Transferring Your Immigrant Visa Case to a Different Consulate

posted in: Immigration Issues | 0

If you would like to transfer your Immigrant Visa (IV) case to a different embassy or consulate, please follow the steps below:

  • If your case is already at a U.S. embassy or consulate, contact the immigrant visa unit at the new U.S. embassy or consulate to which you wish to transfer your case. Contact the new embassy or consulate in writing and include the reasons for the request.  If you are not a resident of that country, specify that in your request and describe your ties to the country (e.g., residence, employment, family, etc.).  
  • If your petition is being processed at the National Visa Center (NVC), contact the NVC to request the transfer.  NVC will transfer cases to another IV processing post if parties provide a written request along with the address in the requested country and the proof of eligibility (citizenship/legal residency in the requested country or other documentation). Send the request through the NVC online inquiry form at https://nvc.state.gov/inquiry.  The NVC may request additional evidence that satisfies eligibility requirements for transfer.  Note that transferring your case might result in additional delay of your case, as cases are processed in order based on the date the case becomes documentarily qualified. 
  • If you are requesting a transfer for a K Visa, the receiving Embassy or Consulate has the discretion to approve or deny the acceptance of a K visa application from an applicant outside the consular district.  Contact the new embassy or consulate in writing and include the reasons for the request.  If you are not a resident of that country, specify that in your request and describe your ties to the country (e.g., residence, employment, family, etc.). If you paid the MRV fee at the original post and the transfer request to a new post is subsequently approved, a new visa fee will be required.