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“Case Was Sent To The Department of State”on your I-130 · Petition for a family member

Your approved I-130 went to the National Visa Center.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision · here
Case sent to the National Visa Center or consulate (if abroad)

What to do, in 4 steps

Wait for a welcome letter or email from the National Visa Center.
Get your NVC case number and invoice ID when they arrive.
Prepare civil documents and the Affidavit of Support if required.
Check the visa bulletin if your category has a waiting line.
34months
25 to 34 monthsTypical time for a complete I-130. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThe transfer to NVC often takes a few weeks; later steps vary by category.

What it means for your I-130

Your approved I-130 went to the National Visa Center. NVC will send a case number and ask for the Affidavit of Support, civil documents and fees. For preference categories, NVC holds the case until the priority date is current. The visa interview happens at a U.S. consulate abroad.

In general, on any form:

USCIS approved the petition and sent it to the Department of State. The National Visa Center (NVC) will handle the next steps for a visa abroad. The person sponsored will process the visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate. USCIS's part of the case is done.

Avoid these mistakes

Checking the USCIS website for updates; the next updates come from NVC.
Thinking the beneficiary already has a visa.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Sent To The Department of State" mean on an I-130?

Your approved I-130 went to the National Visa Center. NVC will send a case number and ask for the Affidavit of Support, civil documents and fees. For preference categories, NVC holds the case until the priority date is current. The visa interview happens at a U.S. consulate abroad.

What is the National Visa Center?

It is part of the Department of State. It collects fees and documents before a visa interview abroad.

How long until NVC contacts me?

Often a few weeks after USCIS sends the case, but it varies.

Can I still check my case on the USCIS website?

The USCIS status stays here. Track the next steps on the Department of State's CEAC site.

How long does an I-130 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 25 to 34 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-130

Case Was ApprovedDecisionCase Was DeniedDecisionCase Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecisionCase Approval Was Certified By USCISDecisionCase Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake

Every status of an I-130 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien WorkersI-539Extend or change visa statusApplication to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant StatusI-129Temporary work visa petitionPetition for a Nonimmigrant WorkerI-526EEB-5 regional center investor petitionImmigrant Petition by Regional Center InvestorI-829Remove conditions for EB-5 investorsPetition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident StatusI-907Pay for faster processingRequest for Premium Processing Service

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.