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 (6) 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 passport-size 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.
- 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 literal birth certificate (Certificado de Nacimiento “Literal”) which lists all the changes made to the registration of birth issued by Central Registry (Consejo Supremo Electoral CSE) and a photocopy.
- Medical examination results in a sealed envelope (if the physician gives you these results).
- Original birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).
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, relevant W-2s, and evidence of legal status in the U.S. If you have an electronic case, please make sure you upload a PDF copy of updated documents to CEAC: https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx
- 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. For example, photos of the petitioner and beneficiary taken over a period of time, letters/emails, remittances, school documents, etc.
If you are married: Your original marriage certificate issued by Central Registry (Consejo Supremo Electoral - CSE) and a photocopy.
If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate, issued by Central Registry (Consejo Supremo Electoral - CSE) and a photocopy.
If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries where you have resided for more than one (1) year since age 16. NOTE: Nicaraguan police certificates are only valid for two (2) years. Police certificates issued by police stations “Faustino Ruiz” or “Plaza El Sol” are not accepted.
- If you lived in another country besides Nicaragua and the United States for more than one year after turning 16, you must bring the police letter from that country. You can find information on how to request the police certificate from other countries in the following link.
Also, if you submitted police certificates from any other countries to NVC and they are more than two-year-old, if you still live in that country, you must obtain a new certificate before your visa interview.
Marriage eligibility certificate (Solteria) issued by Central Registry (Consejo Supremo Electoral - CSE) if you are the principal applicant of a F-11 visa class or derivative child over the age of 18 of any visa class.
For employment-based visa applications: Copy of Labor Certification provided by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Bring to your visa interview all documentation (arrest and court records) concerning all arrests, even if the charges were dropped or you were acquitted, pardoned or given amnesty. In addition, you must provide a copy of the statute under which you were arrested and a translation of the statute into English.
If you have served in any country’s military: Military records and a photocopy translated
If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents, and a photocopy. Please email ManaguaIV@state.gov for additional instructions.
If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, English translation, and a photocopy. If the marriage or along with divorce took place in Nicaragua, you must bring the original certificates issued by Central Registry (Consejo Supremo Electoral - CSE).
If you have ever been deported: Bring to your visa interview all information that clearly shows the date on which you left the United States and the removal order. If granted voluntary departure, bring the order from the Immigration Judge to your interview. If you lived in the United States and obtained a work permit, present all cards issued by a USCIS immigration office. If you have an approved waiver, you must bring form I-797 notice of action - approval notice.
NOTE: You must bring your civil documents translated into English if they are written in a language other than English or Spanish.
back to top