An NVC Expedite Request is a formal petition to accelerate the processing of a U.S. visa application. It is designed for applicants who face urgent or exceptional circumstances and need their case handled faster than the normal processing timeline.
To qualify for an expedited review, the applicant must demonstrate a valid reason for urgency, such as a medical emergency, humanitarian crisis, or severe financial hardship. Generally, visa processing through the National Visa Center (NVC) can take several months or even years. However, in special cases, a petitioner can request the NVC to fast-track the process through an official expedite request.
If you or your family are facing time-sensitive immigration needs, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you prepare and submit a strong, well-documented expedite request that maximizes your chance of approval.
What Is an NVC Expedite Request?
An NVC Expedite Request is a formal appeal to the National Visa Center asking for a quicker review of your visa case due to urgent or humanitarian reasons.
The NVC evaluates each request based on strict criteria, ensuring that only cases with a clear and compelling need are expedited.
- The petitioner or beneficiary is facing a serious medical condition or life-threatening emergency.
- There are urgent humanitarian reasons, such as a natural disaster or crisis in the beneficiary’s home country.
- The beneficiary has suffered trauma or has been the victim of a crime or assault.
- The family faces significant financial hardship, backed by documentation proving loss or potential loss.
- A child beneficiary is aging out (turning 21 years old soon).
- There are unusual delays caused by the National Visa Center.
- The petitioner urgently needs the beneficiary’s assistance for caregiving or medical support.
- The beneficiary is expecting a child soon, and family unity is at stake.
Other circumstances may also qualify as hardship. To determine eligibility and ensure your request meets NVC standards, it’s best to seek professional help from immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
How to Submit an NVC Expedite Request
To request expedited processing, send a scanned letter or statement to NVCExpedite@state.gov. If the reason involves a medical emergency, include a signed letter from a licensed physician or medical facility that confirms the life-threatening condition.
Your email should include your NVC case number in the subject line and at least one of the following identifiers:
- Petitioner’s full name and date of birth
- Beneficiary’s full name and date of birth
- Invoice ID number
You can also reach the National Visa Center by phone for immigrant visa inquiries at (603) 334-0700 or nonimmigrant visa inquiries at (603) 334-0888.
Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 midnight (EST), excluding federal holidays.
If your case qualifies for expedited handling, the NVC will forward it directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad for interview scheduling.
If the approval comes with conditions—such as payment of fees or additional documentation—these must be fulfilled before the case can proceed.
Sample NVC Expedite Request Letter
Email To: NVCExpedite@state.gov
Subject: Request for NVC Expedite – Case Number [XXXXXX]
NVC Case Number: [XXXXXX]
Beneficiary’s Full Name: [Full Name]
Beneficiary’s Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Beneficiary’s Phone Number: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
Petitioner’s Name: [Full Name]
Petitioner’s Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Petitioner’s Phone Number: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to respectfully request expedited processing of my case, NVC Case Number [XXXXXX], due to [briefly explain your emergency—for example, an urgent medical condition or humanitarian need]. I have attached documentation supporting my request, including [medical records, financial documents, etc.].
Please contact me at [Phone Number] if additional information is required. Thank you for your consideration and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner’s Name]
[Phone Number]
After Submitting Your Request
Once the NVC receives your case, it will assign a case number and send a welcome letter with your invoice ID and instructions for next steps.
If your expedite request is approved, your file may bypass standard NVC processing and move directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for final review.
Because every case is evaluated individually, presenting strong documentation and a clear, urgent justification is key. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link have extensive experience helping clients secure expedited visa approvals and reunite families faster.
How to Check Your NVC Case Status and What It Means
If you’re waiting for your immigrant visa to move forward, checking your National Visa Center (NVC) case status is one of the most important steps. You can easily track your case using the CEAC case tracker provided by the U.S. Department of State
Common NVC Case Statuses Explained
“At NVC” – This status means your case is still being processed at the National Visa Center and has not yet been sent to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If this status doesn’t change after a week, consider contacting the NVC directly at (603) 334-0700.
“In Transit” – Good news! Your file has left the NVC and is on its way to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, although it has not yet been received.
“Ready” – The U.S. Embassy or Consulate has received your case and is ready to schedule your visa interview.
Once your file is ready, the next steps include scheduling your embassy interview, registering for your medical examination, and attending your visa interview to finalize the immigration process.
If you’re preparing to file a family-based green card application, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help ensure that every detail of your case is accurate and optimized for success.
🗂️ What to Bring to Your Visa Interview
After your NVC expedite request has been approved, the beneficiary must prepare for the interview at the U.S. Consulate. Below is a checklist of documents to bring:
- Interview appointment letter from the U.S. Consulate
- DS-260 confirmation page (Online Immigrant Visa Application)
- If not completed, wait 2–3 days after receiving expedite approval before submitting.
- Log in to the CEAC system using the Invoice ID and Beneficiary ID to complete the DS-260.
- If not completed, wait 2–3 days after receiving expedite approval before submitting.
- Valid passport (at least 6 months of validity)
- Sealed medical exam results from an approved physician
- Three passport-style photos (2×2 inches, color)
- Police certificates from every country where the applicant has lived since age 16
- Certified birth certificate (and English translation if necessary)
- Certified marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Evidence of a bona fide relationship
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with supporting financial documents
- Form DS-5540, if the beneficiary has previously lived in the U.S.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you verify that all required documents are correctly prepared before your interview date to avoid unnecessary delays.
🛑 What If a Visa Is Not Available?
If a visa number is not currently available in your category, the NVC cannot expedite the process. Visa issuance is regulated by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which controls availability based on visa category and priority date.
If your expedite request is denied, your case will continue under normal processing timelines. Should the NVC require any corrections or additional documentation, they will notify you. You can always track NVC processing times online for the latest updates
💡 Need Help With Your Family Green Card Application?
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link specialize in family-based green card applications and can guide you through every step—from filing the petition to expediting your visa approval. A short consultation can help prevent costly mistakes and months of waiting.
Schedule a consultation today and get personalized advice from experienced immigration attorneys.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About NVC Expedite Requests
What qualifies for an NVC expedite?
An NVC expedite may be granted for urgent humanitarian reasons, life-threatening medical conditions, extreme financial hardship, or cases involving vulnerable individuals facing unsafe conditions.
What does “approval with conditions” mean?
This means you must complete certain actions—such as paying fees or submitting forms—before your case can move to the next stage. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you fulfill these requirements quickly and accurately.
What does “approval without conditions” mean?
It means your case will be sent directly to the U.S. Consulate, and you’ll receive interview instructions soon after.
How long does NVC take to respond to expedite requests?
Responses typically take 30–45 days, depending on the nature of your request and case backlog.
What happens after approval?
You’ll be instructed to schedule your embassy interview, complete your medical exam, and attend the interview as part of the final visa process.
How do I submit an expedite request?
Send your email request to NVCexpedite@state.gov. You can also contact the NVC at (603) 334-0700 (for immigrant visa inquiries) or (603) 334-0888 (for nonimmigrant visas).
What should my expedite request email include?
Include:
- NVC Case Number
- Beneficiary’s full name and date of birth
- Petitioner’s name and date of birth
- Contact details (email and phone number)
- A brief explanation and documentation supporting your urgent request
Can I add an attorney to my case?
Yes. Submit Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative) to the NVC to designate your attorney from Green Card Link.
Can I transfer my case to another embassy?
Yes. You can make a written request to transfer your case to a different embassy or consulate. If your case is still at the NVC, contact them to initiate the transfer.
Can a denial be overturned?
Unfortunately, once the consular officer issues a denial, it cannot be reversed by the NVC. However, an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link can review your options and advise on possible next steps.
What counts as urgent humanitarian reasons?
USCIS defines these as extreme circumstances such as serious illness, disability, death of a family member, or unsafe living conditions due to war or natural disaster.
What is an expedite request?
It is a formal appeal to fast-track your immigration petition due to an emergency or hardship situation, supported by strong evidence.
How do I find my NVC Invoice ID Number?
You’ll receive it via email or letter from nvc.state.gov once your case is under processing. If you can’t find it, search your inbox (including spam/junk folders) or use the NVC Public Inquiry Form.
🕓 How Green Card Link Can Help You
Every immigration case is different—and timing can make all the difference. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link know how to prepare compelling expedite requests, draft persuasive letters, and communicate effectively with the NVC.
Let us help you move your immigration process forward faster.
Schedule your consultation now and get expert support tailored to your case.