To file Form DS-261, you first need to sign in to the CEAC website with the case number that is on the welcome letter that the National Visa Center sent you.

Once your priority date is current, you can submit the rest of your green card application.

You need to check the Department of State’s visa bulletin to find out if the NVC is currently processing applications with your priority date or if there are backlogs and delays. green card holder (legal permanent resident), processing will continue when your priority date is current. citizen, the NVC will begin processing the case right away. The NVC will start processing your case after USCIS approves your I-130 petition and sends your case to the NVC. You can file DS-260 and DS-261 after the NVC receives and begins processing your case. When Do I Need To Submit Forms DS-260 and DS-261? You can complete the online forms and pay the fees on the CEAC website. You'll need these details to complete your online immigrant visa form and pay your application fees. The welcome letter will contain your case identification number, beneficiary ID number, and invoice number. The NVC is responsible for processing the second stage of your green card application if you're applying from abroad.įirst, the NVC will send you a welcome letter by mail or email, depending on which notification method you selected on your application. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. The National Visa Center is a branch of the U.S. $325 immigrant visa application processing fee To access and submit Form DS-260 on the CEAC website, you must first submit Form DS-261 and pay the following fees: Once the NVC approves your Form DS-260, you can move forward in the marriage-based green card consular process. If you are a foreign national applying for a family-based green card from abroad, you are required to submit this online form. What Is Form DS-260?įorm DS-260 is the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. You must log in to your Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website portal using the case number the NVC sent to you to access Form DS-261. There is no fee to file Form DS-261, and it may take the National Visa Center (NVC) up to three weeks to process the form. On the National Visa Center's welcome letter, you'll see instructions for submitting Form DS-261. How Long Does Form DS-260 Take To Process?įorm DS-261: Online Choice of Address and Agent lets you choose how you want the Department of State to communicate with you throughout the green card application process.What Happens After My Immigrant Visa Interview?.What Do I Bring to the Immigrant Visa Interview?.What Supporting Documents Do I Need To File With Form DS-260?.Confirm Your Mailing and Permanent Address(es).Answer Questions About Your Social Media Profiles.When Do I Need To Submit Forms DS-260 and DS-261?.What Is the National Visa Center (NVC)?.

How much is the fee for ds 260 form