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 English must be accompanied by a certified English translation:
If you do not bring all of the original documents that are required for each visa applicant, we cannot issue a visa.
- 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) recently taken photos of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm). Please see our online photo requirements.
- Medical examination results in a sealed envelope from an approved physician (see Step 2).
- Your original birth certificate and that of your petitioner if applicable, English translation, 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).
If you are married: Your original marriage certificate, English translation, and a photocopy for each applicant.
If you were previously married or your petitioner was: All original final divorce or spouse's death certificate(s), English translation, and a photocopy.
If your name has changed: The original court name change document and a photocopy.
If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence, any countries where you lived for more than 12 months, and any country where you have been arrested. If you previously submitted a police certifciate to NVC, it is more than one (1) year old, and you still live in that country, you must obtain and bring a more recent police certificate to your visa interview as the one you previously submitted will have expired. You can find information on when police certificates are required and how to get them on our website.
If you have ever been convicted of a crime: The original court and criminal records, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you have served in any country's military: Military records, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you previously submitted to NVC an I-864 affidavit of support (AOS): Bring proof of your petitioner’s legal status in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or legal permanent resident card) and their federal U.S. tax return (Form 1040) from the previous year.
If you previously submitted to NVC an I-864EZ affidavit of support (AOS): Bring proof of your petitioner’s legal status in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or legal permanent resident card) and a copy of the petitioner’s Form(s) W-2 from the previous tax year.
If you previously submitted to NVC an I-864 affidavit of support (AOS) completed by a joint sponsor (not the petitioner): Bring proof of the joint sponsor’s legal status in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or legal permanent resident card) and their federal U.S. tax return (Form 1040) from the previous year. If the joint sponsor’s tax return includes a spouse, then the spouse must complete Form I-864A.
For employment-based visa applications: A letter from your U.S.-based employer dated less than one month ago.If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, and a photocopy along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.
back to top