How does the NVC differ from USCIS in this process?

USCIS decides whether the family relationship qualifies (the I-130 stage). The NVC is part of the State Department and handles everything between approval and the consular interview — fees, document collection, and interview scheduling. They're different agencies with different roles in the same case.

Can the case be denied at the interview even after I-130 approval?

Yes. I-130 approval only confirms the relationship. The consular officer at the interview independently assesses whether the beneficiary is admissible — which covers health, criminal history, prior immigration violations, and other statutory grounds — and can refuse the visa on those grounds even with an approved petition.

What if the consular officer finds a ground of inadmissibility?

Depending on the ground, a waiver may be available before or after the interview, such as Form I-601 or I-601A. Whether a waiver applies, and which one, depends heavily on the specific ground involved — this isn't something to assess without individualized review.

How long does NVC processing typically take?

It varies by case completeness, category, and current NVC and post caseloads, and posted processing times shift over time — check current NVC-published timeframes rather than relying on a fixed number, and respond to every NVC request as promptly as possible, since incomplete cases don't move forward.

What Happens After USCIS Approves an I-130 for a Relative Abroad?

Escrito por Pouyan Darian · Revisado el 5 de septiembre de 2026

USCIS envía la petición aprobada al National Visa Center (NVC), que recopila tarifas, el Affidavit of Support y documentos civiles, y luego programa una entrevista una vez que una visa está disponible y el caso está documentalmente completo. En la entrevista, un funcionario consular revisa el caso para determinar admisibilidad — incluyendo examen médico y verificación de antecedentes — y, si todo está en orden, emite la visa de inmigrante.

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