What happens if I do not contact the NVC for more than one year?

If more than one year passes without contact, the National Visa Center may cancel the approved I-130 petition due to inactivity.

What are the consequences of an I-130 petition being canceled?

Once canceled, the petition is no longer valid and the applicant may need to start the immigration process again by filing a new petition.

Can a canceled I-130 petition be reopened by the National Visa Center?

In limited situations, the National Visa Center may reopen a canceled case if the applicant had a valid reason for not maintaining contact, but reopening is not automatic or guaranteed.

Does the annual contact requirement apply to all NVC cases?

Yes. According to the information provided, the annual contact requirement applies to all cases processed by the National Visa Center.

How can I contact the National Visa Center to keep my case active?

Applicants can maintain contact by logging into the NVC website, submitting requested documents, paying required fees, or otherwise communicating through official NVC channels.

Annual Contact Requirement for Approved I-130 Petitions at the National Visa Center

Q: How often do I need to contact the National Visa Center?

Applicants with an approved I-130 petition must contact the National Visa Center at least once every 12 months to keep their case active.

Attorney Denise P. Cabrera
Jan 16
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Introduction

If you have an approved Form I-130 petition that has been transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), there is an important requirement you must follow to keep your case active.

Failing to meet this requirement can result in your petition being canceled, which may force you to start the immigration process again.

Key Requirement You Must Follow

You must contact the National Visa Center at least once per year. According to the information provided, applicants with approved I-130 petitions at the National Visa Center are required to contact the NVC at least once every year. This annual contact helps ensure that your petition is not canceled due to inactivity.
More than one year without contact can lead to cancellation
If more than one year passes without contacting the NVC, the center may cancel your petition.
Once canceled, the petition is no longer valid.

What Happens If Your Petition Is Canceled?

If your I-130 petition is canceled due to lack of contact:

You will no longer have a valid petition
You may not be able to continue your case through:
- A waiver (perdón), or
- Adjustment of status, if you plan to apply from inside the United States

In many cases, this means you would need to start over with a new petition.

Possible Exceptions

According to the information provided:

In some situations, the National Visa Center may reopen a canceled case
These exceptions are not automatic
Reopening generally depends on whether you had a valid or good reason for not contacting the NVC for more than one year

Applicants should not rely on exceptions and should prioritize maintaining regular contact.

What Is NOT Changing

This requirement applies to all cases that are processed by the National Visa Center
An approved I-130 can still be canceled if the annual contact requirement is not met
Responsibility for maintaining contact lies with the applicant

Important Dates & Timing

Contact with the NVC must occur at least once every 12 months
Allowing more than one year to pass without contact can trigger cancellation

Why This Matters for Applicants

Not contacting the NVC can result in:

Losing an already approved petition
Significant delays in your immigration process
The need to file a new petition from the beginning
Additional costs and paperwork

A simple yearly check-in can protect years of progress.

How to Keep Your NVC Case Active

Contact the National Visa Center at least once per year
Log in to the NVC website annually
Submit any documents the NVC is requesting
Pay required fees when applicable
Keep proof of your communications

Additional Tips

Do not assume your case stays active automatically
Even if you are waiting for the next step, yearly contact is still required
Setting a yearly reminder can help prevent accidental cancellation

FAQs – I-130 Petitions and the National Visa Center

1. How often do I need to contact the National Visa Center?

At least once per year, according to the information provided.

2. What happens if I wait more than one year without contacting the NVC?

Your approved I-130 petition may be canceled.

3. Can a canceled petition be reopened?

In some cases, the NVC may reopen a case if there was a good reason for the lack of contact, but this is not guaranteed.

4. Does this requirement apply to all NVC cases?

Yes. According to the information provided, it applies to all cases at the National Visa Center.

5. How can I contact the National Visa Center?

You can contact the NVC through their website by logging in, submitting requested documents, or paying required fees.

Final Recommendation

If your I-130 petition has been approved and sent to the National Visa Center, make sure you contact the NVC at least once every year.

This simple step can prevent your petition from being canceled and help you avoid restarting your immigration process. If you are unsure about your case status or next steps, consulting with an immigration attorney can help keep your case on track.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and procedures may change.

Contact Denise P. Cabrera – Immigration Attorney in Santa Ana to schedule a consultation and begin your path toward citizenship today.

Contact Information

📍 Office: 3000 W. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 305, Santa Ana, CA 92704

📞 Phone: (714) 855-6741

🌐 Website: www.attorneydpc.com