The DS-260 is an electronic form completed by the applicant (and their family members) for an IMMIGRANT VISA, also known as lawful permanent residence in the United States (“GREEN CARD”). It is part of the CONSULAR PROCESS to obtain permanent residence.
When to use Form DS-260
The applicant completes Form DS-260 only after eligibility for an immigrant visa has been approved, meaning:
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Approval of Form I-130 (if the green card application is family-based), or
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Approval of Form I-140 (if the application is employment- or investment-based).
After approval of the I-130 or I-140, the applicant’s case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC is responsible for collecting documents and information from immigrant visa applicants. It also collects government filing fees and prepares the case administratively for the interview. For immigrant visas, the NVC is the entity that coordinates with the U.S. consulate to schedule the interview.
How the applicant can track the process
The NVC will contact the applicant by email and mail. In this email or letter, the NVC will inform the applicant that the case is being processed and will explain the next steps, including links to guides and additional information about the process.
Next, the NVC will send a second email titled Notice of Immigrant Visa Case Creation. This email is important because it includes the applicant’s NVC Case Number and Invoice ID Number, which provide access to the CEAC – Consular Electronic Application Center.
With this information, the applicant can access the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) and continue the process. The DS-260 is completed through the CEAC portal.
RECAP: WHAT TO DO
Step 1: Notify your attorney that you received the NVC email.
Step 2: Access CEAC and pay the required fee. It may take a few days for the NVC to confirm receipt of payment.
Step 3: Complete the DS-260 form electronically.
Step 4: Submit the requested documents.
Want to learn more? Check out the second article in this series: DS-260 Immigrant Visa Form: Guide to the Consular Process – Part II.
