Individuals who must send supporting documentation for their immigrant visas to the National Visa Center (NVC) by mail will no longer be required to send original civil documents.
As of November 12, the NVC will receive only photocopies of civil documents.such as birth, marriage, or police certificates. This does not include forms of letters of support (Form I-864, Affidavit of Support). Petitioners must still submit these originals to the NVC for initial evaluation.
The NVC will review the photocopies of the documents and once the case documentation is complete, will place the copies in the file to send to the officer for the consular interview.
The NVC anticipates that this change will reduce wait times.
However, the applicant must bring all original documents with him/her when he/she has an interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the country of origin.
This change will not affect those persons who must submit all their documentation electronically.
