How do I know if my DS-260 is approved? What happens after DS-260 is approved?

After submitting your DS-260 form online, you can determine the status of your application by following these steps:

1. Retrieve your Immigrant Visa Application: Log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using your unique case number and invoice ID. These details are provided to you after submitting your DS-260 form.
2. Access your case status: Once logged in, you will be able to view the current status of your DS-260 application. The status can vary, such as “In-Transit,” “Ready,” “Administrative Processing,” or “Issued.”

• “In-Transit”: This status means that your application has been submitted but has not yet been processed by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• “Ready”: This status indicates that your application has been received and is awaiting further processing by the consular section. It means that your DS-260 form is under review.
• “Administrative Processing”: If your application undergoes additional scrutiny or requires further administrative processing, this status may be displayed. It means that additional checks or verifications are being conducted before a final decision is made.
• “Issued”: This status indicates that your DS-260 application has been approved, and an immigrant visa has been issued to you.

3. Check for updates: It’s important to regularly check the CEAC website for updates on your DS-260 application. The status may change as your application progresses through the review and decision-making process.
4. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate: If you have concerns about the status of your DS-260 application or if you need further clarification, you can contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where your visa interview is scheduled. They can provide you with more information regarding the status of your application and any additional steps or documentation required.

Please note that the processing time and specific procedures may vary depending on the embassy or consulate handling your case. It’s recommended to monitor the CEAC website and follow the instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate for updates on your DS-260 application.

What happens after DS-260 is approved?

After your DS-260 form is approved, the following steps typically occur in the immigration process:

1. Interview Scheduling: Once your DS-260 form is approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) or the U.S. embassy or consulate will schedule an immigrant visa interview for you. They will notify you of the date, time, and location of the interview. You may receive this information through email, mail, or by checking the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
2. Required Documentation: Before your interview, you will need to gather and prepare the required documentation. This may include your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police clearance certificates, medical examination reports, and financial support documents. Review the specific requirements provided by the embassy or consulate and ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order.
3. Visa Interview: Attend the scheduled visa interview at the designated U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will review your application, ask you questions about your background, purpose of travel, and eligibility for the visa category you applied for. They may also request additional documents if needed. Be prepared to provide truthful and accurate information during the interview.
4. Visa Approval or Denial: Following the visa interview, the consular officer will make a decision on your visa application. If approved, they will affix the immigrant visa in your passport or provide instructions for visa issuance. If denied, you will receive a written explanation for the denial. In some cases, additional administrative processing may be required before a final decision is made.
5. Immigrant Visa Issuance: If your visa application is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue the immigrant visa to you. You will receive your passport with the visa stamp, allowing you to travel to the United States as an immigrant.
6. Entry to the United States: Once you have your immigrant visa, you can travel to the United States within the validity period indicated on the visa. Upon arrival, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry will review your visa and other documents, and make the final determination on your admission to the United States as a permanent resident.

It’s important to note that the specific procedures and timelines may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case and the visa category you applied for. It’s recommended to follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate and consult their official website for detailed guidance on the post-DS-260 approval process.