"Case Was Sent To The Department of State" on your I-526: what it means and what's next

WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?

Receipt notice

Review of investment and source of funds

Request for evidence (if needed)

Decision · here

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.

41months

36 to 41 monthsTypical time for a complete I-526. 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-526

Your approved I-526 went to the National Visa Center. NVC will ask you to pay fees, submit the DS-260 and send civil documents for you and qualifying family members. When your priority date is current, a consulate schedules the immigrant visa interview.

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-526?

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-526 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 36 to 41 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-526

Case Was ApprovedDecision Case Was DeniedDecision Case Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecision Case Approval Was Certified By USCISDecision Case Was ReceivedIntake Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntake Case Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntake Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntake Case Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake

Every status of an I-526 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status I-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien Relative I-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on Residence I-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien Workers I-539Extend or change visa statusApplication to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status I-129Temporary work visa petitionPetition for a Nonimmigrant Worker I-526EEB-5 regional center investor petitionImmigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor I-829Remove conditions for EB-5 investorsPetition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status

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

“Case Was Sent To The Department of State”on your I-526 · EB-5 direct investor petition