In an F3 case with no communications from the NVC for 3 years, is it closed?

It is important to understand how the family petition process works in the United States to interpret the absence of communication from the NVC, the National Visa Center. Generally, lack of contact for an extended period does not automatically mean that the petition under category F3 has been closed, but it may indicate that the case is inactive or that some pending action has not been completed.

Usually, the NVC only proceeds with case processing when the priority date becomes current, which can lead to periods of inactivity. If the petition remains without any movement for about three years, what may draw attention is whether the case has “stalled” without the petitioner or the beneficiary submitting documents or fulfilling requests previously required by the consulate or the NVC itself.

In such cases, if the NVC identifies that instructions to proceed with the case have not been followed or that contact information is not up to date, there may be a possibility that the case is administratively closed. In any case, it is essential to periodically check the status of your process.

If you have not received communications for some time, it is recommended to contact the NVC using your case number to confirm if there are any pending issues or if there has been any change in the case status. Keeping your information updated and promptly responding to requests is crucial to avoid the process being considered abandoned.

It is always worth emphasizing the importance of strictly following U.S. immigration laws and regulations and staying alert to official information. If there are any doubts or complications, seeking specialized guidance through reliable sources and official channels can help clarify the direction of the process, avoiding the trap of misleading information or unfounded promises circulating online.

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.