Pre-Interview Checklist
Below is a list of documents that you will need to bring to your Document Review and to your visa interview. Please review the checklist and prepare your documents according to your visa category and if they are applicable on your case. The embassy will send you an email titled “Case Preparation” if any of these documents are missing from your case file, you will need to gather all mentioned documents and bring them to your interview.
FOR APPLICANTS PROCESSING ELECTRONICALLY (MIV): PLEASE BRING THE EXACT ORIGINAL OF ALL DOCUMENTS YOU UPLOADED INTO CEAC. IF YOU DO NOT BRING THE EXACT DOCUMENTS TO YOUR INTERVIEW, YOUR CASE WILL BE DELAYED
Also, during the performance of your medical examinations you will be given a list with the necessary documents for the day of your interview according to your visa category. This list is also available here.
You must present the following documents on the day of your interview:Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview:
- 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). Please also bring any unexpired passport and any previous passports used to travel to the United States, including all U.S. visas previously issued to you.
- Two One (21) 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.
All applicants must present their original birth certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
NOTE: If the petitioner is your parent, sibling, son/daughter: If you, your sibling, or your son/daughter were registered months after your/their birth or you/your parents made a change one year after your/their birth, you must present your/their affidavit listing any changes made to the birth certificate.
If you are petitioned by your spouse: You must present your original marriage certificate.
- Medical examination results in a sealed envelope (if the physician gives you these results).
If you are petitioned by your spouse: You must present any original divorce decree for your petitioner or yourself if applicable.
If you are petitioned as a parent of a U.S. citizen: You must present your original birth certificate and the original birth certificate for your petitioner.
If you are petitioned as a sibling of a U.S. citizen: You must present your original birth certificate and the original birth certificate for your petitioner.
If you are petitioned as an Unmarried son or Daughter: You must present any original divorce decree, if you have been married before.
If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, and original divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.
NOTE: If the previous relationship ended due to the death of a spouse: You must present the ex-spouse’s original death certificate.
Original or certified copies of 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:
All applicants 18 years old and above must present a valid Police Certificate.
NOTE: If you lived in another country for more than one year: You must present the Police Certificate from that country.
Financial documents: I-864 form version as applicable (I-864, I-864 A, I-864 EZ I-864W), W2 and/or 1099 forms as applicable (1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-SSA, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, W2G), IRS transcripts.
NOTES:
- Financial documents must be from the most recent year and for petitioner and/or Joint Sponsor (If applicable).
- If the petitioner does not declare taxes, you must present a letter explaining the reason why he/she does not declare and MUST be signed by the petitioner.
If you are under the age of 14: You must be accompanied to the interview by your biological mother or father, a legal guardian, or a special attorney. They must present proof of legal custody or personal care of the minor or a special power that entitles them to accompany the minor to the interview given by the biological father or mother.
If you have served in any country’s military: You must present your military history
For employment-based visa applications: You must present your employer's letter with the job offer.
If you are adopted: You must present the original documents of the adoption process.
If the petitioner is your father: If you were registered months after your birth or your parents made a change one year after your birth, you must present an affidavit and/or any court documents detailing any changes made to your birth certificate.
If you have been detained in or deported from the United States at any time: If you have ever been detained or deported from the United States: you must attach all documents related to your immigration processes, including the deportation order, the voluntary deportation order, and any court documents.
If you were in the United States illegally and were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or political asylum: You must submit all applications for TPS/asylum, any approval or denial documents, and cards issued to the applicant. Claims of TPS or political asylum will not be acknowledged without complete documentation – the burden of proof of legal status in the United States is on the applicant.
Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).