey involves several steps, one of which includes interacting with the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC’s primary role is to facilitate fee collection, prepare applicants administratively for their visa appointment, and schedule interviews. This post reviews how to navigate the visa application process.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many applicants face challenges and delays because of certain common mistakes. Here are some areas that typically require corrections:
- Incorrect Civil Documents and Police Certificates – Each country has its specific criteria for acceptable documents and issuing authorities. Not adhering to these can hinder the progress of your application. For precise requirements based on the issuing country, refer to https://nvc.state.gov/find.
- Supporting Financial Documents – Petitioners, in most cases, are required to submit an Affidavit of Support along with relevant financial documents. Joint Sponsors or Household Members may also need to submit specific supporting documents. Key documents that are often overlooked include:
- Tax transcripts/tax returns
- W-2/1099s
- Proof of income
- To know exactly which documents to submit, consult the chart at https://nvc.state.gov/fin.
- Missing Petitioner Civil Documents – In certain cases, the petitioner may need to provide civil documents. Not all required documents will be requested through CEAC. For instance, if a petitioner is applying for specific visas and the spouse had previous marriages, evidence of the termination of all prior marriages is needed. To determine the necessary documents to submit to the NVC, visit https://nvc.state.gov/documents.
Conclusion
While these are just a few common reasons why the NVC might request corrections, it’s imperative to review the official NVC website in its entirety to prevent delays in your application. By being meticulous and referring to the appropriate resources, you can ensure a smoother journey through the visa application process.
Additional Outside Information
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding the immigrant visa process with the National Visa Center (NVC). We invite you to reach out to our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.
