The National Visa Center processes most cases within 2.5 months, but timelines vary by case. You can check out the most recent updates on NVC processing time frames on the State Department's website. The longer you take to submit these items, the longer it will take for the NVC to process your case. Applicant's required supporting documents.Forms for your application type (for example, a DS-260).The required paperwork generally include: The amount of time it takes the NVC to process your case primarily depends on whether you have paid all of the required fees and paperwork. The NVC will then process their portion of the case before sending everything to the embassy or consulate that will make the final decision on your visa. Once USCIS finishes their portion of the case, they hand the files over to the NVC. USCIS handles the initial processing of the case.
If you are submitting an application for permanent status, like a family green card application through consular processing, for example, your case will be handled by both USCIS and the NVC. If you are submitting an application for temporary status, like a tourist visa, for example, the NVC will handle your whole case. Check out our article on immigration application processing times to learn more. That means that the best way to know how long your application to take is to familiarize yourself with the application process and timelines for your unique case. It can take USCIS anywhere from a few weeks to 20 years to process an application.
If USCIS is handling your application, either one of the five USCIS service centers or the numerous USCIS field offices will process your case. This section explains how long it takes for USCIS and the NVC to process cases. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic will also impact your application's processing time. The length of the processing time will depend on two primary factors your application type and the service center, field office, embassy, or consulate handling your application. Depending on the type of application you are submitting, either USCIS, the NVC,or both will handle your case. People can call 1-80 if they are inside the US and 21 if they are calling internationally.How long will it take to process your immigration application?
They can also use this system to update their address and locate a USCIS office. It is possible to check the status of a case without internet access. The receipt number should include three letters, up to 10 numbers and occasionally asterisks.Īfter entering their receipt number, people can learn what the latest action is with their immigration case and the next steps. Important note when you want to check your USCIS case status: When entering a receipt number to the portal, don’t include the dashes that may be present on other forms. When USCIS first receives an application, they will send form I-797A/Notice of Action and designate a case with a receipt number.Īlso Read: Refugees, Asylum Seekers Can Work Legally in the U.S. This receipt number, also known as USCIS case number, is present on all documentation that USCIS sends about an application. The portal will ask for a 13-character receipt number.
To check the status of an immigration petition, visit USCIS Case Online. People can check the average amount of time it took for USCIS to process a particular form using this tool.Īlso Read: What to Know About USCIS, the Agency in Charge of Processing Immigration Cases In this sample, the receipt number is a 13-character identifier attached to a I-797A form. The agency announced in March 2022 that it would set new protocols to speed up employment-based visa requests specifically and generally reduce case backlog.