“Case Was Sent To The Department of State”: what it means
Updated October 27, 2026 · Checked against USCIS sources
USCIS finished its part and sent the approved petition to the Department of State, through the National Visa Center (NVC), for the visa process abroad.
What it means
From here, the case continues with the NVC and then a U.S. embassy or consulate. The NVC gives the case its own case number, and USCIS status updates usually stop.
The official wording
Text USCIS shows for this status (details in brackets vary by case)On [date], we sent your case, Receipt Number [receipt number], to the Department of State for visa processing. You can find general information on Consular Processing by visiting our website at www.uscis.gov . The website will provide information on what to do next, who to contact, and how to inform us of any changes in your situation or address.
En español: “Caso Enviado Al Departamento De Estado”
El [fecha], enviamos su caso, Número de Recibo [receipt number], aprobado o reafirmado al Departamento de Estado para el trámite de la visa. Puede encontrar información general sobre Procesamiento Consular visitando nuestro sitio web en www.uscis.gov. El sitio web proporcionará información sobre qué hacer a continuación, a quién contactar y cómo informarnos de cualquier cambio en su situación o dirección.
What you can do
- Wait for the NVC welcome letter or email with your NVC case number.
- Follow NVC instructions to pay fees and upload civil documents.
- For family preference categories, check the Visa Bulletin to see when your priority date is current.
Forms that show this status
Each form links to its current processing time.
Questions
How long until NVC contacts me?
It varies. The NVC publishes its own timeframes on the Department of State website.
Sources: USCIS Case Status Online and Case Status API messages; USCIS processing times and case inquiry pages. General information, not legal advice.