Visa Processing

If the immigrant visa petition was filed or will be filed with the Department of Homeland Security (Immigration) in London, and you reside in the United Kingdom, the National Visa Center (NVC) will not be involved in processing of your application; your case will be processed by the Immigrant Visa Unit at this Embassy. On receipt of the approved petition from the DHS (Immigration), London, the Immigrant Visa Unit will send you an Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants which consists of the Form DS-230-I Part I, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration - Biographic Data, Form DS-2001, Applicant's Declaration of Qualification for Immigrant Visa Interview, and Form I-864 Affidavit of Support.

What do I do first?

The biographic data form DS-23O-I should be completed for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age. The form may be photocopied if insufficient copies are received for each family member. The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at the Embassy in order for them to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application.

• Police Certificates: On receipt of the DS-230-I, the Immigrant Visa Unit will notify you whether or not police certificates are required and advise as to how they are obtained. All applicants 16 years of age and over are required to furnish a police certificate (certificate of good conduct) to cover any period of residence of twelve months or more since reaching the age of sixteen; the period of residence is six months if country of birth or current residence.
  

What is the second step?

Assemble all of the relevant documents required in support of your application and forward the Form DS-2001, Notification of Applicant(s) Readiness, to the Immigrant Visa Unit. These documents must not be mailed to the Embassy. You will be required to furnish the original of all documents and one copy on the day of the formal visa interview.

What happens next?

On receipt of the DS-230-I and DS-2001, the Immigrant Visa Unit will perform any additional processing which may be required and advise you concerning the scheduling of the medical interview and the appointment for the formal visa interview.

Who completes the Affidavit of Support form I-864?

The form I-864 is a contractual affidavit of support, and must be submitted for most family-based applicants and employment-based applicants when a relative is the petitioner or has ownership interest in the petitioning business.

Am I required to complete a DS-3032?

No, you are not required to complete a DS-3032 as your application is not being processed through the NVC.

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