NVC wait times

Last updated 11/4/2024, next update expected in 7 days (EST).
Here’s how long you should expect to wait until the National Visa Center processes your case.

Document review takes 9 days

Time until documents submitted on CEAC are reviewed by NVC.
These numbers are anecdotally accurate: my case was processed in April 2021 exactly when this chart predicted.
Source: NVC Timeframes page.
New data shows up here within 10 minutes and is stored in a JSON file on GitHub.

Case creation takes 19 days

Time after USCIS sends a case to the NVC until the NVC creates a case for it in CEAC.
Count starting from the day the USCIS Case Status page updates your status to ‘Case Was Sent To The Department of State’. If the USCIS page only says ‘Case Was Approved’, you still need to wait a bit until they send the case to the NVC.
Source: NVC Timeframes page.
New data shows up here within 10 minutes and is stored in a JSON file on GitHub.

Inquiry response takes 6 days

Time until questions and requests sent via NVC’s public inquiry form are answered.
Source: NVC Timeframes page.
New data shows up here within 10 minutes and is stored in a JSON file on GitHub.