EB-3 NVC Process 2026: What Happens After I-140
After I-140 approval, consular cases move to the NVC for fees and documents; the interview is scheduled only when the priority date reaches the Final Action Date.
Short answer: After the I-140 is approved, cases choosing consular processing are transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which handles fees, Form DS-260 and civil documents. The interview is scheduled only once the priority date reaches the Final Action Date. Moving to the NVC and being ready for an interview are two different things, and having an NVC case number does not mean you can be interviewed.
When does a case go to the NVC?
When the applicant will finish the process abroad with an immigrant visa. After I-140 approval, USCIS transfers the case to the Department of State and the NVC handles pre-consular processing. If you apply for adjustment of status (I-485) inside the U.S., the process is different and does not go through the NVC. To compare the two paths, read Consular Processing vs Adjustment of Status.
What happens at the NVC stage?
- After receiving your NVC case number and notice, log in to the CEAC system and use Form DS-261 to choose an agent (or choose to act for yourself).
- Pay the immigrant visa application fee as instructed and, if required, the affidavit of support (I-864) review fee. Check travel.state.gov for current fee amounts.
- Complete the online immigrant visa application, Form DS-260, separately for the principal applicant and each derivative (spouse and unmarried children under 21).
- Upload civil documents: passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificates and others, with translations where needed.
- When everything is complete, the NVC marks the case "documentarily qualified" and it waits for an interview. Missing documents leave it in an "incomplete" status.
- The medical exam must be done by a consulate-designated panel physician. This is not Form I-693, which is used for adjustment of status inside the U.S.
Does a case reach the NVC before the date is current?
Yes. Once the I-140 is approved the case moves to the NVC; it is the interview that waits for the Final Action Date. The State Department generally invites document submission when the priority date falls within the Visa Bulletin's Dates for Filing chart (confirm the current rule on travel.state.gov), while the interview is scheduled only when the priority date reaches the Final Action Date.
October 2026 Visa Bulletin, EB-3 Other Workers:
| Area | Final Action Date | Dates for Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Most countries (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau) | 1 Jan 2022 | 1 Jun 2022 |
| Mainland China | 1 Oct 2019 | 1 Oct 2020 |
In November 2026 the Final Action Date for most countries is 1 Jun 2022. For PERM-based cases the priority date is the PERM filing date, not the approval date.
Who does what: USCIS, NVC or the consulate?
| Agency | Typical role |
|---|---|
| USCIS | Adjudicates the I-140 petition |
| NVC | Pre-consular fees, documents and scheduling |
| Consulate | Interview and visa issuance |
Information must stay consistent across all three. The employer's U.S. attorney of record handles PERM and the I-140, and by law the employer pays all PERM and labor certification costs; the worker may not be charged.
For the full journey, see our process overview and EB-3 job listings.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
Questions? admin@usa-eb3.com, WhatsApp +852 6888 4742, LINE oscar_gi.
Frequently asked questions
What is an NVC case number?
It is the identifier the NVC assigns when it receives your case, used to log in to CEAC, pay fees and upload documents. It does not mean you can be interviewed yet.
When should I complete the DS-260?
Generally after the NVC opens your case and tells you that you may submit. Follow your NVC notice and the latest instructions on travel.state.gov.
What if my documents are marked incomplete?
Supply the missing or unacceptable documents as the NVC notice directs; the case moves forward only after they are accepted.
Can premium processing shorten the wait?
No. Premium processing currently speeds up USCIS review of the I-140 only (measured in business days) and does not change the priority date or visa availability.
Where will my interview be?
The NVC generally assigns the consulate based on your circumstances. Follow your NVC notice.
Official sources
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules and the Visa Bulletin change; check the official sources above before you decide. Petitions are prepared and filed by the sponsoring employer’s licensed U.S. immigration attorney.