The Immigrant Visa Process

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Step 1: Choose an Agent

Your first step is to choose an agent.

Your agent will receive communication from the NVC about your case. You may act as your own agent or you may choose your petitioner, a family member, friend, attorney, immigration professional, or any other person you trust. You may have an agent that represented you and the petitioner in the petition process with USCIS. However, you will need to formally select an agent to represent you for your visa processing.

To choose your agent, complete the Choice of Address and Agent (DS-261) form in the Consular Electronic Application Center.

Please allow up to 3 weeks for the NVC to process your DS-261 before continuing to the next step.

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Next Step: Pay Fees

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Who's Involved

National Visa Center: After petition approval, the National Visa Center (NVC) handles processing for certain kinds of documents, sending them onward to U.S. Embassies & Consulates. When and how to Contact NVC

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.