Civil Documents FAQs

Where can I find more information about civil documents?

Where do I upload my civil documents?

What documents do I have to upload?

Where can I get the required civil documents?

Do I have to upload everything at once?

Do I need to submit translations separately?

I can’t get one of the required civil documents. What should I do?

The “Submit” button isn’t working. What’s wrong?

Do I need to bring the documents I uploaded to my visa interview?

How long does it take to review the documents I submit?

 

 

Where can I find more information about civil documents?

Please visit our supporting civil documentsinformation page online.

Where do I upload my civil documents?

On the case summary screen, click on “Start now” for the visa applicant whose documents you want to upload. You will be taken to a screen with a list of required documents and, below that, an area for optional documents. Scan and upload your civil documents here.

If visas are not available for your visa category, NVC will notify you that NVC received your petition and will hold it until a visa becomes available.

What documents do I have to upload?

All visa applicants must submit documents showing their eligibility for a visa class, and identifying information. That includes a birth certificate, marriage and divorce certificates, and police certificates. You can learn more about the required civil documents evidence on our website.

Where can I get the required civil documents?

For immigration purposes, the Department of State requires documents that are issued by specific government authorities or agencies in each country. We’ve created a Document Finder Tool – also called the Reciprocity Table – to help you collect the right documents. Use this tool to get information on where to find the documents that you must submit to us.

Do I need to submit translations separately?

No. You can upload only a few documents, log out of CEAC, and return at a later date to finish uploading the required items. If the document’s status shows as “uploaded,” that means it is saved to CEAC. Remember, however, that you cannot submit your documents for NVC’s review until all required items for every visa applicant on the case have been uploaded.

Do I need to submit translations separately?

If you have a certified translation of your document, include a scan of the translation with the original (i.e. foreign language) document in a single file. Put the native-language document first, followed by the English translation.

I can’t get one of the required civil documents. What should I do?

In general, if a required document is unavailable per the country-specific guidelines in the online Reciprocity Table or Document Finder Tool, you do not need to submit it to NVC. However, if you cannot obtain a required document for another reason, you must submit a detailed explanation to NVC when you submit your other documents. Choose the “Not available” option by the name of the required document. A box will appear asking you for a Statement of Non-availability. Type your explanation in this box. The consular officer will then determine at the time of the visa interview whether you must obtain the missing document before a visa can be issued. As a general rule, any document that is listed as available on the Reciprocity Table must be reviewed by a consular officer.

The “Submit” button isn’t working. What’s wrong?

The “Submit” button is not available until you have uploaded something for every required document listed on your case. If the status of any required document is “Missing,” you cannot press the “Submit” button.

Do I need to bring the documents I uploaded to my visa interview?

Yes. Even though you submitted copies of all the required documents online, you must bring the original paper versions to your interview at the U.S. Embassy. If you do not, the consular officer will not be able to complete your interview or issue a visa.

How long does it take to review the documents I submit?

NVC will not review your file until you have uploaded (and submitted) both the financial documents from the petitioner and your civil documents. You must also have paid the required fees and submitted a Form DS-260 visa application for every applicant on your case. For current processing times, please visit our website.