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“Case Was Sent To The Department of State”on your I-566 · A, G or NATO status changes

The I-566 matter was sent to the State Department.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Review by an officer
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.
—months
USCIS does not publish a single range for this form.Typical time for a complete I-566. 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-566

The I-566 matter was sent to the State Department. That fits this form, because the State Department certifies A, G and NATO requests and is often involved before or after the USCIS decision. Your mission's protocol office can follow up with them.

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-566?

The I-566 matter was sent to the State Department. That fits this form, because the State Department certifies A, G and NATO requests and is often involved before or after the USCIS decision. Your mission's protocol office can follow up with them.

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.

Other statuses of your I-566

Every status of an I-566 →

This same status on other forms

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