Navigating the immigrant visa (IV) process can feel opaque and drawn-out. Recognizing this, the U.S. Department of State has introduced an official, data-driven resource to provide clarity: the Immigrant Visa (IV) Scheduling Status Tool.
What Is the IV Scheduling Status Tool?
The IV Scheduling Status Tool is an online feature designed to help applicants understand when the National Visa Center (NVC) is scheduling interviews at a given U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It provides monthly updates indicating the month and year when recently scheduled IV cases became “documentarily complete”—meaning all required fees were paid and documents were submitted.
How It Works
- Select your visa category (family-based or employment-based).
- Choose a specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- View the month/year when cases that became documentarily complete were scheduled for interviews.
This provides applicants with a benchmark of expected scheduling timeframes at their consular post.
What It Covers—and Excludes
Covered categories:
- Family-sponsored preference visas (F1, F2, etc.)
- Employment-based preference categories
Excluded categories:
- Diversity Visas (DV)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV)
- I-601A provisional waivers
- Adoption cases (IR-3, IR-4)
Why This Tool Matters
Before its launch, applicants had little insight into how long it might take to secure an interview after being marked documentarily complete. Now, the tool offers:
- Transparency into scheduling timelines at each post.
- Predictability for better planning of travel, medical exams, and relocation.
- Fairness through public, consistent updates.
⚠️ Note: The tool is indicative, not predictive. Actual scheduling for individuals depends on post workload and operational status.
Appointment Timing & Rescheduling
The National Visa Center (NVC) typically aims to schedule interviews within three months of case completion, but exact timelines vary by embassy/consulate capacity.
If rescheduling is needed, applicants must follow instructions from their specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State – Immigrant Visa Interview Wait Times
- U.S. Department of State – The Immigrant Visa Process: Step 10 – Prepare for the Interview
- Ogletree Deakins – State Department Launches Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Availability Tools
- United States: New Immigrant Visa Scheduling Status Tool
- State Department Rolls Out New Visa Interview Tracking Tools
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only. It was not prepared by an attorney or accredited legal representative and should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures may change, and each case is unique. For personalized guidance, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.