As an immigrant seeking legal status in the United States, you may have heard the acronyms USCIS and NVC. These organizations play a decisive role in the immigration process, and sometimes can be confusing to understand their differences, and how to use their services.
To gain a better understanding, let's explore the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the National Visa Center (NVC), both of which are crucial for your migration processes.
What is USCIS?
In the United States, the agency responsible for processing immigration and citizenship applications is USCIS, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Applicants can access USCIS's online services and resources to manage their cases.
USCIS handles a wide range of immigration benefits, including adjustment of status, work visas, E-verify, citizenship procedures, political asylum, and more.
What is NVC?
The National Visa Center (NVC) is part of the US Department of State. It handles the processing of immigrant visa petitions after being approved by USCIS. Their principal responsibility is to gather and authenticate the required documents to issue an immigrant visa and prepare for the consular interview.
In addition, the NVC keeps in touch with applicants to give them updates and information about their immigrant visa application status.
How does each one intervene in the migration process?
When it comes to processing immigration applications, USCIS and NVC are two United States government agencies with distinct roles. USCIS is responsible for analyzing and approving immigration and citizenship applications. Meanwhile, NVC is responsible for gathering and verifying the documentation needed to issue an immigrant visa and prepare for the consular interview.
When an applicant files an immigration application, USCIS analyzes it to determine eligibility and issue a visa or work authorization document if eligible. When are approved for an immigrant visa and their case is transferred to the US consulate in their home country, NVC collects the necessary documents and sends them to the consulate for an interview and visa issuance if eligible.
How to use USCIS and NVC services?
The USCIS and NVC processes are complex and can vary depending on the type of immigration benefit being requested. In general, the processes can be divided into the following stages:
1. Application: If you are looking to apply for a change of status, a work visa, citizenship, or any other immigration-related service, you must submit your application to USCIS.
2. Examination: USCIS analyzes the application and determines if the applicant is eligible for the requested benefit.
3. Approval: If the applicant is eligible, USCIS will issue the applicant a visa or work authorization document.
4. Interview: If the applicant has been approved for an immigrant visa, their case will be transferred to the United States consulate in their home country. The consulate then schedules an interview with the applicant and issues them a visa if they are eligible.
Tips to make processes with USCIS and NVC viable
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using USCIS and NVC services:
1. Check processing times: Processing times for immigration and citizenship applications may vary, so it's important to stay up-to-date on current processing times to avoid delays.
2. Fill out your application correctly: It's crucial to read the instructions, and provide all the required information. Submitting incomplete or incorrect applications can cause processing delays.
3. Use online services: USCIS and NVC offer a variety of online services, such as checking your application status, visa bulleting, and filing applications. Using online services can save you time and help you keep track of your application status.
4. Keep your contact information up-to-date: USCIS and NVC need accurate contact information to get in touch with you about the status of your application. Be sure to update your contact information if you move or change your phone number or email.
