Forms DS-260 and DS-261 are integral components of the U.S. immigration process, particularly for those applying for a marriage-based green card. Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your I-130 petition, these forms are necessary to proceed.
After USCIS forwards your approved I-130 to the National Visa Center (NVC), you can then submit Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application and Form DS-261: Online Choice of Address and Agent.
There is no filing fee for Form DS-261, but you must pay a $325 immigrant visa application processing fee and a $120 Affidavit of Support fee to access Form DS-260. Typically, DS-260 processing takes about three months, though the marriage green card process can range from 27 to 46 months.
What are Form DS-261 & DS-260?
Form DS-261
Form DS-261, the Online Choice of Address and Agent, allows you to select how the Department of State will communicate with you during your green card application process. The NVC provides instructions for submitting Form DS-261 in their welcome letter.
This form, which is free to file, may take up to three weeks for the NVC to process. You must access Form DS-261 through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using the case number provided by the NVC.
What is Form DS-260?
Form DS-260 is the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. If you’re applying for a family-based green card from outside the U.S., you’ll need this form. Filing it online through the CEAC is a key step to move forward with your marriage-based green card process.
To access and submit Form DS-260, you must first complete Form DS-261 and pay the $325 immigrant visa application processing fee and the $120 Affidavit of Support fee.
How Do I File Form DS-261?
1. Sign in to the CEAC website. Using the case number provided in your NVC welcome letter.
2. Identify your relation to the applicant. If completing your Form DS-261, select “applicant.” If another person, such as your spouse, is filling out the form for you, they should select the corresponding option.
3. Choose an agent to receive communication from the NVC. This can be yourself, your sponsor, a friend, an attorney, or another trusted individual. Ensure all contact information is correct before submitting the form, as it cannot be changed afterward.
4. Submit the form and wait for the NVC to process it. You will then need to pay the required fees online, which can take up to a week for the NVC to process.
How Do You File Form DS-260?
After the NVC processing your DS-261 payment, you can proceed to file Form DS-260 online through the CEAC portal. To do this, you will need your case identification number, beneficiary ID number, and the invoice number provided in the NVC’s welcome letter.
Ensure you have these details on hand before starting the application process, as they are crucial for accessing and completing your immigration forms accurately. Additionally, double-check all information entered to avoid any delays in your visa application process. Here’s what you need to complete:
1. Answer Biographical Questions: Provide details such as other names used, date and place of birth, and all addresses lived at since age 16.
2. Social Media Profiles: List any personal social media platforms used in the last five years. Ensure that the information on your social media accounts is consistent with your application details.
3. Mailing and Permanent Address: Confirm your mailing address and permanent address where you intend to live in the U.S.
4. Family Information: Include details about all family members, including stepchildren, adopted children, and biological children.
5. Admissibility Questions: Respond to questions to determine legal admissibility to the U.S. Provide full explanations and supporting documents if you answer “yes” to any questions.
After Submitting DS-260, How long will it take to Process?
The NVC processes most cases within 3 months, though this timeline can vary by case. Please refer to the current processing time to determine how long you may need to wait for your case to be created and reviewed.
Generally, the longer you delay submission, the longer the processing time will be. It is important to note that the marriage green card process can take 27 to 46 months, making it crucial to file your paperwork as early as possible.
What Is the National Visa Center (NVC)?
The National Visa Center (NVC), part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, manages the second stage of your green card application if you are applying from abroad. They issue a welcome letter containing your case identification number, beneficiary ID number, and invoice number. These details are essential for completing your online forms and paying the required fees.
When Do You Need To Submit Forms DS-260 and DS-261?
You can file Forms DS-260 and DS-261 after the NVC starts processing your case, which happens after USCIS approves your I-130 petition. Processing begins immediately for petitions filed by U.S. citizens. For those filed by green card holders, processing continues once your priority date is current. You can check the current processing status in the Department of State’s visa bulletin.
Tips for DS-260 Filing Success
- Answer all questions: Incomplete forms cannot be processed.
- Save your work frequently: The online system may time out and erase your information.
- Complete in English: Transliterate any non-English characters.
- Print the confirmation page: This is required for your immigrant visa interview.
What Supporting Documents Do You Need To File With Form DS-260?
As the applicant, you’ll need:
- Proof of nationality (birth certificate, passport photo page)
- Marriage certificate and proof of previous marriages’ termination, if applicable
- Military record, if applicable
- Police clearance letters for any history of infractions
As the sponsoring spouse, you’ll need:
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Proof of previous marriages’ termination, if applicable
- Proof of U.S. ties (address, state-issued ID, or temporary residence abroad proof)
FAQs
What Happens After I File Form DS-260?
The NVC will forward your paperwork to your local U.S. embassy or consulate and request that you schedule an immigrant visa interview. Before the interview, you must complete a medical exam with a USCIS-approved doctor. After scheduling your interview, you’ll receive an appointment letter from the NVC listing who needs to attend.
What Do You Bring to the Immigrant Visa Interview?
- Valid passport and two passport-size photos
- Appointment letter
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- All supporting documents uploaded to the CEAC website
What will Happen After Your Immigrant Visa Interview?
After visa the interview, the embassy or consulate will decide on your case. If approved, you’ll receive a U.S. visa valid for up to 12 months and a sealed envelope with your file for a U.S. border officer to open upon your entry into the U.S. You must then pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online to receive your official green card, which will be mailed to your U.S. address within three to four weeks of entry.
How Can You Check My Form DS-260 Status?
By entering your case number, you can track your application status online via the CEAC’s Status Tracker. Alternatively, contact the NVC by phone to check your status.
By understanding and properly managing the DS-260 and DS-261 forms, you can navigate the immigrant visa process more smoothly and ensure timely progress toward obtaining your green card.
What is ds 260 Number?
The DS-260 number is a unique identifier associated with the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application form, commonly known as the DS-260.
Final Words
DS-260 processing time can vary depending on your case and any delays in submitting necessary documents or completing the forms. It is important to regularly check the status of your application and promptly respond to any requests from the NVC.
With right preparation and attention to detail, you can boost your chances of successfully filing and receiving your green card. So, it is important to stay organized, gather all required documents, and complete the forms accurately to minimize processing time for your DS-260 form.