The National Visa Center (NVC) has ceased collecting original civil documents in support of immigrant visa (IV) applications as of November 12, 2014.
Applicants must submit photocopies of supporting documents (such as birth, marriage, and police certificates) and bring their original documents to their interviews for review at the designated US Embassy.
This however, does not include the Affidavit of Support forms, which petitioners will still submit to NVC for initial evaluation.
New Instructions to Applicants
After applicants and petitioners collect the Affidavit of Support form(s), financial evidence, and supporting civil documents, they must submit all of the documents to NVC.
As of November 12, 2014, applicants at non-electronic processing posts must submit photocopies of their civil documents. They must mail these documents to NVC. The National Visa Center (NVC) reviews the copies and places them into the file once the case is documentarily complete. NVC then sends the file to the Embassy or consular post.
When the appointment is scheduled, NVC instructs applicants to bring their original documents to the interview. NVC uses these documents for evaluation and final case processing. Applicants must still submit original Affidavit of Support forms to NVC for initial evaluation.
Applicants at designated electronic processing posts will continue to submit their documents via email.
The National Visa Center (NVC) anticipates this change will maintain the integrity of the IV process. NVC expects it will reduce customer wait times and improve the customer experience.
