An immigrant visa (IV) is issued to a person wishing to live permanently in the U.S. A nonimmigrant visa (NIV) is issued to a person with permanent residence outside the United States, but wishes to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study, as examples.
To begin with, let's look at the four types of immigration status that exist: citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented. The characteristics of each status are explained below. These are people who were either born in the U.S. or who have become "naturalized" after three or five years as permanent residents.
approximately 30-60 days
It takes approximately 30-60 days for an immigrant visa application to be transferred from USCIS to the National Visa Center. The National Visa Center recommends that an applicant wait at least 60 days from the date of the immigrant petition's approval before calling to confirm the receipt of an application.To begin with, let's look at the four types of immigration status that exist: citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented. The characteristics of each status are explained below. These are people who were either born in the U.S. or who have become "naturalized" after three or five years as permanent residents.
Check the Status of a Visa Application
1. United States: Contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 for immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or, use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
2. Abroad: Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you filed your application.