Independent attorneys in the RapidVisa network answer common U.S. immigration questions
How can I expedite my NVC application?
An applicant who wishes to ask for expedited processing of their case will typically send a request to NVCExpedite@state.gov. The State Department provides the following guidance:
"If a visa is available for your relative’s category, and their case involves a life or death medical emergency, processing of your case may be expedited. To request a review for expedite, please submit a letter (or statement) to the NVC from a physician (or medical facility). The letter must include the physician’s (or medical facility’s) contact information, and declare a life or death medical emergency exists. This documentation may be in the form of a scanned attachment to an email.
If a visa is not available, unfortunately there is nothing that the NVC can do to expedite the petition. Immigrant visa processing is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, which controls availability of visas. There is no provision within the law that would allow the Department of State to issue a visa to someone for whom a visa is unavailable."
NVC expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the State Department site says that expedite requests are for "life or death medical emergencies." If an expedite request is denied, the application will continue to process at the regular speed.
Generally speaking, applicants need their NVC case number for an expedite request. Once this case number is obtained, they are able to send the NVC expedite request at anytime during the NVC phase process.
Emailing NVC to Expedite:
NVC case number in the subject line and body of the email.
“Request for NVC Expedite” in the subject line and body of the email.
Applicant’s (beneficiary's) full name and date of birth in the body of the email.
Two telephone numbers by which to contact the beneficiary in the body of the email.
Petitioner’s full name and date of birth in the body of the email.
