Pre-Interview checklist
Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview. Any documents that are not in either English or Spanish must be accompanied by a certified English translation:
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 months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States and a photocopy of the biographic page (where your name and photo are located).
Two (2) color photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch). Please review our online photo requirements. Starting November 1, 2016, eye glasses are no longer allowed in visa photos.
Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.
Your original birth certificate, and a photocopy.
Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).
Medical examination results in a sealed envelope (if the physician gives you these results).
Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:
For family-based visa applications:
- The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant 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 visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).
If you are married: Your original marriage certificate, and a photocopy.
If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate, and a photocopy. Proof that a Colombian divorce was registered with civil authorities (either an annotated birth certificate or marriage certificate) is required in addition to the original divorce decree.
If you are older than 18 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:
- You are older than 18 years;
- You obtained a police certificate and submitted it to NVC more than one year ago; and
- You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.
For employment-based visa applications: Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.
If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records, and a photocopy.
If you have served in any country’s military: Military records, and a photocopy.
If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents, and a photocopy.
If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, and a photocopy along with original divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.
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