If the foreign national checked off consular processing in his immigration petition, USCIS sends an approved immigrant petition (Form I-797, Notice of Action) to the National Visa Center (NVC). Otherwise the foreign national must file Form I-824 to request consular processing.

NVC then sends an email when immigrant visa processing fees and supporting documentaion have to be submitted.

The application will be processed by NVC.

NVC informs the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Office of the completed application and inquires issuing visa numbers for the foreign national and his or her qualifying family members.

The executing consular office schedules an immigrant visa processing appointment, in which the forein national and any family members have to participate.