Please follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye.

Step 1: Register your appointment online

You need to register your appointment online. Registering your appointment provides us with the information we need to return your passport to you after your interview. Registration is free. Click the “Register” button below to register. Each passport holder applying for a visa must register their passport pickup location with Turkish Post (PTT) before coming to the Embassy at: ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv or calling +90-850 390 2884 (or 703-520-2490 from inside the United States).   

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in Türkiye

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in Türkiye. Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in Türkiye. Please schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these doctors before your interview.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original and translation documents to your interview. We’ve created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Please carefully review the checklist and interview Guideline before your interview to avoid any delays.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Additional Instructions for Iranian Applicants >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, are required to undergo a medical examination by one of the medical doctors or clinics on the following list. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. Medical examination results from other physicians are not accepted.

It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your interview at the U.S. Embassy.  Failure to complete your medical exam before your visa interview may result in processing delays.

Each applicant is required to show his/her passport as identification at each step of the medical examination process. In some cases, an applicant may need a follow-up examination.

Once the medical exam is completed, the panel physician will electronically send the medical report to the Immigrant Visa Unit.

Note: Fiancé(e), Diversity and Following-to-join Asylee visa applicants receive a sealed medical report which should not be opened prior to the interview.

Medical exam instructions can be found at: tr.usembassy.gov

Approved physicians:

Dr. Mehmet Ungan
Dr. Handan Ungan
Atatürk Bulvarı 237/44-45, Kavaklıdere ANKARA
Email: drungan@doctorun.com, doctorun@doctorun.com, or mungan@duzen.com.tr
Website: www.doctorun.com
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday

Items to bring to your medical examination

The doctor will need the following items to complete the medical exam forms:

• Your visa interview appointment letter.
• Your passport.
• Two (2) recently taken passport-sized color photographs.
• A copy of your immunization records (medical records from Iran will not be accepted). 
• If you suffer from a chronic illness, have been treated for any disease, ever had any important operation, or are under psychiatric care, doctors recommend you present your medical file during examination.
• If you are using medicine, bring their names or the boxes of your medicine.
• If you use eyeglasses, bring your glasses with you.
• For women who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant): Applicants are required to have a chest x-ray. Please be aware that if you prefer not to have a chest x-ray your medical report cannot be completed until the end of your pregnancy. Please consult your obstetrician or physician regarding any health concerns on this subject. When you go to the panel physician’s office for your medical exam, bring a written document from your doctor detailing your decision.
• DS-260 confirmation page.

Charges for the physical examination and other required tests are to be paid by the visa applicant directly to the examining physician’s practice. Total standard fee is $270, which includes the blood test, urine test, chest x-ray, gonorrhea testing and the physical examination. If further testing is needed additional fees my apply, like sputum smears and culture testing for TB, drug screening test, pregnancy test, etc. Vaccination fee varies from $20 to $200 depending on age and vaccines required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants ages two (2) years to fourteen (14) years of age must undergo the medical examination at least four (4) work days prior to their scheduled appointment at the embassy. Failure to do so may result in processing delays or rescheduling of initial appointment.

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During the medical exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and (for applicants 15 years of age or older) chest x-ray, gonorrhea test, blood test and urine test.  Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Instructions and procedural guides direct panel physicians who conduct immigrant visa medical examinations to verify that applicants have met the vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive them. Current immigrant vaccination requirements are available on the CDC website. You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about medical examination requirements on Travel.State.Gov.

In order to assist the panel physician and avoid delays in the processing of your visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician’s review at the time of the medical examination.  Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement.  Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician. Only the panel physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Immunization records and other test results from Iran will not be accepted.

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW, DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

Any x-rays taken will be given to you on a CD. You DO NOT need to bring the CD to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis. However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time.

The panel physician will give you a copy of Form DS-3025, which is U.S. Department of State vaccination documentation worksheet. An original will be in your sealed medical package to take to the embassy. Please DO NOT lose your copy of the vaccination documentation sheet. You should make several copies of your Form DS-3025 vaccination sheet because various U.S. authorities will need it after you arrive in the country.

Your medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant. The validity of your visa will be limited to the validity of your medical report. Medical reports classified as “Class B1 (TB)” are valid for three (3) months from the date the doctor signed the report. All other medical reports classified as “No apparent disease or defects” are valid for six (6) months after the doctor’s signature date. Expiration date of your medical examination is on the right upper corner of the four-language information sheet attached to your medical package. 

If your case is subject to further administrative processing, or if the processing of your file is delayed due to missing documents, the medical report may expire before your visa is issued. In that case, you would be required to renew all components of the examination and submit a new medical report to our office before you receive your visa.

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Pre-Interview Checklist

Please refer to the list at: tr.usembassy.gov to identify the documents that you must upload to your online application and/or bring with you to the interview. To help avoid delays or a refusal, make sure that you carefully review the interview guidelines for your immigrant visa category and follow the instructions. 

The National Visa Center attempts to collect documents for all files assigned to Ankara. Some files take an extended amount of time, and some documents can expire before your visa interview. In that case, you must bring (and for electronic PIVOT cases upload) updated documents to your interview. 

Uploading/Scanning Documents

If your case is electronic/paperless (PIVOT), all required documents listed below must also be uploaded/scanned to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx. Failure to upload these documents will cause processing delays. If you need guidance, please see instructions on uploading/scanning your documents on the EAMS site.

Please visit the Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country page to learn more on the civil documents for each country how to obtain them. 

Pre-Appointment Document Checklist

For Immigrant Visa Applicants: Complete the DS-260 “Immigrant Visa Electronic Application Form” for each applicant (spouse, children, etc.). The DS-260 is available at https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx.

By filling out Form DS-260 (the online immigrant visa application form) accurately and completely, the process will be faster. The applicant's entire employment history is needed, not just the past 10 years. Responses such as "retired" or "self-employed" without an explanation of where the applicant worked will lead to delays. In addition, exact dates of every trip (not just the year) to the United States must be provided. If the applicant stayed more than six (6) months in the United States on a tourist visa, s/he must bring to the interview proof that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension of stay. Administrative processes can take six (6) months or more. 

Reminder: IR-5 visas (parents of U.S. Citizens) are for individuals only. Separate files and documents are required for each parent. Children under age 21 of IR-5 applicants do not qualify to immigrate on their parent's petition. 

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
  
  
• Unexpired passport valid for six (6) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States. 
  
  
• Previous passport with valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa if applicable.


• Two (2) color passport-size photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 in x 2 in).  Please review our online photo requirements. For PIVOT (electronic) cases, please bring one (1) per each applicant.   
  
  
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.
  
  
• The applicant must obtain an original or certified copy of their birth certificate and those of any family member immigrating with the applicant.  
  
  
• Diversity Visa (DV), Fiancée Visa (K1/K2), Following to join asylees (V92), Following to join refugees (V93) - Medical examination results in a sealed envelope. Other visa categories will be sent directly to the Embassy.
  

Applicants who fall into any category below should bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications:  

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support sponsor (if it has not already been submitted to National Visa Center) for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript OR their most recent U.S. federal income tax return and corresponding W-2s.  
  
  
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
   
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Evidence varies by visa type. If the petitioner is a parent, child, or sibling, bring an original birth certificate with a translation and a photocopy to verify this relationship. For marriage-based or fiancée visas please bring photographs, letters, emails or any other evidence to support your relationship.
  
  
• Marriage Certificate: The applicant must obtain an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate of every marriage if the applicant is or has been married.  This requirement does not apply to IR-5 applicants, except when they qualify for the visa as a stepparent or when the consular officer otherwise deems it necessary or pertinent to visa eligibility.
  
  
• Marriage Termination: If the applicant was previously married, they must obtain evidence of the termination of every prior marriage.  The evidence must be an original or certified copy of a final legal divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment papers. This requirement does not apply to IR-5 applicants, except when they qualify for the visa as a stepparent or when the consular officer otherwise deems it necessary or pertinent to visa eligibility.
  
  
• Applying for an IR5 or an F4 visa, the applicant must bring the original or certified copy of the petitioner’s birth certificate. 

Note: Present and former residents of the United States do NOT need to submit any U.S. police certificates.

Important: Police certificates expire after two (2) years, unless the certificate was issued from your country of previous residence, and you have not returned there since the police certificate was issued

• For employment-based visa applications: Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one (1) month prior.
  
  
• If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records, and a photocopy. If any applicant has been arrested, charged, convicted, or imprisoned in any country, you must obtain a certified copy of each court record and any prison record. Court records should include complete information regarding the circumstance surrounding the crime of which you were convicted and the disposition of the case, including sentence or other penalty or fine imposed. If the court document(s) is not in English, applicants should provide an English translation.
  
  
• If you have served in any country’s military: If the applicant has ever served in the military of any country, they must obtain an original or certified copy of their military record. If the applicant is exempted, they must obtain an original or certified copy of their exemption.
  
  
• If you are adopted and the application to immigrate is based on a parent-child relationship: Applicants must submit the following:
  
  • An original or certified copy of the adoption decree.  
  • The legal custody decree if custody occurred before adoption.  
  • A statement showing dates and places where the applicant resided with the adoptive parent(s); and
  • If the applicant was adopted when ages 16 or 17, evidence that they were adopted with, or after, the adoption of a natural sibling under the age of 16 by the same adoptive parents.  
     
• If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent must be submitted. 
  
  
• If you are applying for a K Visa: Upon receipt of NVC’s letter notifying you that your petition has been forwarded to Ankara, please provide the beneficiary's email address, full name, and case number to the immigrant visa unit through Contact the Immigrant Visa Section - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye for timely processing of your application at the U.S. Embassy, Ankara.   

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Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, you may request to reschedule your immigrant visa appointment 24 hours after the interview date passes through ais.usvisa-info.com. After you register your original appointment date on this web site please click on "group actions" menu and select "Missed my appointment" and "send request". Once we approve your request, we will provide you further instructions.  If you are unable to attend your original appointment there may be a significant delay before the next available appointment.  

Please note: You need to register your original NVC/KCC appointment online before you can reschedule it. Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.

If you already have a scheduled appointment and need to request an earlier appointment due to a medical or humanitarian emergency, please log into your account at the official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service site ais.usvisa-info.com and select “Request Expedite” under “Group Actions” and detail the emergency.  

For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC.

DV applicants should note that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you decide to reschedule your interview.

Updating required interview documents

The National Visa Center attempts to collect documents for all files assigned to Ankara. Some files take an extended amount of time and some documents can expire before your visa interview. In that case, you need to bring updated documents to your interview. Police certificates are NOT required from Iran. However, please note that documents related to military service in Iran are required. 

If your case is electronic (PIVOT), you also need to scan/upload the required documents to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov/IV, your CEAC account on ceac.state.gov/ceac/. To see the uploading/scanning tips, please review the instructions.

Security screening procedure

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment. Please read the US Mission Access Policy before you come to the Embassy. Please do not bring any prohibited items with you.

Accompanying persons

The following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview: 

• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE (1) person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child. 
  
  
• Interpreters/Translators: Interviews are conducted in English, Turkish, Farsi, and Arabic.  If you require your interview in another language, you must bring a sworn translator who is certified by a Turkish Notary Public on the day of your interview. The translator must speak English and your native language. Please note that as of March 13, 2023, only English-speaking interpreters/translators will be accepted. Please provide your interpreter's full name, date of birth, copy of his/her ID card/passport bio page and copy of his/her translator certification by sending an email https://tr.usembassy.gov/visa-navigator/ 48 hours before your interview. Please make sure that your interpreter brings his/her original documents. Petitioners or family members (unless they are also applying for visa with you as a derivative applicant), cannot act as a translator. 

Attorneys and petitioners are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview without prior approval from the consular section.

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview. 

All fees may be paid either in U.S. dollars or Turkish Lira via cash or credit card. Please bring exact change for each applicant. This fee is non-refundable, whether a visa is issued or not. 

You can find a complete list of fees at Fees for Visa Services.

Do not make travel plans to leave Türkiye

We will return your passport to your designated pick-up location later via Turkish Postal Service (PTT). If you need to travel within Türkiye while your passport is with us, you should carry a valid photo ID other than your passport.

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more infomation is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents, or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy. You have one (1) year from the date you were refused a visa to submit the additional documents. If you do not provide the required additional document within this one-year period, you will need to reapply for the visa and pay another application fee. 

Administrative Processing takes additional time after the interview and the timing varies based on the individual circumstances of each case.

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After Your Visa Interview

Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara after the interview

Please send all missing documents and your passports together as soon as possible. 

Documents can be submitted to the U.S Embassy via any courier service and must also be uploaded to your file in the  Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov/IV, for electronic/paperless (PIVOT) cases. For help uploading documents, please see the downloadable instructions. 

If you are registered with Turkish Postal Service (PTT), you may send documents via PTT. For more information on courier services, please visit our consular service provider at: ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/courier.  

Do not request document review via email unless you have submitted all required documents and your passport. 

If your case requires further administrative processing, send all missing documents and your valid passport after receiving a processing completion confirmation email from the Embassy. 

Once you provide the documents, a consular officer will review your case to ensure eligibility and admissibility . You will receive a decision once the review is completed. 

If you have already submitted additional documents, it takes an average of 5-10 business days for a consular officer to reassess your case.  Due to the volume of mail received, you will not be notified of receipt of your documents unless additional information is required.  

For questions regarding the return of your passport or change delivery option, contact our Visa Service Provider at: ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/contact_us. Further information on document delivery is available at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/courier.   

Administrative Process

Some visa applications may need additional administrative processing. If this is required, the consular officer will inform you at the end of your interview. The duration of this processing varies for each case. After the processing is complete, the officer will decide if you are eligible for the visa or if you remain ineligible.

If the Consular Officer checked the box next to the QR code on your refusal sheet, you must scan the QR code and complete the DS-5535 form as instructed. This is required to continue processing your case.

However, not all administrative processing cases require a DS-5535 form. If only the administrative processing box is checked and the QR code box is not marked, your case is still under administrative processing, but you do not need to submit the DS-5535. You only need to take action if the officer requested additional documents during your interview. If no documents were requested, simply wait for administrative processing to be completed.

We will contact you by email when your processing is completed. Except in emergencies (such as serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), please wait at least 180 days from the interview or submission of additional documents before inquiring about the status of your administrative processing.

Online Status Check

Immigrant visa applicants can check the status of their application online at the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and clicking on “Check My Visa Application Status” under the “IMMIGRANT” category. You will need to enter your case number.

What happens after visa approval?

We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. If applicable, we will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities. 

Please note if your case is electronic/paperless: The Department of State began to use an online application center to collect, review, and process the required documents previously contained in the IV packet. IV packets are now transmitted electronically to Customs and Border Protection and are accessible at the U.S. Port of Entry.  Any immigrant traveler carrying a visa with a special annotation (IV Docs in CCD) is not required to hand-carry an IV packet.     

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay a $165.00 Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are children entering the United States under The Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa. Please refer to USCIS Immigrant Fee to make the payment.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six months from the date of your medical exam. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Children who turn 21 years after visa issuance must enter the United States before they turn 21 years old; otherwise they will lose their immigrant status. 

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. Do not travel outside of the United States until you receive your Permanent Resident Card. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. 

Children’s Issues – Children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school in the United States. Therefore, we recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. Additionally, if your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with the child’s other parent, we recommend that you bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will likely need these papers (translated into English) in the United States for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States under "Welcome to the  United States: A Guide for New Immigrants".

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Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents. For more detailed explanation of qualification criteria and required documents please refer to “Instructions for Diversity Visas”.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants. 

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website.
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR have two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the last five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available on our Diversity Visa Process webpage).

Proof of finances (assets, savings, job offer or sponsor in the U.S.)

Diversity visa applicants are subject to INA 212(a)(4) and must demonstrate to the consular officer's satisfaction that they will not become a public charge. For this purpose, applicants may need to submit evidence of support. This evidence can include, but is not limited to proof of applicant’s personal funds (savings, assets), a letter of employment in the U.S., or a fully completed Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) from a sponsor in the United States.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident). Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Primary applicants must also have either at least a high school decree education or its equivalent or have two years of work experience.  The Department of State will use the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) O*NetOnLine Database to determine qualifying work experience. To qualify for a DV on the basis of your work experience, you must have, within the past five years, two years of experience in an occupation classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) range of 7.0 or higher.

If you do not meet one of the criteria mentioned above or are found ineligible for an immigrant visa on another ground, your application will be denied, and your application fee(s) will not be refunded. 

You can review the eligibility requirements at Diversity Visa Process webpage.

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