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DQ (Documentarily Qualified): what it is

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DQ: definition

Key answer

DQ (documentarily qualified, also called documentarily complete) is the NVC case status granted once the fees are paid, the DS-260 is submitted and the civil documents are accepted. After DQ the case queues for an interview appointment at the consulate; the wait depends on that consulate.

DQ applies only to the immigrant path (EB-1, EB-2 NIW): the O-1 does not go through the NVC - you book the consulate directly. The community describes DQ as the informal name for the NVC stage after petition approval, if you are outside the US.

After DQ comes the interview-date letter, then the panel-physician medical and the interview itself. The interview will not be scheduled until your priority date is current under Table A (Final Action Dates). Real community ranges for the wait after DQ are on a separate page.

DQ: the official source

DQ: what to do - tools

DQ: read next

DQ: documents and templates from the library

DQ: from community discussions

  • «Ask them to send all the documents BEFORE they're sent to USCIS. I had errors in the draft: instead of my receipt number there was a different number and person. They apologized and fixed it without any problem. But ask them to check everything before sending - paralegals can screw up, that's a fact.»

    Anna · from public community chats

  • «I recommend using completely different wording, fonts, and formatting in the recommendation letters. Each person writes and formats in their own way: Dear USCIS officer, To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam. The closings are different too, the header too - sometimes on the right, sometimes on the left, sometimes a company letterhead.»

    Anastasia · from public community chats

  • «How to choose an expert for a recommendation letter: founders or co-founders of successful startups (at least at Series A funding stage), C-level executives or VPs of large companies (100+ employees), investors, large customers, patent holders, government officials, leaders of prominent organizations.»

    Aghasi · from public community chats

Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.

DQ: related terms

All glossary terms

A reference definition, not legal advice. Requirements and procedures depend on your case - verify on uscis.gov.

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