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NVC EB-1 visa roadmap
Phase 3 of 6

Civil-documents package

Assemble, translate and submit your civil documents, then wait for DQ.

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Not legal advice

This roadmap is general information to help you organize your own preparation. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Rules differ by consulate and change over time - always confirm against the official travel.state.gov, ceac.state.gov and uscis.gov guidance for your case.

  • Assemble the document package

    Send copies (not originals) with English translations, in the required order.

    Print the barcode cover page for each family member and place it first, ticking the documents present [x]. Then stack your documents in the listed order. Send only COPIES plus EN translations, never originals. Attach the per-document barcode at the bottom of each document page. Use ilovepdf.com to assemble PDFs. The police certificate (no-criminal-record) does not need an apostille, is valid 2 years, and for a spouse must include ALL surnames (including maiden). For military service, copy all pages but translate only pages with stamps.

    To do (0/4)

    Documents you need (0/8)

    How to format documents and translations - examples in the knowledge base

    Where to file

    Mail the document package to NVC

    USPS: DOS Visa, P.O. Box 65446, Potomac Falls, VA 20165Express carriers: DOS Visa, 44132 Mercure Circle, PO Box 65446, Sterling, VA 20166

    You may enclose a one-page free-form letter requesting an interview transfer to another country (include the reason, a foreign phone number and a foreign address).

    • Translation certification is the #1 cause of document rejection: each translated document needs a certificate stating the translation is "true, accurate and complete" with the translator's name, address and contact - and you may NOT be your own certified translator. The barcode cover sheet must be the FIRST page.
    • Police certificates and medicals expire - renew them proactively (especially the police certificate) if processing drags on.
    • Submit every non-English document with a certified English translation. Military record: copy all pages, translate only the pages with entries. A police certificate is needed for everyone over 16.
    • Common reasons a package is returned: a missing or non-certified translation, no barcode cover sheet as the first page, a police certificate missing a former/maiden surname, non-English file names, or sending originals instead of copies. Re-check each before mailing.
    • How to translate documents: each non-English document needs a separate English translation plus a signed translator's certificate stating it is true, accurate and complete with the translator's name, address and contact. Check the translator can provide that certificate before you pay - a translation without it is rejected, and you may not certify your own.

    Common questions

    • Can I translate my own documents to save money?

      No. The translation must be certified by someone other than you, with a signed statement that the translation is true, accurate and complete, plus the translator's name, address and contact. A self-made translation is a common cause of return.

    • Do I need an apostille on the police certificate?

      No - the police certificate does not need an apostille. It is valid for 2 years, is required for everyone over 16, and for a spouse must include all surnames, including the maiden name.

    • I sent the package weeks ago and heard nothing. Is something wrong?

      Silence is normal - does not confirm receipt, only the result. Make sure the file names are in English. If nothing comes long after the package should have arrived, file an ASK NVC inquiry; after 55 days with no response, resend the package.

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  • Documents Qualified (DQ)

    NVC confirms your documents are accepted - the milestone before interview scheduling.

    will NOT tell you the package arrived - you only get the result (DQ or a request for more documents). If you hear nothing after the package should have arrived, ask NVC via the Inquiry Form (ASK NVC). Make sure attached file names are in ENGLISH. If more than 55 days pass since you sent the documents with no response, resend the package.

    Common questions

    • NVC never sent a "documents accepted" confirmation. Is that normal?

      Yes - a separate "documents accepted" letter may never arrive. Wait for the interview-date letter instead. If nothing comes long after the package should have arrived, file an ASK NVC inquiry (file names in English); after 55 days with no response, resend the package.

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Stage 2NVC: fees and formsStage 4Interview scheduling and prep