Immigrant visa through a consulate

The general Department of State process after an immigrant petition is approved.

Before you start

Key decisions

  • When NVC processing can begin after petition approval
  • Whether a priority date must be current
  • Which financial sponsor evidence applies
  • Whether additional administrative processing follows the interview

What to prepare

  • NVC fee payments and DS-260
  • Civil documents and translations when required
  • Affidavit of Support package
  • Medical examination
  • Original interview documents and petitioner evidence

Stage by stage

  1. Obtain the qualifying petition approval

    The relevant petition must be approved before the ordinary NVC immigrant-visa process proceeds.

    Petition stage

  2. Begin NVC processing

    Follow the NVC welcome instructions and check visa availability if the category is numerically limited.

    NVC processing

  3. Submit fees, forms and documents

    Use the official instructions for the DS-260, financial evidence and civil documents.

    Process overview

  4. Prepare for the interview

    Follow the specific embassy or consulate instructions and bring required original or certified documents.

    Interview preparation

  5. Receive the decision and follow entry instructions

    A visa does not guarantee admission. Review the visa validity, immigrant fee and admission requirements before travel.

    After the interview

Common points to watch

  • Document qualification does not guarantee an immediate interview date
  • Embassy-specific instructions can differ
  • Administrative processing may continue after the interview
  • A visa permits travel to a port of entry but does not itself guarantee admission
  • Pay attention to visa validity and immigrant-fee instructions before travel

Continue with TR Immigration

This roadmap is general educational guidance. A stage can be skipped, added or reordered depending on the category and individual facts. Always check the current form instructions, agency policy and official notices before filing.

Official starting source
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