My petition got approved! What's next? (Abroad edition)
Complete timeline for DS-260 consular processing abroad, from NVC processing to embassy interview and green card receipt.
Complete Immigrant Visa Process
National Visa Center Processing
What's Happening Now:
- •Your approved petition moves from USCIS to NVC
- •Document collection and review process
- •Embassy scheduling preparation
What You Need to Do:
- •Pay required NVC fees
- •Submit DS-260 and supporting documents
- •Wait for "Documentarily Qualified" status
Note: Steps may overlap and requirements vary by case type and embassy location.
Process Overview
Total Timeline
12-18 months
From I-140 approval to green card
NVC Processing
1-4 weeks
Document review period
Embassy Wait
~12 months
Current interview scheduling
Detailed Process Timeline
I-140 Approval
Your EB-1A or NIW petition is approved by USCIS.
Case Transfer to NVC
USCIS transfers your approved case to National Visa Center for pre-processing.
Welcome Letter: NVC sends email or physical mail with case number
Use this to access CEAC portal for case management
Check Priority Date & Pay Fees
For limited visa categories, check Visa Bulletin for priority date availability.
Action Required: Pay fees promptly when visa number available
Monitor NVC timeframes for current processing dates
Document Upload & Scanning
Submit DS-260 form and supporting civil documents online through CEAC portal.
Critical: Complete Data Collection Required First
The DS-260 requires comprehensive biographical, address, employment, education, and travel history for the past 5–10 years with no gaps allowed. The CEAC platform is unstable and does not allow skipping incomplete items.
Preparation essential: Gather ALL information in advance, verify timeline continuity, and have a VPN ready for CEAC outages. Missing data will stall progress and require repeated information gathering.
Key Forms: DS-260, civil documents, police certificates
Technical Tip: Follow official scanning guidelines to avoid delays
NVC Document Review
NVC reviews all submitted documents for completeness.
Outcome: "Documentarily Qualified" status
Embassy Queue
Case queued for interview scheduling at U.S. Embassy based on appointment availability.
Updates: Check embassy status for current operations
Use Public Inquiry Form if visa available but not contacted
Interview Scheduling
Embassy schedules interview appointment and sends notification.
Timeline: Usually 1-2 months advance notice
Embassy Interview
Attend interview at U.S. Embassy for final visa approval.
After Approval: Immigrant visa issued for U.S. entry
Document Scanning & Upload Guidelines
Important: Do NOT mail any documents to NVC. This may delay processing and risk losing documents.
File Requirements
File Size & Type
- Maximum 2 MB per file
- Accepted formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf
- No "zipped" or password-protected files
- Scan at 150 DPI resolution
Document Organization
- Each document as separate file
- Multi-page documents in single file
- Include translations with originals
Quality Standards
Image Quality
- All text must be clearly readable
- No parts cut off or missing
- Correct orientation (no rotation needed)
- Use pen for forms (not pencil)
Special Requirements
- Color documents in color (not B&W)
- Scan both sides if stamped/written
- Can use smartphone apps for scanning
Scanning Resources
If you don't have access to a scanner at home, try libraries, community centers, Internet cafés, or copy shops. You can also use smartphone scanning apps.
File Compression: If files exceed 2MB, use your computer's built-in compression tools (usually under "File" or right-click menu) or third-party software.
Medical Examination Timeline
Standard Processing
Interview Scheduled
Attend embassy-designated hospital
Medical Exam
Results sent directly to embassy
Interview Date
Proceed with scheduled interview
TB Testing Required
Additional Time: 8+ weeks for TB test results
Initial Medical
TB testing initiated
Wait Period
8+ weeks for results
Interview Cleared
After TB results received
Family Processing Strategy
If only one family member requires TB testing, other family members may be able to interview first while waiting for TB results.
Post-Interview Timeline
Interview Approval
Immediate Steps
- Immigrant visa issued
- Passport returned with visa
- Sealed envelope for U.S. entry
Entry Requirements
- Primary applicant enters first or with family
- Use within visa validity period
- Do not open sealed envelope
U.S. Entry & Green Card
Entry to U.S.
Present immigrant visa and sealed documents at port of entry
Temporary Evidence
Passport stamped as temporary evidence of permanent residence
Green Card Arrival
Green card arrives after 3 months of stay in the U.S.
Potential Delays & Critical Warnings
Critical: Petition Termination Risk
Legal Requirement (INA Section 203(g)): You must respond to NVC notices within one year or risk petition termination.
Recovery: Petition may be reinstated within two years if failure was beyond your control.
This could result in losing your priority date and all benefits of the approved petition. Stay responsive to all NVC communications.
Common Delays
NVC Document Issues
Incomplete or incorrect documents
Embassy Backlogs
High volume periods add 3-4 months
Medical Complications
TB testing or other medical issues
Official Resources
Check Case Status
CEAC Portal - Most current status and document requirements
FAQs & Processing Info
NVC Website - Frequently asked questions and guidance
Embassy Operations
Find Embassy - Current operating status and updates
Priority Dates
Visa Bulletin - Monthly priority date updates
Need Help with DS-260 Process?
Our experts can guide you through the entire consular processing timeline and ensure proper document preparation.