The National Visa Center (NVC) has announced that it is beginning the process for green card petitions approximately 20 days after receiving approval from USCIS, according to the NVC timeframe published on the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. The NVC releases weekly updates on the processing timeline for immigrant visa applications. In its latest update, the NVC stated that it is currently taking about 20 days to create a case file.
The National Visa Center reports that it is currently working on petitions received from USCIS on October 21, 2025. After USCIS approves the I-130 or I-140 petition, it sends the I-797 Notice of Action to the NVC. The NVC then creates the visa case and enters the data into its system—a process currently taking approximately three weeks. Following this step, the NVC sends a “Welcome Letter” to the applicant, which includes their case number and Invoice ID. Applicants are advised to keep this letter secure as this information is required to log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center.
The NVC is currently taking about 10 days to review submitted documents. They are presently reviewing documents submitted on October 30, 2025. This review process only begins after all necessary fees are paid and the petitioner and applicant have submitted all required documents. The time taken to respond to inquiries received via the Public Inquiry Form has also been updated, currently taking about 1 week. The NVC is currently responding to inquiries received on November 4, 2025.
Applicants are requested to use the Public Inquiry Form only if they have not received a response within the stated time frame. The NVC emphasizes that repetitive inquiries can slow down its ability to respond to all applicants in a timely manner. The NVC also drew attention to the requirement under Section 203(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates contact within one year. If an applicant fails to respond to NVC notices within one year of being notified that their visa is available, they risk having their petition terminated and losing benefits such as their priority date.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
