How long can I wait to submit the DS-260 after my I-140 is approved in the EB-1?

There is no fixed deadline to submit the DS-260 right after the I-140 is approved in an EB-1 process. The right moment depends on factors outside your direct control.

After the I-140 is approved, the case is typically forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which prepares the consular stage. The DS-260 comes into play when the NVC is ready for your case and when your priority date allows you to move forward, as reflected in the Visa Bulletin. In other words, it is the official process flow that sets the timing, not a countdown from the approval date.

• Monitor communications from the NVC and your designated consulate.
• Keep a close eye on your priority date in the Visa Bulletin.
• Submit the DS-260 when the official notice instructs you to do so.

For updated timelines and requirements, it is worth consulting the official NVC and Department of State guidelines and, if needed, seeking specialized support.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.