NVC Welcome Letter Explained
The NVC welcome letter is your official entry point into the consular processing stage. Here's what it means, what information it contains, and the first steps you should take after receiving it.
If you're going through the consular processing route for a U.S. immigrant visa, the NVC welcome letter is one of the first major pieces of mail you'll receive after USCIS approves your petition. It signals that your case has entered a new phase — and it contains critical information you'll need for every step that follows.
This guide explains exactly what the NVC welcome letter is, what it contains, and the specific actions you should take as soon as you receive it.
What Is the NVC Welcome Letter?
The NVC welcome letter (sometimes called the "Agent of Choice and Appointment letter" or simply the "case receipt letter") is an official communication from the National Visa Center. It is sent to the petitioner — the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who filed the immigrant petition — shortly after NVC receives the approved case from USCIS.
The letter officially notifies you that:
- USCIS has transferred your approved petition to NVC
- NVC has assigned your case a unique case number
- You can now begin the next phase of consular processing
What Does the NVC Welcome Letter Contain?
1. NVC Case Number
A unique alphanumeric identifier, typically formatted as three letters followed by a series of numbers (e.g., USA0001234567). You will use this number for everything at NVC — paying fees, submitting documents, checking status, and making inquiries.
2. Invoice ID Number (IIN)
A separate numerical code that works in combination with your NVC case number to give you access to the CEAC portal at ceac.state.gov.
3. Beneficiary Information
Confirms the name and basic details of the visa applicant.
4. Agent of Choice / Representative Designation
Includes instructions for designating an "agent of choice" — typically an immigration attorney — to receive NVC correspondence on behalf of the petitioner and/or applicant. If you do not have an attorney, you do not need to designate anyone.
5. Instructions for Next Steps
Provides instructions or directs you to NVC's official guidance for how to proceed with fee payment and document submission.
When Does NVC Send the Welcome Letter?
NVC sends the welcome letter after receiving your case file from USCIS. This typically happens 2–6 weeks after USCIS approves and transfers the petition.
The welcome letter is usually sent by postal mail to the petitioner's U.S. address. Some petitioners also receive an email notification — but not always.
What If You Haven't Received Your Welcome Letter?
If more than 6–8 weeks have passed since your USCIS approval notice and you have not received a welcome letter:
Check your address on file. If your mailing address changed since you filed the original petition, USCIS may have your old address.
Confirm USCIS transferred the case. USCIS holds some cases until visa numbers are available (particularly for oversubscribed preference categories).
Contact NVC directly. Call 1-603-334-0700 with the petitioner's full name, date of birth, and the USCIS receipt number. NVC can confirm whether they have received your case.
What to Do Immediately After Receiving the Welcome Letter
Step 1: Save Your Case Number and IIN in a Safe Place
These two numbers are essential for every future interaction with NVC. Store them somewhere secure.
Step 2: Log Into the CEAC Portal
Go to ceac.state.gov and access the immigrant visa section. Log in with your case number and IIN to see your case dashboard.
Step 3: Designate an Agent (If Applicable)
If you have an immigration attorney or accredited representative, designate them as your agent of choice through the CEAC portal. If you are handling the case yourself, skip this step.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
Two fees are due at NVC:
- Immigrant Visa fee — currently $325 per applicant
- Affidavit of Support fee — currently $120 (paid by the petitioner/sponsor)
Keep your payment confirmation numbers.
Step 5: Begin Gathering Documents
Start collecting the documents you'll need to submit. See our complete NVC document checklist 2026 for a full breakdown.
Step 6: Submit the DS-260 and Documents
After fees are confirmed, submit the DS-260 and upload all required civil documents and the I-864 package.
What the Welcome Letter Does NOT Mean
It does not mean your visa is approved. The welcome letter only confirms that NVC has received your case.
It does not mean your priority date is current. For preference category cases, you still need to track the Visa Bulletin.
It does not start a countdown to your interview. The timeline depends on document submission speed, rejection history, and consulate scheduling. For context, see our guide on NVC processing time 2026.
Understanding the National Visa Center's Role
The NVC welcome letter marks your formal entry into the NVC phase of consular processing. To understand what NVC does and how it fits into the broader immigration process, our guide on what is the National Visa Center covers the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NVC welcome letter? It is an official letter from the National Visa Center sent to the petitioner after NVC receives the approved USCIS petition. It contains your NVC case number and Invoice ID Number (IIN), which you need to access the CEAC portal.
How long after USCIS approval does the welcome letter arrive? Typically 2–6 weeks after USCIS approves and transfers the petition.
What if I lost my NVC welcome letter? Contact NVC directly at 1-603-334-0700. Provide personal information (petitioner and beneficiary names, dates of birth, and original USCIS receipt number) and NVC can look up your case number and IIN.
Can the beneficiary receive the welcome letter? By default, NVC sends correspondence to the petitioner's U.S. address. If you designate an agent of choice, communications can also go to that representative.
What is the Invoice ID Number (IIN)? A numerical code assigned by NVC that you use together with your case number to log into the CEAC portal. It is included in the welcome letter. Do not confuse it with the USCIS receipt number.
Do I need an attorney to proceed after receiving the welcome letter? No. Many petitioners and applicants complete the NVC process successfully without legal representation. Document review tools like NVC File Check can also help you verify your documents before submission.