The immigration journey can often be lengthy, particularly after the approval of the USCIS I-130 Petition for a foreign relative. Understanding when and how to expedite your case at the National Visa Center (NVC) can be pivotal in certain situations. We discuss the process of requesting expedited processing with the NVC here.
Role of the National Visa Center in Immigration
Once the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your I-130 Petition, the case moves to the NVC. As a bridge between USCIS and the respective US Consulate or Embassy, the NVC plays a crucial role in collating additional details and preparing for the immigrant visa interview. However, this phase can extend over several months, making the need for expedited processing a vital consideration for some applicants.
When to Consider Expedited Processing
Expedited processing at the NVC is possible under certain conditions:
- Your I-130 is approved.
- A visa is available in your relative’s category.
- All necessary documents have been submitted to the NVC.
- Valid reasons include severe medical emergencies, urgent humanitarian reasons, financial hardships, aging child beneficiaries, NVC errors or delays, imminent childbirth, or health-related needs.
How to Request an Expedited Processing
To initiate an expedited request when eligible, follow these steps:
- Prepare a detailed statement or letter outlining the need for the expedition, along with relevant evidence.
- Email the request to NVCExpedite@state.gov, including your case or receipt number in the subject line. Also, include the petitioner’s or beneficiary’s name, date of birth, or the Invoice ID number.
- Note that requests can only be made via email, as phone services for expedited requests are unavailable.
After Submitting an Expedite Request
The typical response time from the NVC after submission is around 30 days. If your request is approved unconditionally, your case will be sent directly to the US Consulate or Embassy for interview scheduling. However, conditional approvals require fulfilling certain criteria (such as fee payments or form completions) before moving to the next stage.
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