After your I-129F form (fiancé visa petition) is approved, the next step involves preparing for the transition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the National Visa Center (NVC). This phase is crucial because it ensures that all your paperwork is in order for the upcoming interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

When USCIS approves your fiancé visa petition, they send your paperwork to the NVC. This is the place where your documents are sorted and then sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where your fiancé lives. This transfer is a key part of the process and usually takes a few months. During this time, it’s your job to start collecting and preparing additional documents needed for the next steps.

Key Documentation and Preparation

This phase focuses on getting ready for your embassy or consulate interview. Unlike spouse visas, where you upload documents online, for a fiancé visa, you must bring these documents to your interview. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the DS-160 form online. This is your official visa application.
• Gather important documents. This includes civil documents like birth certificates and any necessary background checks from countries where you’ve lived for more than six months.
• Prepare an Affidavit of Support using Form I-134. This form shows that the person sponsoring the visa has enough money to support you when you move to the U.S.

Proactive Steps

Understanding and preparing for the second step of the fiancé visa process can make things go more smoothly and help you feel less stressed. Start collecting these documents even before you hear from the NVC. Getting a head start can help avoid delays later. Gathering documents early means you’ll be ready to move forward as soon as the NVC contacts you about your interview. If you have any questions or need more detailed advice, reach out to Immigration for Couples. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to visit our Resource Center for more resources and support.