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Where and How to Find USCIS Processing Time and NVC Timeframes

One of the common concerns for immigrants is closely related to the processing time of green card and other visa applications. Why? In many cases, the estimated processing time misses the real one: the application process drags on and on due to heavy backlogs and other unusual circumstances such as the global pandemic and the following immigration policies. Frustrating as it sounds to many of you, USCIS and National Visa Center (NVC) are trying their best to keep you posted on the expected timeline. In an effort to do so, both USCIS and NVC have regularly updated its processing time in their own way. Find out where and how they provide the details and compare the differences. Last but not least, check out the best way to track your case status and predict the approval date of your visa application.

Historical National Median Processing Time for USCIS Offices

If you are struggling to figure out an expected decision date for your visa application in the U.S., take a look at this historical data USCIS has compiled for the recent 5 years. A table shows in a chronological order an average processing time by form ranging from I-130 to N-400. You can compare how the trend of the processing time has changed every fiscal year, such as whether the number has been going up or not. One caveat is that this information is not broken down into each service center. Since its processing time varies depending on its location, the overall average time may be less accurate than you expected. Nevertheless, this is still a decent indicator for you to measure the processing time of your application and decide if your case status is outside the normal processing time. Go to this page to learn more about the entire records in the past.

USCIS Case Processing Time

As mentioned above, some of you may not prefer historical national median processing time due to its lack of service center-specific information. Instead, USCIS gives you a different angle with which you can select your form number and a field office or a service center assigned to review your case. For example, on this webpage , select Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and California Service Center. You can see 1) estimated time range 2) form type (L, E, H-1B) and 3) receipt date for a case inquiry. For an L visa application, it would take between 1 and 4 months in California service center while Nebraska service center generates a different number and handles H-1B only.

NVC Timeframes

National Visa Center (NVC) displays 3 different timeframes , as opposed to the expected processing time by form since the agency mainly operates on online applications, DS-160 (non-immigrant visa) and DS-260 (immigrant visa). Also, if you applied for a family-based or employment-based green card, you will wonder when your approved Form I-120 or I-130 is transferred to NVC for the next step. You can check 1) current case file creation time 2) current case review time and 3) current public inquiry form response time. Another 101 article, What Does National Visa Center (NVC) Timeframe Tell You? , gives you specifics of the timeframes.

How to track your USCIS and NVC case effectively

Above all, you don't have to look up those two resources in order to predict the processing time of your case anymore. Lawfully came up with a ground-breaking solution to help all immigrants and non-immigrants learn what is going on with their applications. That is why Lawfully has launched the USCIS Case Tracker. Since then, we have tirelessly improved its features with a firm commitment to immigration equality.

With a very small fraction of cost and time it would have taken to struggle with immigration attorneys and USCIS, give yourself 3 minutes to fill in the information about your application. BOOM! You can check your case status along with an expected processing time and compare yours with other similar cases at your fingertips. No need to check in on the USCIS website anymore. Lawfully will deliver updates on your case status in real-time. And don't miss the new feature of NVC case tracking that extends our tracking range and embraces visa applicants outside the U.S.

If you want to get more insights from a certain visa type, try Case Analysis Pro, and among other features, see your ranking compared to others who registered their cases so that you get a sense of where you stand.

Download Lawfully Case Tracker now and stay up to date!

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IMMIGRATION LAW BLOG

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NVC Processing Times: When Will Your Interview Be Scheduled?

Eagerly awaiting your immigration interview here’s how nvc processing times can affect your interview’s scheduling and more..

After the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your immigration visa petition, your case will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. Part of this portion of the immigration process involves an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

This interview is one of the most important steps of your immigration visa application, so you’re probably eager to find out when you’ll receive your interview appointment. Processing times can be lengthy, and it’s important to know what to expect while you’re waiting.

What Is the National Visa Center?

The National Visa Center (NVC) is a government agency within the U.S. Department of State. The NVC handles immigration cases and immigrant visa processing that takes place outside of the United States. They work with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to process your immigrant visa application.

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, the immigrant visa interview is the final step in becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Once you have an immigrant visa, you can enter the country at which time you will be a lawful permanent resident and receive your green card by mail. A green card makes it possible to work towards full-fledged U.S. citizenship granted by the U.S. government.

The process starts with the NVC creating a case for you. Once an immigrant visa is available to you , the NVC will send you an invoice to pay necessary fees. You will then be able to complete your visa application and submit supporting evidence to the NVC. They’ll look over your application and supporting evidence to make sure it is complete before scheduling an interview. Many factors affect when your interview will be scheduled, and processing times play a large role. 

What Information Should I Send to the National Visa Center?

Once the immigrant visa petition is approved, the approved petition will be sent to the NVC. You’ll receive a case number, which allows you to check your case status online on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website . In addition, you’ll receive a case creation letter, which you should keep alongside any other visa case information for safekeeping.

Once a visa is available to you, you’ll receive an invoice to pay required fees. After the fees are paid, you’ll need to complete an immigrant visa application (DS-260) and send some required documents to the NVC. The person who petitioned for you will also need to send an affidavit of support and other supporting documents to the NVC. If your documents are in a language other than English, you may need to have them professionally translated before you send them. 

These required documents include:

• The information page from your passport.
• Your birth certificate.
• If you’ve been married or divorced, you need to send your marriage certificate and/or divorce decree.
• If you’ve been arrested, you’ll need to send court documents or other related documents.
• If you’ve ever served in the military, you will need records related to your service. 
• Police certificates from any country that you have lived in for longer than 6 months since you turned 16 years old. 

The Department of State explains what types of civil documents you need .

The NVC also needs to know everywhere you’ve lived since you were 16 years old, any names you’ve ever used, biographical information about your immediate family members, and information about times you’ve visited the United States in the past.

How Do I Send My Documents to the NVC?

The NVC will tell you how they want you to submit your documents. You may need to send them electronically through the consular electronic application center. They may request that you mail paper documents to the NVC, where you’ll follow the instructions that they provide.

How Will I Know If the NVC Has Received My Documents?

The NVC will notify you when they’ve received your information through an email or a letter. You can contact the NVC service center to ask whether there has been an update on your visa application, but they may not have information available when you call. 

While you have them on the phone, take that opportunity to make sure they have the proper contact information for you or if you’d like to switch to email notifications. Be prepared to answer any questions they have at that time.

What Is the Timeframe for Visa Processing Through the NVC?

Timeframes for visa processing can vary significantly. The NVC is often dealing with a backlog of immigration cases, which can slow visa processing. Wait times will be long most of the time. There are often hundreds of thousands of cases that need to be reviewed by consular processing personnel. Processing times depend on how busy the NVC is, but most people will hear back within three months. 

If the NVC needs more information, they’ll let you know. Regularly check for correspondence with the NVC to assure your process isn’t delayed. You can also check online to see what submission date timeframes they’re currently working within. 

What Happens After the NVC Has Processed My Case?

The NVC will send you an email telling you that your immigration visa application has been processed and you’re documentary qualified. This means you are simply waiting for  an interview date. There’s nothing for you to do during this period. You’ll hear back from them when they’re ready to schedule your interview.

When Will My Interview Be Scheduled?

The NVC will schedule your interview at your country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It can take several months and even a year or more to receive an interview date. When you receive your interview date, they’ll inform you of what you need to do to prepare for and what you should bring to your interview. 

Do You Need Legal Assistance?

If you’ve filed a petition for someone to enter the United States, that’s only the first part of a multi-part process. You may benefit from the assistance of a knowledgeable immigration attorney from a compassionate law firm during this time. Since NVC processing times can be long depending on your priority date, it’s important to get everything right the first time.

Cohen, Tucker & Ades has been helping immigrants and families live the American dream for over 40 years. Contact us to learn how we can help your family navigate the NVC process.

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country | US Department of State

NVC Contact Information | US Department of State

NVC Timeframes | US Department of State

Not sure which option is right for you? Request a confidential consultation today.

United States: The National Visa Center: A Summary And Guide To Resolving Issues

The National Visa Center (NVC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the U.S. Department of State's (DOS) centralized processing center for all immigrant visa (IV) applications, and is part of DOS's Bureau of Consular Affairs. It was established in 1994 to relieve the administrative burden on consulates and embassies around the world. Given the important administrative role the NVC has with respect to immigrant visa application processing for consulates and embassies, it is important to know how to communicate with the NVC to resolve problems with respect to IV case processing. This writing will provide general information regarding NVC case processing, and how to communicate and resolve certain problems with the NVC that may arise.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) reported that the NVC processed 321,274 cases in FY2020 and processed 342,392 cases in FY2021. The NVC performs, on average, about 18,000 case creations and reviews forms and documentation for 87,000 cases per month. DOS reports there are 411,359 IV visa applicants whose cases are documentarily complete at NVC and ready for interview as of November 30, 2022, and there were approximately 33,406 IV applicants scheduled for December 2022 interview appointments. DOS is exploring new ways to use technology to process cases but has indicated that it does not see any utility in virtual interviews as part of the immigrant visa application process.

Once NVC receives information from USCIS that an immigrant visa petition has been approved, it will create a case in its system and will send instructions to the foreign national with respect to case process. Processing times at the NVC have improved over the last few months. As of March 6, 2023, the NVC is processing cases received from USCIS on February 14, 2023. In addition, with respect to document review, as of March 6, 2023, NVC is indicating that it is currently completing the review of documents submitted to NVC on February 16, 2023. As a result, NVC is taking about two weeks to either create a case or review documentation submitted by a foreign national. This two-week turn-around time is considerably faster than the NVC's processing time a year ago. Moreover, as of March 6, 2023, NVC is indicating that it is responding to inquires submitted through its on-line Public Inquiry Form on February 27, 2023, which is less than a 10-day period. For more information about NVC's current processing times, please see the following web address: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html .

There are problems that may occur during the immigrant visa application process. Here is a list of some of the problems that have been reported, and recommendations for resolving these problems:

Problem #1 : When completing the On-Line Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-260), the Consular Electronic Application Center's (CEAC) CEAC system times out every 20 minutes.

Solution : Make sure to save your work as you prepare the form.

Problem #2 : A foreign national's immigrant visa registration will be terminated if the foreign national has no contact and/or does not take any action required with respect to her or his immigrant visa application after a one-year period.

Solution : DOS has indicated a foreign national may show contact by doing any one of the following: 1) pay visa application fee, 2) submit a document on the CEAC system, 3) submit an NVC Public Inquiry form, 4) Log into the CEAC account, and 5) complete the DS 260 application. DOS may reinstate if the foreign national can show circumstances beyond her or his control or another good reason. Make sure spam filter recognizes NVC e-mail. (Note: DOS reported that 52% of cases that are planned for termination are reinstated.

Problem #3 : Foreign national paid the immigrant visa application fees, but the foreign national's CEAC account does not reflect paid.

Solution: NVC recommends the foreign national wait at least seven (7) days to see if system reflects the immigrant visa application fee has been paid.

Problem #5 : NVC issues communication requesting documents that the foreign national is not required to provide.

Solution : The foreign national should upload an explanation as to why the document requested is not required.

Problem #6 : Foreign national is unable to delete a derivative family member not recorded in CEAC account after deletion.

Solution : The foreign national should set the derivative family member to "follow-to-join." He or she should not pay the fee immigrant visa application fee.

Problem #7: The Form DS-260 application was completed when visa was available, but then the foreign national's priority date retrogressed. However, the foreign national's priority date subsequently advances and becomes current, but the Form DS-260 is not available in the CEAC system or the foreign national is unable to make changes to the Form DS-260.

Solution : The foreign national should submit an NVC Public Inquiry Form to request DS-260 be reset by NVC. (Note: If the immigrant visa case is pending with the U.S. embassy or consulate, the foreign national may e-mail the embassy or consulate to request access to the DS-260 to make changes. In some cases, the embassy or consulate will do this automatically after the interview has been rescheduled.)

When problems arise during the immigrant visa application process, it can be difficult to communicate with the NVC, since the center no longer allows foreign nationals to speak to a representative by phone. However, there are several alternate ways to communicate with the NVC:

• Public Inquiry Form : The NVC has indicated its online Public Inquiry Form is best way to communicate with the center. Here is the link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html . The NVC has indicated that if a foreign national does not receive a response within thirty days after submitting the completed electronic Public Inquiry Form, the foreign national may submit a second Public Inquiry Form and put "ATTN: PI Supervisor" in order to escalate the matter.
• Congressional Assistance : A foreign national may contact a U.S. Senator or U.S. House of Representatives member in his or her district to inquire about the status of her or his application. The foreign national will need to complete a Privacy Release Form and describe the issue involving the NVC.
• [email protected] : If a foreign national does not receive a Welcome Notice e-mail message from NVC after sixty days have passed since the USCIS's approval of the immigrant visa petition, a foreign national may e-mail [email protected] and include a copy of the immigrant visa application approval notice with the e-mail communication.
• Confirmation of Payment in CEAC System : If a foreign national pays the immigrant visa application fee, and the CEAC system does not show "Paid" in the foreign national's account, NVC has instructed that the foreign national should use the NVC's on-line Public Inquiry Form to bring of the issue to NVC's attention and to insert "ATTN: PI Supervisor" in the "Enter Your Inquiry Below" field. The foreign national should also attach the Pay.Gov payment receipt.
• Unclear NVC Request : If it is unclear what is being requested in the CEAC system or in an e-mail message from the NVC with respect to insufficient documentation, NVC advises that the foreign national may use the NVC's on-line Public Inquiry Form and should provide an overview of the matter in the "Enter Your Inquiry Below" field.
• [email protected] : If a foreign national needs to expedite an immigration visa application at NVC, the foreign national should e-mail [email protected] . If there is no response by the NVC in thirty days, the NVC recommends another e-mail be sent to this e-mail address.

The above writing describes only some of the problems that may arise during immigrant visa application processing at the NVC. Other problems may require more in-depth analysis or follow-up with the NVC. If you need assistance with respect to an immigrant visa application, please contact Fakhoury Global Immigration U.S.A. P.C. at the following address: [email protected]

Matthew Morse is a Partner with Fakhoury Global Immigration in Troy, Michigan. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about specific circumstances. Comments to the author can be sent to [email protected] .

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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NVC Timeframes

Below are the current processing times for NVC. This page is updated once a week for your convenience. Please refer to this page to see if you should have received a response from NVC. If you should have received a response per the timeframes below, please contact us using our public inquiry form .

Current case file creation time:

Current case creation time frame: As of 15-Apr-24, we are working on cases that were received from USCIS on 1-Apr-24.

Once USCIS sends your I-797 approval notice, they will send your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. At NVC, we will create your visa case and enter the data from your petition into the system.

After creating your case, we will send you instructions for processing, as well as a Welcome Letter that includes your Case Number and Invoice ID. You will use these numbers to log into our Consular Electronic Application Center ( https://ceac.state.gov ).

IMPORTANT: Keep your Welcome Letter in a safe place, as you will need this information to log into CEAC throughout the entire visa process.

Take this time to review the types of  required civil documents and how to find them , plus information about what  forms and information your petitioner needs  to prove he or she can financially support you.

Current case review time:

Current case review time: As of 15-Apr-24, we are reviewing documents submitted to us on 8-Apr-24.

Before the National Visa Center reviews your case, you must pay all fees and submit all required documents, such as:

• Petitioner’s Affidavit of Support;
• Supporting financial documents;
• Applicant’s DS-260, and
• Applicant’s civil documents.

Required documents vary based on petition type. Take this time to review the types of  required civil documents and how to find them , and information about what  forms and information your petitioner needs  to prove he or she can financially support you.

Current Public Inquiry Form response time:

Current Public Inquiry Form response time: As of 15-Apr-24, we are responding to inquiries received on 11-Apr-24.

We will update this information every week. We ask that you make a subsequent inquiry only if you do not receive a response to your email within our published timeframe above. Duplicate inquiries slow our ability to respond to you in a timely manner.

One Year Contact Requirement

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 203(g) provides that the Secretary of State shall terminate the registration (petition) of any alien who fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year of notice of visa availability. The petition may be reinstated if, within two years of notice of visa availability, the alien establishes that the failure to apply was for reasons beyond the alien’s control. Therefore if you do not respond to notices from the NVC within one year you risk termination of your petition under this section of law and would lose the benefits of that petition, such as your priority date.

Who's Involved

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):  USCIS oversees immigration to the United States and approves (or denies) immigrant petitions, and more.  Learn about USCIS

National Visa Center:  After your petition is approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will assist you in preparing your visa application for interview for certain visa categories at U.S. Embassies & Consulates.  When and how to Contact NVC .

U.S. Embassies and Consulates:  Find a  U.S. Embassy or Consulate , nearest your residence abroad, where you will apply and be interviewed for your U.S. visa.

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• National Visa Center (Dept of State)

NVC Processing Time

By Sam M January 25, 2022 in National Visa Center (Dept of State)

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36 posts in this topic

Recommended posts, sam m   0.

How or where can I find more information on the processing times of the NVC ? Our I-130 just got approved. Thank you. 

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Hunny&me.

January 25, 2022

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html

January 26, 2022

Sent our documents to the NVC at the end of October and we are still waiting to hear back. We are within the time frame for processing, according to the website above.

you should hear from NVC about case creation in the next couple of days (2 to 5 days). You will be notified to pay AoS and DS260 fees Once processed (it takes 3 to 4 days), you then upload A

hunny&me   267

2 hours ago, Sam M said: Hi, How or where can I find more information on the processing times of the NVC ? Our I-130 just got approved. Thank you. 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/ nvc -timeframes.html

• pushbrk and Sam M

Corgent   87

https://visawhen.com/ nvc  is also helpful to see trends

ASHR2020   5

• Sam M and A&K2021

Chancy   6,233

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures to NVC forum ***

etrangais   926

On 1/25/2022 at 12:49 PM, Sam M said: Hi, How or where can I find more information on the processing times of the NVC ? Our I-130 just got approved. Thank you. 

you should hear from NVC about case creation in the next couple of days (2 to 5 days).

You will be notified to pay AoS and DS260 fees

Once processed (it takes 3 to 4 days), you then upload AoS documents, fill out DS-260 and upload civil docs.

Once you hit submit for the last document, you start the 90-day wait for review

• A&K2021 and Sam M

11/17/2016: Got engaged 11/28/2016 : I-130 sent to Chicago IL lock box 01/12/2016 : NOA1

On 1/26/2022 at 7:11 PM, etrangais said: you should hear from NVC about case creation in the next couple of days (2 to 5 days). You will be notified to pay AoS and DS260 fees Once processed (it takes 3 to 4 days), you then upload AoS documents, fill out DS-260 and upload civil docs. Once you hit submit for the last document, you start the 90-day wait for review

We heard back this week from NVC , about 3 months after sending in all documents! Has anyone else been  "Documentarily Qualified" or scheduled for their Visa interview?

57 minutes ago, ASHR2020 said: We heard back this week from NVC , about 3 months after sending in all documents! Has anyone else been  "Documentarily Qualified" or scheduled for their Visa interview?

what was your submission date?

27 minutes ago, etrangais said: what was your submission date?

We submitted for the NVC stage on the 30th of October 2021.

On 1/26/2022 at 7:32 AM, Corgent said: https://visawhen.com/ nvc  is also helpful to see trends

If I may ask, have you gotten your Visa Interview date yet?

1 hour ago, ASHR2020 said: If I may ask, have you gotten your Visa Interview date yet?

No, we are still gathering the documents for the NVC . 

• 2 weeks later...

peacefullsoulever   9

There are people in other thread saying they receive interview letter for 3 march

A&K2021   33

Hi today I completed  NVC Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)   and submitted it. How long does it take for NVC approval and once approved, how long can I get my consulate interview?

5 minutes ago, 1380anthony said: How long does it take for NVC approval and once approved, how long can I get my consulate interview?

The NVC review timeframe is posted here -- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/ nvc -timeframes.html

After your case is DQ-ed at NVC , the wait time for interview depends on the backlog at the consulate.

7 minutes ago, Chancy said:   The NVC review timeframe is posted here -- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/ nvc -timeframes.html   After your case is DQ-ed at NVC , the wait time for interview depends on the backlog at the consulate.  

I mean I submitted the case today. So it can take 2-3 months? Then the procedure is that NVC coordinates an appointment in US Embassy and before that I need to program  a visit for the medical exam?

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List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates - K1-K3 Visas

U.S. Government Fact Sheet on Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C)

Skill List by Country

Presidential Proclamation 9645 and the January 2020 Presidential Proclamation

Public Inquiry Form

List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Affidavit of Support Fee Refund

Immigrant Visa Prioritization

USCIS Extends Suspension of Premium Processing Service for Religious Workers (R-1) Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

Record Numbers of U.S. Students Are Studying Abroad

U.S. Student Visas Reach Record Numbers in 2007

U.S. security officials will begin scanning all 10 fingerprints of most non-Americans traveling to the United States

Electronic Submission of Diversity Visa Lottery Applications

USCIS Centralizes Filing for H-2A Petitions

USCIS Field Office Adopts Teletech Call Appointment System For Filing Waiver of Inadmissibility Applications

Application Fees for Non-Immigrant Visas to Increase on January 1, 2008

Senior Advisors to Brief Press on the Latest Developments in Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa Issues

Briefing on Developments in the Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Admissions Programs

DHS Proposes Changes to Improve H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program

Testimony of Stephen A. “Tony” Edson on U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, House Committee on Science and Technology

Update: Biometric Changes for Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents

With All the Talk about Illegal Immigration, a Look at the Legal Kind

Latvia, Estonia Sign Deals with US on Visa-Free Travel

Fact Sheet: Changes to the FY2009 H-1B Program

USCIS Announces Interim Rule on H-1B Visas

USCIS Releases Preliminary Number of FY 2009 H-1B Cap Filings

USCIS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Change to H-2A Program

USCIS Runs Random Selection Process for H-1B Petitions

17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students

DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force

USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions Sent to California or Vermont Service Centers Temporary Accommodation Made for FY 09 Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

USCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petition for Alien Relative

USCIS Announces Update for Processing Petitions for Nonimmigrant Victims of Criminal Activity

USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status

Immigration Tops Agenda at North American Summit

USCIS Issues Guidance for Approved Violence against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioners

USCIS Modifies Application for Employment Authorization Previous Versions of Form I-765 Accepted until July 8, 2008

Overseas Education More Attainable for Chinese Students

New York Business Group Seeks Fewer Restrictions on Foreign Worker Visas

Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.      

‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - English

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - French

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Spanish

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Portuguese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mandarin

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Arabic

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Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Vietnamese

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Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Korean

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Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Bulgarian

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Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Hungarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Indonesian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Lithuanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Serbian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Thai

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mongolian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Kurdish

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