Please follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in London, United Kingdom.

Step 1: Register online

Before your interview, you must register a delivery address with the embassy’s online service. This is for your passport’s return. Registration is free. Click the Register button (below) to register.

If you want to cancel or reschedule your interview appointment date, you will be able to do so after you register your account. Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in the United Kingdom

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in the United Kingdom. Click the Medical Exam Instructions button (below) for information about the embassy’s designated medical practitioner. You must attend the medical exam at least two weeks before your interview. 

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Attend an In Person Document Review at the Embassy

On the same day as your medical appointment, after your exam, you must meet with the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy for a complete Document Review. Make sure you bring the originals and photocopies of your documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 4: Attend your Visa Interview at the Embassy

Your second visit to the embassy is for your visa interview and will be on the date you confirm via the appointment booking service.

When attending your interview, you must bring all your original documents. If you are not documentarily complete when you attend your interview you will be

instructed to reschedule your interview.

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 they get their visa.

• 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 the following clinic at least two weeks before your visa interview.
• Medical exam results from a different medical practitioner will not be accepted.

A map to the clinic is on the last page of this document.

Visa Medicals                                                   

Tel: 020-7486-7822 (you must provide your case number when you call)

Location:
4 Bentinck Mansions
London W1U 2ER
(Closest Tube station -  Bond Street Station)

Items to bring to your medical examination

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

1. Your visa interview letter
2. Government issued Photo identification. For example, passport or driving license and so on.
3. Four (4) recent passport-sized color photographs
4. A copy of your immunization records
5. A police certificate issued by ACRO (applicants aged 16 years of age and older only)
6. A completed medical questionnaire for each person attending an exam, including babies
7. A referral from general practitioner (GP) about any ongoing medical issues or treatments
8. All medical and specialist reports about the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB)
9. Your DS-260 Immigrant visa application form confirmation page

Any medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, must be paid directly to the examining physician in cash or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) only.

• The basic fee for adults (age 15 years and older) is £400 British pounds.
• The fee for children age 14 years and younger is £250 British pounds.
• There is a charge of £100 British pounds for missed appointments and changes or cancellations with less than three working days’ notice.

During the medical exam

The medical examination will include:

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

More information on medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available here.  

Note: U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations before a visa will be issued.  

• Current immigrant visa vaccination requirements are available here (Note that the varicella vaccination is not available in the United Kingdom). 

You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical examination requirements online.

Important: Pregnant women must undergo an X-ray. You can discuss this with the doctor during your appointment.

• If requested, a chaperone will be provided.

After the medical exam

When your examination is finished, the doctor will send your report directly to the U.S. Embassy.

If the physician tells you that additional tests or information are required to complete your medical examination, do not attend your scheduled interview appointment at the Embassy.

• The Immigrant Visa Unit cannot process your application without a complete medical examination.

After the date of your original appointment, we will send you an email with instructions about rescheduling your interview.

• Do not schedule your new appointment until the doctor tells you that your medical examination is complete.

back to top

Pre-Interview checklist

Use the checklist that follows to learn what to bring to the immigrant visa interview:

Originals and PHOTOCOPIES of all civil documents MUST be presented.

A copy of your NVC interview letter (This does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).

An unexpired passport valid for six (6) months after your intended date of entry to the United States.

One (1) color photograph of every person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2-inch x 2-inch). Please review our online photo requirements.

The confirmation page from the DS-260 Application form you submitted to ceac.state.gov/iv.

• Complete a DS-260 form for each family member applying for a visa before the medical exam.

Your original birth certificate or a certified copy provided by the issuing authority.

• The certificate must show at least one of the parents’ names.
• Short form versions of the UK birth certificate will not be accepted.

UK ACRO Police certificate: It must have been issued within the last two (2) years.

• This is required for ALL applicants ages 16 and older.
• You will be required to provide the additional supplement page provided by ACRO for certificates which show 'No Live Trace' or 'Further information stepped down'.

Police certificate - Foreign: You must provide Police certificates from:

• Any country you are a citizen of, unless you have never lived there.
• Any country where you lived for more than 12 months after the age of 16.
• Any country where you were arrested.

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

For family-based visa applications:

The correct Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for every financial sponsor along with:

• IRS Tax Transcript from the most recent tax year.
• Or alternatively, copy of U.S. federal income tax return (1040)) from the most recent tax year which must be accompanied by most recent W-2’s.

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.

1. Petitioners original Birth certificate
2. Photographs, letters, or emails.

If you are married: Your original marriage certificate. A certified copy from the issuing government department is acceptable.

If you were previously married:  Your original divorce record or spouse’s death certificate. A certified copy from the issuing government department is acceptable.

For employment-based visa applications:  A letter with a job offer from your U.S. employer that is dated less than one month ago.

If you served in any country’s military: Your military records/Certificate of Service..

If you are adopted: Your adoption papers or custody documents.

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:

1. The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent and 
2. The original divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent. 

Remember: Documents that are not in English must be submitted with a certified translation. 

back to top

Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you cannot attend your appointment, go to ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/iv to select a new appointment date. The date you select must be after the date of your NVC scheduled interview.

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, a visa  became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC.
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. Once your original appointment date passes, you will receive an email with instructions about rescheduling your interview.

Security screening procedures and accompanying persons

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

3. Large bags are not allowed in the embassy and there is no storage available. You may bring a mobile phone, e-reader, or tablet computer. However, tablet keyboards or Laptop computers are not allowed.

These people may come with a visa applicant to the interview:

• Interpreter: Applicants who do not speak English may bring ONE interpreter.
• Special Needs Visitors:  Applicants who are elderly, disabled or a minor child may bring ONE person to help.

Note: You must use this link to notify the Embassy ahead of time of the name of the person who will accompany the applicant. Otherwise, they will not be admitted. They must bring photo identification with them.

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

Immigrant visa fees

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

• Fees may be paid in U.S. dollars or British pounds.
• We accept cash, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or a debit card with a Visa logo only). The credit or debit card must be in the name of the person making the payment.
• The Embassy cashier does NOT accept contactless payment such as Apple Pay.

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

A complete list of fees can be found here.

Do not make travel plans outside of the United Kingdom

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for it. We will return your passport by courier service within two weeks.  

back to top

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.

Some cases undergo administrative processing. Administrative processing times are different and may be lengthy, depending on the details of each case. The Embassy cannot provide an estimated timeframe.

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. We will give you 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 THAT ENVELOPE.

You must carry it with you. Do not put it in your checked luggage.

Note: IF your visa has the phrase, “IV Docs in CCD,” you may not receive a physical immigrant visa package. That is because you uploaded your documents, and U.S. immigration officials can examine them electronically.

3. 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.

4. 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 you attended your medical exam.

• Your visa cannot be extended and fees cannot be refunded.
• The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas.
• 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. Otherwise, they will lose 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 gave in your visa application form. This is a very important document. It proves that you have permission to live in the United States.

1. You should avoid travelling outside of the United States until you receive your Permanent Resident Card.
2. If you need to leave the United States temporarily: The stamped visa in your passport acts as a temporary Permanent Resident Card for up to 12 months. If you leave the United States before you receive it, you may re-enter the country using the stamp in your passport, if it is still valid. 
3. Once you receive your card, 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 about moving to the United States. 

back to top

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 before your visa interview, enroll in the required courier service,  and gather the required documents.

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, 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 online.)
• Payment of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee. All fees may be paid in U.S. dollars or British pounds.  We accept cash and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or a debit card with a Visa logo only). The credit or debit card must be in the name of the person making the payment. The Embassy cashier does not accept contactless payment such as Apple Pay.

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.

Please note that eligibility for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program is determined by an applicant’s place of birth, not by nationality. If this information was entered incorrectly at the time of application, the applicant may be found ineligible for a DV visa.

back to top