NVC Document Upload - Police Certificate Pending (wait or not available)
Hi everyone,
I'm hoping someone has experience with this situation.
We are currently at the NVC document upload stage for an F4 family-based immigrant visa case. Our DS-260s have been completed, and we're now uploading all civil documents.
My father lived in Cebu City, Philippines, as a student from 1994 to 1996, so NVC requires a Philippine police certificate (NBI Clearance).
We contacted the Philippine Embassy Pakistan, and they provided us with the official NBI Form No. 5. However, obtaining the certificate is a lengthy process (it might take several months).
The Embassy could not provide any estimated processing time once the application reaches the Philippines.
For the CEAC upload portal, should I:
- Select "Document Not Available" and upload an explanation that the NBI Clearance is currently in process?
- Use the "Upload" option and upload an explanation letter together with the NBI Form and proof that we've started the process?
- Or should I wait until the final NBI Clearance is issued before submitting the case?
Im especially concerned because we have a derivative child whose CSPA eligibility is time-sensitive, so I don't want to unnecessarily delay our case if there's an accepted way to proceed while the police certificate is pending.
Has anyone been through this with NVC or the U.S. Embassy? What did you do, and how did NVC handle it?
Thank you in advance for your advice.