Congratulations! If your I-130 petition for an alien relative has been approved, you’re one step closer to reuniting with your family. The I-130 is used to establish the familial relationship between you and your relative, whether they’re your spouse, child, sibling, or parent. In most cases, especially if you’re dealing with a spouse, the next steps are crucial to moving forward with the immigration process.
So, what happens next? Let’s break it down.
National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
If your I-130 was a standalone application and your relative is outside the US, the next phase is called consular processing. This process involves working with the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC is responsible for preparing your case for the US embassy or consulate in your relative’s country of residence.
You’ll soon receive a notification from the NVC with a case number and invoice ID number. This will allow you to log into their system, pay the necessary fees, and start submitting the required documents.
What Documents Will You Need to Upload?
Once you log into the NVC portal, you’ll need to upload the following:
- Civil documents (like birth certificates and marriage certificates)
- Financial documents (to prove that you meet the income requirements to support your relative)
- Complete Form DS-260, the online immigrant visa application.
The NVC will review your documents. Once they are satisfied, your case will be sent to the US embassy or consulate where your relative will have their interview.
What to Expect at the Embassy Stage
Unfortunately, timelines for scheduling interviews can vary drastically. Many consulates are experiencing significant delays due to backlogs, so the waiting period can be quite long. It’s essential to remain patient and stay informed about updates from the NVC and your specific consulate.
Want More In-Depth Guidance?
If you’re looking for more detailed information, I, John Khosravi, have a comprehensive 20-minute video on my YouTube channel “US Immigration Talk” that walks you through every step of the consular processing journey. Just search for “Consular Processing” to find it. Additionally, you can check out the Marriage Green Card Guide on marriageimmigrationlaw.com, where I outline every step of the process in detail, along with useful links and resources.
Stay patient and informed as you navigate this important step in the immigration journey!
