How long after the approval of the I-130 can I be called by the NVC in F3?

When initiating a family-based immigration process in the United States, it is important to understand that each step of the procedure, including the approval of the I-130 petition and the transfer of the case to the National Visa Center (NVC), can take varying amounts of time, especially in high-demand categories such as F3.

The F3 category covers married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and, by its nature, usually has longer waiting times due to the high number of applications. After the I-130 is approved, the case is forwarded to the NVC, which is responsible for compiling documentation and managing the steps up to the consular interview stage.

However, the moment when the NVC “calls” the case to proceed with the interview fundamentally depends on the priority date becoming current according to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. This bulletin is updated monthly and reflects the demand and availability of visas in each category and country of origin.

In practice, even after the I-130 approval, the beneficiary of the F3 category may have to wait several years – sometimes up to a decade or more – before their priority date becomes current. This interval varies according to the country of origin and the progress of the waiting queues, making it essential to periodically monitor the Visa Bulletin to better understand the status of your case.

It is crucial to follow U.S. immigration laws carefully and to seek information from official sources. Relying on trustworthy professionals or specialized companies is important to avoid traps, scams, or marketing campaigns promising immediate results. Staying well informed and updated about changes in rules and deadlines can make a difference in the correct progress of the process.

I hope this information helps clarify the next steps of your Family Based process. Always remember to verify official sources and proceed cautiously at every stage of the procedure.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.