Immigrant Visas

The Immigrant Visa Application Process

The following procedures apply to immediate relative (IR) and family preference (F) categories.  For the procedures for K-1 fiancé(e), K-3, and V nonimmigrant visas, click here. 

Step 1: A sponsor in the U.S. (the petitioner) files a petition with the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS).  Forms and instructions are available on the USCIS website. 

USCIS provides case status information online for cases located at USCIS.   

Step 2: Once USCIS approves the petition, they will send the petitioner a Notice of Approval, Form I-797.  USCIS then forwards the approved petition to the State Department's National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.  NVC sends an Instruction Package to the applicant, petitioner, or their legal representative.  NVC will also pre-screen the Affidavit of Support Form I-864 and collect IV application fees directly from the petitioner in the U.S.  

Because U.S. law limits the number of immigrant visas that can be issued each year in certain categories, these cases will remain in storage at NVC until their priority dates are current.

NVC has an automated recorded message system which can answer inquiries 24 hours a day, seven days a week (603-334-0700).  NVC only has information on petitions it has already received.  If the automated service does not recognize the CIS file or receipt numbers entered, most likely they have not yet received the petition from USCIS. In addition, answers to commonly asked questions can be retrieved through an automated e-mail response system at NVCA@state.gov. Written inquiries, change of address information, and requests to upgrade petitions due to the petitioner's naturalization should be sent to: The National Visa Center, 32 Rochester Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909.

Step 3: When the priority date is nearly current and NVC completes its processing, it notifies the applicant and forwards the case to the Consular Section at our office.  

Step 4: Once our office receives the physical case file from NVC, we will complete pre-interview processing and schedule an interview appointment.  This process can take two to three months from the time we receive the case file.  Interviews are not scheduled for family preference (F) cases until the priority date is current.

Step 5: Our office sends an Appointment Package to the applicant by mail, including instructions for obtaining the required medical examination and a list of other documents required at the interview.  The applicant must complete the medical examination and prepare all of the required documents before the visa interview.

Step 6: The applicant appears at the Consulate General for a visa interview on the scheduled date.  We do not permit the petitioner to attend the immigrant visa interview.  Our officers are trained to conduct interviews in Vietnamese.  If the applicant is still unable to understand the questions posed to them, we provide a local employee who will translate for the applicant.

If the applicant is found to be eligible for a visa at the time of the interview, the visa will normally be issued on the next business day. 

Re-scheduling appointments: If an applicant fails to appear on the scheduled date or would like to re-schedule an upcoming appointment, he or she should send us a written Request (click here for the form) for a new appointment. The Request for a new appointment is also available at our office for free of charge. The second appointment will usually be three months later after we receive the Request.

Refusals: Section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act states that immigrant visa applications lacking required documents must be denied until such time as those documents are submitted and found to be sufficient.  If, for any reason, the applicant is not eligible for a visa at the time of the interview, the applicant will receive an explanation in writing and a request for the specific documents still required, if any.  

Applicants refused under Section 221(g) who are specifically requested to submit more documents, may submit the additional information either via registered mail or in person at the Consulate between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.  The applicant should include the blue or green refusal sheet asking for additional information.

Important Notices

Security Notice: Do not bring electronic devices (mobile phones, radios, recorders, computers, PDAs, cameras, walkmans, etc.) with you when you come to the U.S. Consulate General.  You and your effects will be screened at the entrance.  Prohibited items are not allowed entry.  Bringing such items will delay your entry and may cause you to miss your appointment.

Warning: Please note that we cannot tell you in advance that a visa will be issued. Applicants are advised not to make any final travel arrangements, to dispose of property or give up jobs until a visa has actually been issued and is in hand.

Penalties for Misrepresentation: Please keep in mind that your signature on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct.  You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you.  Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.