How does one apply to consular process?
USCIS forwards the approved immigrant petition to the National Visa Center (NVC), which is part of the State Department. When an immigrant visa number becomes available, the NVC will send a barcode sheet to the applicant, which must then be returned to the NVC with the appropriate fees (one check or money order per family member). Once payment has been received, the NVC will send form DS-230 Part I to the applicant for completion. Once that form has been returned to the NVC, the NVC will send form DS-230 Part II along with a list of documents that should be brought to the consular appointment in the country of designation. Further, the NVC will send all case materials along with the approval notice to the consulate designated. Once the consulate has received the materials a letter will be sent verifying that the NVC has sent the case on to the consulate with a reference number on the verification. The consulate will then send a letter for an interview appointment and depending on the consulate this can be a very long wait or a very short period of time. It is best to have an experienced practitioner assist during this process so that unnecessary delays are not encountered.
Are any other forms required?
Applicants will have to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) along with their complete federal tax returns.
Where do I send the forms?
The address for the NVC is: National Visa Center 32 Rochester Avenue, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801-2909.
All correspondence with the NVC for a particular case should include the applicants case number in the upper right hand corner.
After the paperwork and interview are completed, what is the next step?
If the application is approved, the person will be issued an immigrant visa, which is good for only six months. If the person does not enter the US within that period of time, the visa will expire and the opportunity to immigrate will be lost.If the application is denied, the principle consular officer at the post reviews it. If the officer desires, he can get a second opinion from the State Department. However, if, after this point, the denial is upheld, there is no appeal available to the applicant.
