Follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.

Step 1: Schedule a medical exam in Rwanda & attend prescreening appointment

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in Rwanda. Click the Medical Exam Instructions button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in Rwanda. Schedule and attend a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your interview. The US Embassy will contact you with the date of your mandatory in-person prescreening appointment.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 2: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original documents to your interview. We created a checklist that tells you what to bring. Click the Pre-interview Checklist button  below. Print the checklist, complete it and bring it to your interview with the listed documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 3: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about special actions you must take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

Everyone applying for an immigrant visa, no matter how old they are, must have a medical exam before a visa will be issued. Only a physician approved by the U.S. Embassy can do the exam.

It is your responsibility to schedule and attend a medical exam with one of our approved list of doctors.

Medical exam results from non-approved doctors will not be accepted.

Approved Clinic:

International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Migrant Health Assessment Clinic (MHAC)
KG 501 Street, Kacyiru
Kigali, Rwanda

Approved Physicians:

Dr. Fred Rwizibuka
Dr. Ariane Mutangana
Dr. Jeanette Iyonizera

To Schedule an Appointment:

To schedule an appointment online, go to this website: https://mymedical.iom.int/apps/omas/#_frmHome

To schedule an appointment by phone, call: +250-788-383-667

To book an appointment or to request information by email, send an email to this address: InfoMHACKigali@iom.int

For more information, please visit: rwanda.iom.int

Additional Information:

Please schedule your medical exam at least two weeks before your visa interview to make sure the exam results are ready before your interview. Please bring these items to your exam:

• Your visa interview appointment letter that shows your appointment date and time and your KGL case number
• Photo identification (your passport or national ID card)
• Four (4) recent passport-sized color photographs with white backgrounds
• A copy of your immunization records
• DS-260 confirmation page

All medical examination fees (not including x-ray and blood test fees) must be paid directly to the IOM clinic through the I&M Bank.

The basic exam fee is USD 115.00 for all applicants, no matter how old they are. Required vaccinations and additional tests will be charged separately. IOM will tell you the required fees.

During the medical exam

The medical exam will include:

1. A medical history review
2. A physical examination
3. A chest X-ray
4. A gonorrhea test
5. Blood tests (for applicants ages 15 years and older).
6. The United States may also require tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants ages two and older, depending on where you apply from.
7. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing.

More information on general medical requirements for immigrants to the U.S. is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Vaccinations: U.S. immigration law requires that immigrant visa applicants get certain vaccinations before a visa will be issued. The vaccination requirements are on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical examination requirements at Travel.State.Gov.

After the medical exam

When your examination is finished, the doctor will either give you the exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate.

IF THE DOCTOR GIVES YOU AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW, DO NOT OPEN IT.

- Keep it sealed and bring it to your visa interview.

If x-rays are taken, they will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis.

- Note: However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time.

IMPORTANT: The medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

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Pre-Interview Checklist

Use this checklist to learn what you must bring to the immigrant visa interview.

EVERY DOCUMENT THAT IS NOT IN EITHER ENGLISH OR FRENCH MUST ALSO HAVE A CERTIFIED ENGLISH TRANSLATION.  

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (This does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoption, or asylee/refugee applicants).
  
  
• Passport valid for six (6) months after the date you plan to enter the United States and a photocopy of the biographic page (where your name and photo are located).
  
  
• Two (2) color photographs of every person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2-inch x 2-inch). Please review our online photo requirements.
  
  
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.
  
  Exception: K visa applicants must complete a Form DS-160 instead.
  
  
• Your original birth certificate. If you were born in Rwanda, bring an Irembo birth record and photocopies.
  
  
• Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all of the principal applicants children, (even if the child is not coming to the U.S.) If a child is not coming, only a certified copy is required. If the child was born in Rwanda, bring an Irembo birth control record.

Applicants who are in any of the categories listed in italics below must bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications:

(Note: This requirement does not apply to refugee and asylee follow-to-join family members):

• The correct Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for every financial sponsor along with:
  
  1. A photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return and
  2. All related IRS Form W-2s
  3. If the income of the sponsor’s spouse is being used on the Affidavit of Support, the spouse must complete and submit Form I-864A.
  
  
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States. (For example, a 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 18 years of age or older you must document your marital status by bringing all documents that apply:

• If you are married: All original marriage certificates, with English translations and photocopies. If you married in Rwanda, bring your Irembo marriage record.
  
  
• If you were previously married:  Your original divorce decree(s) or spouse’s death certificate, with English translations and photocopies. If the divorce or death was in Rwanda, bring your Irembo divorce or spouse's death record.
  
  
• If you are older than 16 years, you must bring an original or certified police certificate for:
  
  
  • The country where you live now, if you have lived there for six (6) months or longer.
    
    
  • Your country of nationality, if you lived there for six (6) months at any time.
    
    
  • Every country where you lived for one year or more after the age of 16.
    
    Note: In Rwanda you must submit two(2) separate police certificates:
    
    1. A Criminal Records Certificate issued by the National Public Prosecution Authority and a Criminal Investigation Clearance Certifiicate. The Criminal Record Certificate is issued by the National Public Prosecution Authority.
    
    2. A Criminal Investigation Clearance Certificate is issued by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
    
    3. You can apply for both certificates online at: https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services?lang=en
     
• For employment-based visa applications: A letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.
  
  
• For all visa categories:
  
  
  • If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records.
    
    
  • If you served in any country’s military: Your military records.
    
    
  • If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents.
    
    
  • If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:
    
    1. The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent. (Irembo marriage record if they were married in Rwanda, and
    
    2. Original divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent. (Irembo divorce records if divorced in Rwanda)
    
    
  • If you have children: The original birth records of any unmarried child under age 21 (even if the child is not applying for a visa.) If the child was born in Rwanda, bring the Irembo birth record.

REMEMBER: EVERY DOCUMENT THAT IS NOT IN EITHER ENGLISH OR FRENCH MUST ALSO HAVE A CERTIFIED ENGLISH TRANSLATION. 

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Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you cannot attend your appointment, email IVKigali@state.gov to schedule a new appointment date.

1. There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment, so please make every effort to attend the appointment NVC scheduled for you.

2. For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, there is also no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you request to reschedule your interview. 

3. DV applicants should be aware that the number of visas is limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year.

4. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview.

5. Review the Visa Bulletin carefully before you ask to reschedule your interview.

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.

Security screening procedures

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy must follow certain security procedures.

1. Any visitor who refuses to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel cannot enter the embassy.

2. Please leave bags and electronics at home. You cannot bring them into the embassy.

3. To avoid delaying your entry and those in line behind you, bring only what is required for your interview.

4. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment. Space is limited in our waiting room.

Accompanying persons

Attorneys cannot accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview.

Only these people may accompany a visa applicant to the interview:

Interpreter: Applicants who do not speak English, French, or Kinyarwanda well enough to participate in an interview may bring an interpreter.

Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring someone to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child.

Immigrant visa fees

You must pay all required fees to the National Visa Center or through the appointment website before your interview.  (Exception: Diversity Visa Applicants who pay on the day of the interview).

1. All fees may be paid in U.S. dollars or Rwandan francs. We accept cash and credit cards.

2. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded.

3. A complete list of fees can be found here.

Do not make travel plans outside of Rwanda

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport. We will send you an email notice that tells you when and where to pick up your passport. 

- If you must travel within Rwanda while your passport is still with us, make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport. 

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After Your Visa Interview

Consular officers can only make decisions on applications after they review the formal application and interview 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 receive your immigrant visa.

If more information is needed

Sometimes consular officers cannot make their decision on a visa application because they need to review additional documents or the case requires more administrative processing.

When additional documents are requested: The consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. It will include instructions about sending those documents to the Embassy.

Administrative processing takes more time after the interview. Most administrative processing is finished within 60 days. However, the time it takes is different based on the circumstances of each case. Before you ask about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 60 days after your interview.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet: We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport.

1. Please check your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors.

2. Depending on your visa category, you may  also be given a sealed envelope containing documents 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.

3. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

4. USCIS Immigrant Fee: Everyone who is issued an immigrant visa overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling to the United States.

- This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people who do not have to pay this fee are children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a fiancé (e) (K) visa.

5. 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 it was printed.

1. Your visa cannot be extended and fees cannot be refunded.

2. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas.

3. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before they turn 21 years old must enter the United States before their actual 21^st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card: Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also called a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States you wrote in your visa application form. This is a very important document. It proves that you have permission to live in the United States.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives: Please consult the USCIS and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. Check with the airline to make sure you follow their rules.

Once your card is issued, do 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: In the United States, children must have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school.

1. Bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States.

2. If your child is adopted, or if you have full custody because of a divorce, or if you share custody with another parent, bring a copy of all adoption or custody papers from the court that has the authority for such matters in your home country.

3. You will need these papers (translated into English) 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. You can read their publication, “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online.

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Diversity Visa - 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 before your visa interview and gather the required documents.

The instructions below apply only to DV applicants.

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist, DV applicants must bring these items to their visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website.
  
  
• Documents that show you have either a qualifying high school education OR two years of qualifying work experience.
  
  The work must have been in the last five years immediately before the application (This only applies to the principal applicant. More information is available at Travel.state.gov).
  
  For applicants who finished secondary school in Rwanda, this is normally shown by the Rwanda Education Board Advanced A2-Level National Exam Certificate, Cambridge Advanced A-Level exam certificate, or Advanced TVET Certificate. Please bring the original school certificates and one photocopy.
  
  
• Payment in cash of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Before your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your first E-DV entry.

1. On your first E-DV entry, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are now separated from him or her. (Unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.)

2. Also, 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 under the laws of your country.

If you did not list an existing spouse or child at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery, your visa and the visas for your family will be denied.

All fees paid to the U.S. government for your visa application(s) cannot be refunded.

When you entered the lottery, if you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse you were married to, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements online.

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