Getting on the Fast Track Part II: Department of State Expedite Requests via the National Visa Center (NVC)
04/12/20
This is my second article in a series on expedite requests during the immigration process. I hope to clarify some myths and add some clarity to the process of requesting an expedited decision during the various phases of the immigration process. Today we will explore requesting an expedited service from the Department of State through the National Visa Center (NVC). There are three categories considered to expedite: medical emergencies, financial hardship, and humanitarian situations. Please note in most instances NVC acts as a go between with applicant and the Embassy for expedite requests.
In my very long career as a Consular Officer who not only made the decisions regarding issuing visas, but also trained other officers to do the same, never did I hear a petitioner say, ‘I want this process to go as slowly as possible.’ In fact, it was almost always the opposite: ‘What can I do to make this process go faster?’ This desire is absolutely understandable; no one wants to be kept apart from their loved ones or wait an extremely long time to take up a job opportunity.
Once your family-based petition is approved by USCIS, it moves to the Department of State, which is responsible for processing immigrant visas. This is a two-step process, which starts with the National Visa Center (NVC) processing your visa before your application goes to the Embassy or Consulate for in person interviews. The NVC is a very large administrative center which ensures all cases are documentarily ready before they schedule the interviews on behalf of the Embassy. Once an interview is scheduled, the case is electronically moved from NVC to the Embassy. Embassy Consular teams are tailored to handle the workload of the actual interviews, but not large enough to perform the administrative tasks of the NVC.
Applying for an expedite request will have no negative impact on your case. If you feel you have a genuine reason that falls within one of the three areas considered – medical emergencies, financial hardship, or humanitarian situations, then you should absolutely apply for the expedite request through NVC. Be aware that NVC may ask for documentation to support your request, so be prepared. NVC will work with the Embassy to determine if you are eligible for an expedited interview. If you need assistance with your expedite request, we are here to help. Feel free to send us a free inquiry via our website today.
Below is the current guidance on the www.trave.state.gov website with regards to expedite requests. This information is altered due to the COVID 19 outbreak. At the moment, they are prioritizing urgent medical and humanitarian cases. However, it does not preclude you from requesting an expedite for severe financial hardship as well. To apply for an expedite you must complete the NVC online form which can be found by following this link
Due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, NVC is currently working with reduced staff. During this time, we ask that you only contact us with urgent medical or humanitarian inquiries, or necessary case updates that are still pending.
If a visa is available for your relative’s category, and their case involves a life or death medical emergency, processing of your case may be expedited. To request a review for expedite, please submit a scanned letter (or statement) using the Public Inquiry Form to NVC from a physician (or medical facility). The letter must include the physician’s (or medical facility’s) contact information, and declare a life or death medical emergency exists.
If a visa is not available, unfortunately there is nothing that NVC can do to expedite the petition. Immigrant visa processing is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, which controls availability of visas. There is no provision within the law that would allow the Department of State to issue a visa to someone for whom a visa is unavailable.