The instructions package for immigrant visa applicants was formerly called "Packet 3".

Instructions for immigrant visa processing vary based on where the applicant will be interviewed for a visa. Essentially, there are two types of posts (U.S. Embassies/Consulates):

• Appointment Posts:
  For cases filed in the U.S. for these posts, the NVC will collect the fees, affidavit of support, and civil documents and review, and schedule the cases for interview.
  
  Exception: Even though the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China is an appointment post, the Consulate will send appointment letters for cases assigned to it.
  
  You will receive your original documents back at the time of the visa interview.
  
  If the case was filed at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you should deal with them and send or present the documents to them, instead of sending to NVC.
  
  Appointment Posts List
  
  
• Standard Review Posts:
  Depending upon the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, documents should be submitted to them either at the time of interview or in advance. You should NOT send the civil documents to the NVC.
  
  Packet 3 - Sample Cover Letter

Generally, it may consists of the forms such as

• DS-2001: Notification of Applicant Readiness
  
  
• DS-230 Part I: Application for immigrant visa and alien registration - biographic data
  
  
• DS-230 Part II: Application for immigrant visa and alien registration - sworn statement (sent as part of this package only for Appointment Posts).
  
  

Alternatively, instead of sending you the actual forms, you may be asked to download the forms.

Electronic Processing candidates will be asked to fill a web based Form DS-260 instead of paper Form DS-230.

U.S. Embassy/Consulate Specific Instructions

Once you receive the notification from the NVC to begin Applicant Document Processing, follow this process:

1. Review the instructions and take appropriate action if any of your children are about to turn 21 years of age.
   
   
2. Gather the civil documents including the photographs.
   
   
3. When sending the documents, make that you also send:
   • BARCODED cover sheet that you received from NVC
     
     
   • Your own cover letter that lists all the documents you are sending to make it easier for the reviewer to locate
     
     
   • Immigrant Visa (IV) Fee receipt
     
     
4. Complete Form DS-230 and Form DS-2001.
   
   
5. Post Specific:
   • Appointment Posts:
     Submit Form DS-2001, Form DS-230 Part I and Part II, civil documents including photographs to the NVC.
     
     
   • Standard Review Posts:
     Submit Form DS-2001, Form DS-230 Part I, civil documents including photographs to the NVC. The rest of the documents should be carried to the consulate to the interview (or to be submitted to the consulate or their agent prior to interview, but not to NVC).
     
     
   • Electronic Processing Posts:
     Electronic Processing Posts candidates should instead fill Form DS-260 (instead of Form DS-230) and if appropriate, send the civil documents as attachment to the email to NVC.
     
     
   Failure to return the required forms and documents will delay the processing of the application.
   
   
6. You must use the enclosed envelope when returning the information.
   
   Make two extra copies of the package. Send one set to the beneficiary.
   
   DS-2001 is a two-page optional form to be used by applicants or their agents to notify post or NVC that they are ready for interview. By sending the documents, you inform them that you have had all the documents for Consular Processing and you are ready for the interview, so they can schedule it as soon as they can. Also, provide biographic data so that they can do different checks.
   
   You should send everything by certified mail (or registered mail) with return receipt requested. If you are sending it from the U.S., you can send it by UPS Express mail that provides you with tracking.
   
   
7. NVC will complete all necessary administrative processing of your immigrant visa application. You may be requested to provide additional information if you have incomplete or are missing documents. If the NVC determines the case is still incomplete, a second check list will be sent. Even after two reviews by the NVC, even if it still contains errors or omissions, the file will still be forwarded to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
   
   
8. This step is for Standard Review Consulates only. Once NVC has finished administrative processing, your immigrant visa file will be sent to the United States Embassy or Consulate. You will be notified by mail when this occurs.
   
   
9. Approximately one month before your scheduled interview appointment with a consular officer, you will receive an appointment letter containing the date and time of your visa interview along with instructions for obtaining a medical examination.
   
   

Do not send additional or unsolicited documents unless and until requested by NVC, as it complicates their automated processing and delays the case.