Introduction to U.S. Family-Based Immigration Electronic Processing
The electronic processing of U.S. immigrant visa applications is a pilot program launched by the National Visa Center (NVC). The purpose of this program is to significantly reduce the time required for the processing and waiting periods of immigrant visa applications. The U.S. immigration electronic processing program simplifies and accelerates the U.S. immigrant visa application process by using computers, the internet, and other tools to submit documents. In this program, all U.S. immigration data, forms, and documents will be submitted to the NVC Electronic Information Center via email as portable electronic files (PDF format).
Summary of Experience with U.S. Family-Based Immigration Electronic Processing
1. The barcode is not necessary; the electronic version of Form DS-3032 does not require a barcode, so do not worry about this issue. I successfully applied for electronic processing by directly downloading Form DS-3032 from the internet and attaching it to my application.
2. Electronic processing is independent of the method used to fill out the forms. Even handwritten forms can be submitted for electronic processing, as the process simply involves scanning the original forms into a computer; it is not required that the forms be typed.
3. The correct sequence for immigration procedures is: (1) Pay the $70 fee and submit Form DS-3032, (2) Submit affidavit of support documents, (3) Pay the $400 fee, (4) Submit all beneficiary materials. Many people get stuck at the step of paying the $400 fee; in fact, this is because the NVC is waiting for your affidavit of support documents. Once the affidavit of support documents are submitted to and accepted by the NVC, you will naturally be able to pay the $400 fee. Instead of spending time inquiring, it is better to have the U.S. petitioner submit the affidavit of support documents directly.
4. For siblings with the same parents, a notarized certificate of kinship is not required during the P3 stage; the birth certificates of the petitioner and the beneficiary are sufficient to prove the relationship, allowing you to save the cost of obtaining this notarization.
5. Regarding the procedures for applying for and handling electronic processing, the beneficiary and the petitioner have equal status. You can choose either one to send the email; both the beneficiary and the petitioner are eligible. It is best to use the CC function in the email, sending it to the NVC while also CCing the other party (beneficiary or petitioner). This keeps everyone synchronized and allows for mutual review. This is a significant improvement over the traditional paper-based delivery method.
6. After receiving P1, the first step is: (1) The U.S. petitioner pays the $70 fee, (2) The domestic beneficiary sends the electronic application request letter and Form DS-3032 (Choice of Agent/Address). These two steps are performed simultaneously. During this period, there is a waiting time of approximately 15-20 days for the new GZO number. You can use this time to work on the affidavit of support, notarizations, passports, filling out forms, etc. Of course, if the beneficiary has difficulty sending the electronic application request, the U.S. petitioner can do it on their behalf.
7. P3 issues: To send P3, you must first wait for the new GZO number. Then, it can be done in two steps: (1) After paying the $70, you can send the affidavit of support documents; (2) After paying the $400, you can send all beneficiary materials. (3) They can also be sent together, provided that both the $70 and $400 fees have been paid in full.
8. In general, applying for electronic processing is no different from our daily correspondence with the NVC, but there are some distinctions:
(1) The email address is different. The address for contacting the NVC is nvcinquiry@state.gov. The address for electronic processing applications is nvcelectronic@state.gov.
(2) The subject line is different. The subject for NVC correspondence is GUZ**********, while the subject for electronic processing applications is OPTIN GUZ**********.
(3) Electronic processing requires an additional attachment: 3032.pdf.
(4) Similarities: Both require including the names and dates of birth of the petitioner and the beneficiary in the body of the email.
9. Important information: According to a telephone inquiry made by a U.S. petitioner to the NVC, the NVC and the Guangzhou Consulate arrange interview notifications starting from the second week of each month. Therefore, those who should receive P4 at the beginning of the month should not worry; wait until the second week to check and receive the P4.
11. Regarding the scanning of electronic P3 documents: I feel that many people scan files that are too large, which leads to transmission issues. When preparing the files, you should consider keeping the file size manageable. Basically, separate them into two PDF files: one for the beneficiary's materials and one for the affidavit of support. Each file should be under 10MB. Do not compress them into RAR format; ZIP format is acceptable.
12. My experience: (1) For all A4 form documents (Form DS-230, P3 supplementary forms, Form I-864, tax returns, etc.), a scanning resolution of 72-120 dpi is sufficient. Choose black and white scanning; do not select color or grayscale. (2) For notarized certificates, a resolution of 72-120 dpi is sufficient; because they contain photos and official seals, you can choose color scanning. (3) For passports and photos, a resolution of 200-300 dpi is sufficient, using color scanning.
The above is the complete summary of experience with U.S. family-based immigration electronic processing. I hope this is helpful to everyone immigrating to the U.S. If you have more questions regarding U.S. family-based immigration electronic processing, you can consult the customer service on the Worldway Immigration official website.
