USCIS

File Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140)

USCIS Issues Receipt Notice for Form I-140

USCIS Issues Approval Notice for Form I-140
and forwards approved petition to NVC

NVC

NVC Issues the Fee Bill

NVC Fee Bill paid (either online or via mail)

NVC issues "Packet III"

Packet III documents are sent to the NVC

EMBASSY/CONSULATE

 The NVC will schedule interviews for all cases except those being interviewed at the Guangzhou, China Consulate.

(For Guangzhou, your case will be forwarded to the Embassy and that Embassy will schedule your interview.)

After attending the immigrant visa interview, generally the visa is issued either the same day or shortly thereafter.

Once your visa is issued, you can enter the United States as a
"Lawful Permanent Resident" (green card holder)