http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/petition/file.

html

The Immigrant Visa Process

Petition
Submit a Petition
After Your Petition is Approved
Check Priority Date
Begin National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Choose an Agent
Pay Fees
Collect and Submit Forms and Documents to the NVC
Submit Visa Application Form
Collect Financial Documents
Collect Supporting Documents
Submit Documents to the NVC
Interview
Prepare for the Interview
Visa Applicant Interview
After the Interview

Petition
This section of the website provides step-by-step webpages explaining the process for family and
employment-based immigration, and describes what you will need to do. You may want to use this in
combination with the visual, Immigrant Visa Process Overview flow diagram.
The family relationships and specific types of employment that can be sponsored for immigration
purposes are based on U.S. immigration laws, which establish both the allowable immigrant visa
categories, requirements for eligibility, and procedures. While many family relationships can be
sponsored, some family relationships cannot be sponsored to immigrate to the United States. To
immigrate based on employment, both employer and prospective employee must meet certain
requirements.
The petition filed by the U.S. sponsor must be approved by USCIS before you can begin the steps in
immigrant visa application process. Learn more about filing a petition.

Submit a Petition
About Submitting a Petition
To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen
relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the
beneficiary of an approved petition. A first step in the process is the sponsor filing a
petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A U.S. citizen can file an immigrant visa petition for:

Spouse
Son or daughter
Parent
Brother or sister
A U.S. lawful permanent resident (that is, a green-card holder) can file an immigrant
visa petition for:

Spouse
Unmarried son or daughter

Petitions Required to be Filed in the United States

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident sponsors residing in the United States
file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility,
following instructions on the USCIS website. U.S. employers file Form I-140, Petition
for Alien Worker, as instructed on the USCIS website.
Filing Petitions Outside the United States
While most immigrant visa petitions are filed in the United States, filing certain types of
petition forms outside the United States is limited. Learn about filing petitions outside
of the United States.
Petition Approval
Your immigrant petition must be approved by USCIS before you can begin the
immigrant visa application process.

After Your Petition is Approved

Petitions (Forms I-130 and Forms I-140) approved by USCIS in the United States are
sent to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing. When
your petition becomes current, or is likely to become current within one year, the NVC
initiates immigrant visa pre-processing, including collecting visa fees, forms, and
documents from sponsors (petitioners) and immigrant visa applicant(s).
Number of Visas Each Year is Limited in Some Categories
United States laws limit the number of immigrant visa numbers available each year in
certain visa categories. This means that even if USCIS approves an immigrant visa
petition for you, you may not get an immigrant visa number immediately. In addition,
U.S. law also limits the number of visas available in certain categories by country. For
limited categories, the availability of immigrant visa numbers depends on the date your
petition was filed. This is called your priority date.

Next Steps
The next steps in the process for family and employment based petitions varies by immigrant
category, as explained below:
If a petition was filed on your behalf as:

Then:

Spouse of a U.S. citizen

Unmarried child (under age 21) of a U.S.
citizen
Parent of a U.S. citizen who is age 21 or older Number is not limited. Next:Begin NVC
Processing
Adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens

Number is limited each

Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens

Spouses and children
permanent residents

of

U.S.

lawful

Employment based, except for certain special

immigrants

year. Next: Check Priority Dates

The NVC performs immigrant visa pre-processing, including collecting visa fees, forms,
and documents from sponsors (petitioners) and immigrant visa applicant(s). Therefore,
it is important to await contact from the NVC for next step instructions before you pay
fees or submit any forms or documents.
NVC will notify you when your case becomes current or is likely to become current
within a year, and will ask you to begin next steps in processing your approved petition.

Step 1: Choose an Agent

Important Notice:
We are aware that users are experiencing technical difficulties accessing Form DS-261.
We are working to address this issue. Please check back for updates and instructions.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
Your first step is to choose an agent.
Your agent will receive communication from the NVC about your case. You may act as
your own agent or you may choose your petitioner, a family member, friend, attorney,
immigration professional, or any other person you trust. You may have an agent that
represented you and the petitioner in the petition process with USCIS. However, you will
need to formally select an agent to represent you for your visa processing.
To choose your agent, complete the Choice of Address and Agent (DS-261)form in
the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Please allow 15 days for the NVC to process your DS-261 before continuing to the next
step.

Step 2: Pay Fees

Important Notice:
We are aware that users are experiencing technical difficulties paying fees through our
Immigrant Visa Invoice Payment Center. We are working to address this issue. Please
check back for updates and instructions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may
be causing.

If You Are Filing an Adjustment of Status

If you are physically present in the United States and will apply for adjustment
of status with USCIS, then your case will not be processed by the NVC and
you will not apply for an immigrant visa. Do not pay any fees or submit any
forms to the NVC. Notify the NVC by email or mail as soon as you decide to
pursue adjustment of status.
If You Are Applying For a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
If you plan to apply for a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, you must
submit proof of payment of your IV application fee with your provisional waiver
Form I-601A application to USCIS. After you pay the IV application fee online,
you can print your payment confirmation from the Consular Electronic
Application Center (CEAC). Visit the webpage, Provisional WaiverNVC
FAQs
(PDF - 196 KB) for more information. A Spanish translation is
available here
(PDF - 203 KB). USCIS will notify the NVC that you have
applied for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.
Important Notice: Termination of Registration
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 203(g) provides that the
Secretary of State shall terminate the registration (petition) of any alien who
fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year of notice of visa availability.
The petition may be reinstated if, within two years of notice of visa availability,
the alien establishes that the failure to apply was for reasons beyond the
aliens control. Therefore if you do not respond to notices from the NVC within
one year you risk termination of your petition under this section of law and
would lose the benefits of that petition, such as your priority date.

Pay online
After you choose your agent, you need to pay your processing fees. There are two
processing fees:

Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee

Affidavit of Support Fee
To pay your fees online, you need a bank routing number and a checking or savings
account number from a U.S. bank. The image below shows the routing number, account
number, and check number on a personal check. The order of these numbers may differ
on your check and may include some special symbols different from those shown. You
can contact your financial institution for specific details.

You will also need your NVC Case Number and Invoice ID Number (located on the NVC
Welcome Letter you received from us). Once you obtain this information, log into
the Immigrant Visa Invoice Payment Center and pay your fees.

Pay by mail
If you are unable to pay your fees online, there is an alternate pay-by-mail method, but it
can delay the processing of your case. If you choose the pay-by-mail method, you can
mail a cashiers check or money order by following the steps below.

Step

Action

Review the Immigrant Visa Fee and Affidavit of Support Fee Invoices your
agent received from the NVC.
Make a cashiers check (from a U.S. bank) or money order payable to the U.S.
Department of State for the amount listed on the fee invoices. We do not accept
personal
checks.
Important: Write your NVC case number on the memo line of the cashiers
check
or
money
order.

2
Mail the cashiers check or money order with the fee invoices to the address
below:
3

NVC
Fee
P.O.
St. Louis, MO 63179-0136

Processing
Box

Center
790136

If you pay online, please allow five days for the NVC to process your fee payments
before continuing to the next step.
If you pay by mail, we will tell you when we receive your payment and you can continue
to the next step.

Step 3: Submit Visa Application Form

Important Notice:
We are aware that users are experiencing technical difficulties accessing Form DS-260.
We are working to address this issue. Please check back for updates and instructions.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
After you pay your fees, you and each qualified family member immigrating with you
must complete the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS260) in the Consular Electronic Application Center(CEAC). You may wish to preview
a sample
DS-260 (PDF - 6.4MB) before beginning.
Submitting Form DS-260 does not formally execute a visa application. The visa
application is not formally made until the visa applicant(s) is interviewed by a U.S.
consular officer.
Note: You will need your NVC Case Number, Beneficiary ID Number, and Invoice ID
Number from your NVC Welcome Letter, to access CEAC.
After submitting Form DS-260 online, you must print the confirmation page and bring it
to your interview. You can print this from CEAC any time after you complete your DS260 application.

Step 4: Collect Financial Documents

After you submit your visa application, you need to collect financial documents. These
will be submitted to the NVC in Step 6. To collect financial documents, your petitioner
(the person who filed the petition on your behalf) must do the following:
Complete an Affidavit of Support form
The Affidavit of Support form is a legal contract required by U.S. law between
the Petitioner (sponsor) of an immigrant visa applicant(s) and the U.S.
government. The sponsor for the visa applicant(s) must establish he or she
has certain means to financially support the visa applicant(s), if necessary.
This will be submitted to the NVC in Step 6.
For full information about Affidavit of Support requirements, forms, and
whether an Affidavit of Support is required for you, review Affidavit of
Support on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
For full information about the NVCs role in the Affidavit of Support process,
and for answers to frequently asked questions, review our FAQs. Use the
information in the FAQs and other information on this website with, not instead
of, the detailed instructions for the Affidavit of Support form(s)on the USCIS
website.
There are several Affidavit of Support forms. Each form applies to different
people. The table below has been provided to assist your Petitioner in
determining which Affidavit of Support form(s) to complete:
If...
Then
You filed an employment petition
(Form I-140 or I-526) and you own
five percent or more of theComplete Form I-864, and bring it to
business entity that filed the the interview. You do not need to
petition.
submit it to the NVC.
You filed an employment petition
(Form I-140 or I-526) and you own You do not need to complete an
less than five percent of the Affidavit
of
Support
form.
business entity that filed the
petition.
Continue to the next step.
The applicant you are sponsoring
has earned or can be credited
with at least 40 eligible quarters
under the Social Security Act.
Complete Form I-864W
You are a U.S. citizen and you are
sponsoring a natural or adopted
child, other than a stepchild, who
is under 18 years old.
Complete Form I-864W
You
are
widow(er).

self-petitioning
Complete Form I-864W

You are a self-petitioning batteredComplete Form I-864W

spouse or child.
You are sponsoring a child who
will become a U.S. citizen
immediately upon entry under
theChild
Citizenship Act of
2000 (CCA).
Complete Form I-864W
All three of the following are true:
1. You filed a Form I-130
petition for your relative;
2. There is only one applicant
on the Form I-130 petition;
and
3. The income you are using
to qualify is based entirely
on your salary or pension
and is shown on one or
more Forms W-2 provided
by your employer(s) or
former employer(s).
Complete Form I-864EZ
If none of the above apply and
you meet theminimum income
requirement.
Complete Form I-864
If none of the above apply and
you are using the income of other The sponsor must complete Form Ihousehold members to meet864 and each household member
the minimum income requirement. must complete Form I-864A
If none of the above apply and:
1. You
do
not
meet
the minimum
income
requirement and are using
a joint sponsor, and
2. You are not using the
income of other householdThe sponsor and the joint sponsor
members to qualify.
must each complete Form I-864
Obtain financial evidence
After the petitioner, joint sponsor, and/or household member complete the
Affidavit of Support form, he or she should submit supporting financial
evidence. This will be submitted to the NVC in Step 6. Additional supporting
evidence may be requested by the consular officer at the visa interview.
Review the table below to determine what supporting financial evidence to
collect with the Affidavit of Support.
Financial Evidence

Description

IRS Tax Transcript

If you completed Form I-864, I-864A, or I864EZ submit anIRS tax transcript from the
most
recent
tax
year.

Extensions: If you filed an extension for the

most recent tax year, submit a photocopy of
your IRS Form 4868
(PDF - 509 KB) or write
and sign a statement indicating you filed an
extension.
If you did not file taxes: If you did not file
Federal Income Tax Returns for the most recent
tax year, write and sign a statement indicating
why
you
did
not
file
taxes.
If you cannot obtain an IRS tax transcript: If you
are
unable
to
obtain
an
IRS
tax
transcript, submit a photocopy of your IRS
Federal Income Tax Returns and Form(s) W-2
or schedule(s) from the most recent tax year.
Evidence of income

If you completed Form I-864, I-864A, or I864EZ and the income reported on this form or
your tax return reflects income below the
poverty guidelines for the year the form was
submitted, submit evidence of your income. This
can include the following documents:
For those who are employed by an
individual or company, submit a photocopy of an
employment letter, pay stub, or pay advance
(direct-deposit receipt) that meets the criteria
below:
Includes your name and the
companys name;
Is on signed, business letterhead
(you cannot sign the letter yourself); and
Is issued within the last three
months.
For those who are self-employed, obtain
a photocopy of one of the following:
Your business license.
A signed letter on business
letterhead that was written within in the last
three months.
A contract between you as an
independent contractor and a company.
For those who are unemployed or retired,
submit a photocopy of ongoing income from
other means, such as:
retirement benefits;
other
household
members'
income; or
other significant assets.
If you are currently self-employed in any
of the following ways, you do not need to obtain
submit evidence of income:
Babysitter,
elderly
caretaker,
construction
worker,
handyperson,
housekeeper, landlord, musician, nanny,

seamstress, tailor, artist, or writer.

Proof of relationship

If you completed Form I-864A, submit evidence

that proves your relationship to the sponsor (the
person who filed Form I-864). You can prove
your relationship by submitting a photocopy of
one of the documents below:
Birth certificate;
Marriage certificate;
Adoption certificate;
The petitioner or joint sponsors most
recent Federal Income Tax Returns, if you are
listed as a dependent; or
A signed, written statement describing
the relationship.

Proof of domicile

If you completed Form I-864, I-864A, or I864EZ and your mailing address and/or place of
residence is not in the United States, but your
country of domicile is the United States, write an
explanation and provide documentary evidence
indicating how you meet the domicile
requirement. Review our FAQs to learn more
about domicile.

Proof of U.S. status

If you completed Form I-864 as a joint sponsor,

submit proof that you are a U.S. citizen, U.S.
national, or Lawful Permanent Resident. You
can do this by submitting a photocopy of one of
the following documents:
Birth certificate showing birth in the
United States;
Naturalization Certificate;
U.S. passport/passport card;
Form I-551 green card; or
Foreign passport containing Form I-94
with I-551 stamp.
If the principal applicant completed Form I864W because he or she can be credited
with 40 eligible quarters under the Social
Security Act, submit his or her SSA Earnings
Statement
showing
the
coverage.

You can obtain an SSA Earnings Statement

Social
Securityonline athttp://ssa.gov/myaccount. You can also
Administration (SSA)call the Social Security Administration at 1-800Earnings Statement 772-1213 for more information.
Proof of Assets

If you submitted Form I-864 or I-864A and you

used assets to meet the minimum income
requirements, submit a photocopy of proof you
own your assets. Proof can take any form as
long as it:
lists your name as the owner; and
Includes the value of the asset expressed

in currency.

Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents

After you collect your financial forms and supporting financial evidence, you and each
family member immigrating with you to the United States should collect civil documents
to support your visa application.

You must send photocopies of all required civil documents to the NVC.
You must submit the originals (or certified copies) and a photocopy of each of
your required civil documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of your
interview.
The original civil documents you submit to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate must be
issued by an appropriate authority.
All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which
you are applying for a visa, must be accompanied by certified translations. The
translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

Translation is accurate, and

Translator is competent to translate.
Review each item below, and obtain any that apply to you or your immigrating family
members.
Adoption Documentation
If an intending immigrant child was adopted and if the childs application to
immigrate is based upon a parent-child relationship, then you must collect
custody documentation.
If you are the adoptive parent and/or petitioner, you must provide:

1. A certified copy of the adoption decree.

2. The legal custody decree if custody occurred before the adoption.
3. A statement showing dates and places where the child resided with the
adoptive parents.
4. If the child was adopted when aged 16 or 17 years old, you must
submit evidence that the child was adopted with, or subsequent to, the
adoption of, a natural sibling under age 16 by the same adoptive
parent(s).
You must send photocopies of the custody documentation to the NVC.
You must submit the original custody documentation (or certified copies) and
photocopies to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of your interview.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain correct adoption
documentation, review the Country Documents section at Reciprocity by
Country.
Unobtainable adoption certificates
If adoption documentation is unavailable per the country-specific guidelines
above, you do not need to submit them to the NVC. If you cannot obtain an
adoption certificate for another reason, please submit a written explanation
when you submit your other documents.

Birth Certificates

You and each family member accompanying you must obtain an original (or
certified copy) of your birth certificate(s).

You must submit a photocopy of each birth certificate to the NVC.

You must submit the original birth certificate(s) (or a certified copy) and a
photocopy of each birth certificate to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the
time of the interview.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain your birth certificate, review
the Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable birth certificates
If a birth certificate is unavailable per the country-specific guidelines above,
you do not need to submit a copy of one to the NVC. If you cannot obtain a
birth certificate for another reason, please submit a written explanation when
you submit your other documents.
Court and Prison Records
If you were convicted of a crime, you must obtain a certified copy of each court
and prison record, regardless of the fact that you may have been granted
amnesty, a pardon, or other act of clemency.

You must submit a photocopy of each court and prison record to the NVC.
You must submit a certified copy and one photocopy of each court and prison
record to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of your interview.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain court and prison records,
review the Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable court and prison records
If your court and prison records are unavailable per the country-specific
guidelines above, you do not need to submit them to the NVC. If you cannot
obtain court and prison records for another reason, please submit a written
explanation when you submit your other documents.
Marriage Certificates
If you are married, you must obtain an original (or certified copy) of your
marriage certificate.

You must submit a photocopy of your marriage certificate to the NVC.

You must submit an original (or certified copy) and a photocopy of your
marriage certificate to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of your
interview.
Exception: If you are the Petitioner for your parent (IR-5, Parent of a U.S.
Citizen), you do not have to submit your marriage certificate.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain your marriage certificate,
review the Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable marriage certificates
If your marriage certificate is unavailable per the country-specific guidelines
above, you do not need to submit a copy of one to the NVC. If you cannot
obtain a marriage certificate for another reason, please submit a written
explanation when you submit your other documents.
Marriage Termination Documentation

If you were previously married, you must obtain evidence of the termination
of EACH prior marriage. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy of
one of the following documents: FINAL divorce decree, Death certificate, or
Annulment papers.
You must send photocopies of your marriage termination documentation to the
NVC.

You must submit the original (or certified copy) and a photocopy of your
marriage termination documentation to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the
time of your interview.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain your marriage termination
document, review the Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable marriage termination document
If a marriage termination document is unavailable per the country-specific
guidelines above, you do not need to submit a copy of one to the NVC. If you
cannot obtain a marriage termination document for another reason, please
submit a written explanation when you submit your other documents.
Military Records
If you served in the military of any country, you must obtain a photocopy of
your military record.

You must send a photocopy of your military record(s) to the NVC.

You must submit a photocopy of your military record(s) to the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate at the time of your interview.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain your military records, review
the Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable military records
If your military records are unavailable per the country-specific guidelines
above, you do not need to submit them to the NVC. If you cannot obtain
military records for another reason, please submit a written explanation when
you submit your other documents.
Petitioner Documents
If you are applying for an IR5 (parent of a U.S. citizen) or F4 (brother or sister
of a U.S. citizen) visa you must obtain an original (or certified copy) of your
petitioners birth certificate.

You must send a photocopy of your petitioner's birth certificate to the NVC.
You must submit the original (or certified copy) and a photocopy of your
petitioner's birth certificate to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of
your interview.
Photocopy of Valid Passport Biographic Data Page
You and each family member immigrating with you must submit a photocopy
of the biographic data page of your valid passport. The biographic data page
is the page of your passport with your photograph, name, date, and place of
birth.

You must send a photocopy of your biographic data page to the NVC.
You must submit a photocopy of your biographic data page to the U.S.
Embassy or Consulate at the time of your interview.
Important: Do not send your original passport to the NVC. You need this
document to travel.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain a valid passport, review the
Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable passports
If you cannot obtain a passport, please submit a written explanation when you
submit your other documents.
Photographs

You and each family member accompanying you must obtain two identical 2 x
2 inch (51 x 51 mm) color photographs. The photographs must meet the
Department of States Photograph Requirements.
Police Certificates
If you are 16 years of age or older, you must submit a photocopy of a police
certificate from the following locations:
And
there...

resided

From your...

If you were...

Country of nationality

At least 16 years of
age
At least 6 months

Country of residence

At least 16 years of
age
At least 6 months

At least 16 years of
Country of previous residence age
At least 1 year
Any country where you were
arrested
Any age

For any timeframe

You must send a photocopy of your police certificate(s) to the NVC.

You must submit a photocopy of your police certificate(s) to the U.S. Embassy
or Consulate at the time of your interview.
Note: Present and former residents of the United States do NOT need to
submit any U.S. police certificates.
Important: Police certificates expire after one year, unless the certificate was
issued from your country of previous residence and you have not returned
there since the police certificate was issued.
For country-specific guidelines on how to obtain a police certificate, review the
Country Documents section at Reciprocity by Country.
Unobtainable police certificates
If your police certificate is unavailable per the country-specific guidelines
above, you do not need to submit one to the NVC. If you cannot obtain a
police certificate for another reason, please submit a written explanation when
you submit your other documents.

Review Embassy/Consulate Instructions

Civil and personal documents may differ from country to country, depending on
availability. There may be additional instructions for obtaining civil documents or
additional documents you need to submit. These will be submitted to the NVC in Step 6.
Select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for a visa to learn what
additional requirements there are, if any.

Step 6: Submit Documents to the NVC

After you collect your Affidavit of Support form(s) and financial evidence in Step 4, and
supporting documents in Step 5, you must submit all of your forms, financial evidence,
and photocopies of your original civil documents inONE package to the NVC. Your case
may be significantly delayed if you fail to submit all of your documents in one package.
Review the methods below, and choose the one that applies to your case.
Method 1: Email processing
If your NVC case number begins with one of the following prefixes:

AKD
AMM
DMS
GZO
MEP
SAA
Scan and email your financial forms and evidence, supporting documents, and
translations to nvcelectronic@state.gov. Please place your case number in the
subject line of the email and keep your attachments below five megabytes (MB). If you
have more than one case, use a different email message for each case. For more
information, review our Document Scanning FAQs.
Method 2: Choice of processing
If Your NVC Case
Number Begins With And Your Visa Category Is You Can Choose Either

MTL

Any
immigrant
category

GUZ

CR1, CR2, F1, F2A, F2B,Email Processing or Mail

F3, F4, IR1, IR2 or IR5
Processing

BNS, FRN,
RDJ, or SYD

HNK,

visaEmail Processing or Mail

Processing

Email Processing or Mail

IR1, IR2, IR5, CR1, or CR2 Processing

Important: Once you select a method, you cannot switch methods later in the process.
Method 3: Mail processing
If neither Method 1: Email processing nor Method 2: Choice of processing applies to
your case, mail your financial forms and evidence, supporting documents, translations,
and photocopies, with the Document Cover Sheet included with your NVC Welcome
Letter, to the following address:
National Visa Center
Attn: DR
31 Rochester Ave. Suite 100
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914

Prepare for the Interview

Important Notices

You will be required to present the original documents at your interview, along with a
photocopy of each document.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (IR-1/CR/1 and F2A visas) - You
should read the Rights and Protections pamphlet before your visa interview to learn about your
rights in the United States relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and
protection available to you. The consular officer will verbally summarize the pamphlet to you during
your interview.
When you are on this webpage, the NVC has already notified you of your interview appointment
date, time, and location by sending you, your petitioner, as well as your designated agent or attorney
(if applicable) an email or a letter.
After you have been notified of your scheduled interview, you will need to take the following
important steps in advance of the interview date:
1. Carefully Review the information sent by the NVC noting the date, time, and location of your
immigrant visa interview.
2. Review U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview Instructions
There may be additional instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be
applying and be interviewed, so please review those instructions carefully. To see this information,
select below the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed.
3. Schedule and Complete a Medical Examination
You (and each family member applying for a visa with you) are required to schedule a medical
appointment with an authorized physician in the country where you will be interviewed. You must
complete your medical examination, along with any required vaccinations, before your scheduled
visa interview date. When your medical exam is completed, if you are given a medical exam
envelope to bring the sealed (not opened) envelope to your visa interview. Some physicians will
send the medical exam results directly to the embassy or consulate.
Review Medical Examination for more details, and review the embassy specific instructions about
the medical exam.
4. Gather All Remaining Documents Required
You are required to obtain the original documents or certified copies, and one photocopy (with the
exception of your passport and photographs) for yourself and each family member applying for a
visa. If you were required to send original or certified copies of supporting documents to the
NVC, the NVC will forward your documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your interview,
together with your visa application. Review, Interview Preparation - Required Documents, as
needed, and then ensure that you have collected all required documents.
Translated Documents - All documents not written in English or in the official language of the country
in which the interview takes place must be accompanied by a translation in English. Translations
must be certified by a competent translator. Note: Review interview instructions for the embassy or
consulate where you will be interviewed (step 2 above) for any additional document translation
requirements.
5. Review important Interview Preparation Notices.
6. Additional Information - Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be
interviewed for any additional information.

Visa Applicant Interview

Attend Your Interview
Prior to the interview, ensure you have followed the U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview
preparation instructions. On the scheduled date and time of your interview appointment, go to the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A consular officer will interview you (and accompanying family member
beneficiaries) and determine whether or not you can receive an immigrant visa. As part of the
interview process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken.

Who Must Attend the Interview?

You, your spouse, and any qualified unmarried children immigrating with you, must participate in the
interview. All applicants required to participate will be named on the interview appointment letter you
receive from the NVC.
If your spouse and/or qualified unmarried children will immigrate at a later date and travel separately
from you, they are not required to participate in your interview. They will be scheduled for a separate
interview appointment. You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly to arrange
separate interviews, if needed.
Your sponsor/petitioner does not attend the visa interview.

What to Bring to the Interview

The applicant is responsible to bring all required original civil documents, and photocopies of the
original civil documents, to the visa interview. Failure to bring all required original civil documents
and the photocopies to the interview may cause delay or denial of the visa. The following
documents must be available at the interview:

Appointment Letter The interview appointment letter you received from the NVC.
Passport For each applicant, an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the
intended date of entry into the United States
Photographs Two identical color photographs for each applicant, which must meet the
general Photograph Requirements
Medical Exam Results If the panel physician gave you sealed envelopes containing each
applicants medical examination results, please bring those unopened envelopes. Some physicians
send the medical examination results directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Original and Supporting Documents Original documents (or certified copies) and a
photocopy of each document (with the exception of your passport and photographs) are required for
you and each family member applying for a visa. As explained in the Interview Preparation webpage,
the NVC will forward your application and any other documents you sent to the NVC to the U.S.
Embassy or Consulate prior to your interview.
You must bring all your original forms and documents with you.
Your original documents will be returned to you when the interview has been completed. The
photocopies will be kept.
English Translations If documents requiring English translation were not sent to the NVC,
you must obtain them and present them on the day of your interview. For more information
review Interview Preparation and Original Documents
Visa Fees If your visa application fees were collected by the NVC, you do not need to pay
again. However, if you or any family member did not pay all the necessary fees, you will be asked to
pay any unpaid fees at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Important Notice
You should not make permanent financial commitments, such as selling your house, car or property,
resigning from your job or making non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have
received your immigrant visa.

Additional Information
Failure to Appear for Interview - If you cannot appear at your scheduled interview, contact the U.S.
Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. If you do not contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
within one year of receiving your interview appointment letter, your case may be terminated and your
immigrant visa petition cancelled, and any fees paid will not be refunded.
Need to change the interview date and time - Review Interview Guidelines for the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate where your interview is scheduled.
My spouse and/or children were going to follow me to the United States after I immigrate. Can they
accompany me instead? - Yes, you may change your spouses and/or children's status from followto-join to accompanying by directly contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your interview
is scheduled. This may be done prior to your immigrant visa interview, and additional forms and
documents may need to be provided.
Can my children also receive immigrant visas, even if they were not originally part of the case? - If
the immigrant visa category in which you are applying includes derivative children, your qualified
unmarried children under the age of 21 may be added as derivative applicants after your interview

has been scheduled. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for specific instructions. At the
interview, the additional applicant(s) will be required to pay the same fees and submit the same
forms and supporting documents as you.
Visa eligibility: My child will turn 21 years old soon - Children generally must be unmarried and under
age 21 to qualify as derivative visa applicants, or to qualify for immigrant visas individually in the IR-2
or F-2A visa categories. Also, they generally must enter the United States with immigrant visas while
still under age 21.
Under, the Child Status Protection Act, some children might continue to qualify for a visa and enter
the United States after reaching the age of 21. If you have a child who will be turning 21 soon, you
should have already notified the NVC. The NVC may be able to expedite your case. If you did not
notify the NVC, then you should immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your
interview is scheduled. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will determine whether an earlier
appointment is needed. If your child no longer qualifies to immigrate with you based on age, then a
separate petition must be filed for the child. There may be a significant delay before your child
becomes qualified for a visa.

After the Interview

Important Notice
Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other
travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.
At the end of your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the consular officer
will inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied.
Visa approval - When approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be
returned to you.
Visa denial - If denied, you will be informed why you are ineligible to receive a visa. Review About
Visa Denials below and the Denials webpage for more detailed information.

Visa Approval - When You Receive Your Visa

Passport with Visa Your immigrant visa will be placed on a page in your passport. Please review
the printed information right away to make sure there are no errors. If there are any spelling errors,
contact the embassy or consulate promptly.
Sealed Immigrant Packet - You will also receive a sealed packet containing documents that you
must present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a port-of-entry (often an airport) upon your
arrival in the United States. You must not open the sealed packet.
When You Should Travel - You must arrive and apply for admission in the United States no later than
the visa expiration date printed on your visa. An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months
from the date of issuance unless your medical examination expires sooner, which may make your
visa valid for less than six months.
USCIS Immigrant Fee - You must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) after you receive your immigrant visa and before you travel to the
United States. Only children who enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague adoption
programs, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, returning residents (SB-1s), and those issued K
visas are exempt from this fee. Select USCIS Immigrant Fee on the USCIS website for more
information. Important Notice: USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or
Green Card) until you have paid the fee.
Vaccination Records - Children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in
school in the United States. Therefore, it is recommended that your child have complete vaccination
records before immigrating. Learn about vaccination requirements by state on the Department of
Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website under State
Vaccination Requirements.
X-rays Must be hand-carried with you, not packed in your luggage.

Entering the United States

When traveling to the United States, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter before or at the
same time as family members with visas. With your immigrant visa (before it expires), and sealed
packet, you will travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (often an airport) and request permission to enter the
United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland
Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to grant or deny
admission. Learn about admission and entry requirements on the CBP website under Travel. When
you are admitted, you will enter as a Lawful Permanent Resident, also called a green card holder,
and will be permitted to work and live permanently in the United States.

When You are a Permanent Resident - Coming to the United States to live permanently, you will
want to learn more about your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. See Welcome to the
United States: A Guide for New Immigrants to review information on the USCIS website about
living in the United States.
Social Security Number To learn about the U.S. Social Security Administration benefits available to
Legal Permanent Residents, and how to apply for a social security number card, visit the Social
Security Administration website.

About Visa Denials

In some situations the consular officer does not have sufficient information needed to
process your application to conclusion, or you may be missing some supporting documentation. The
consular officer will inform you if information or documents are missing and how to provide it.
Some applications may require additional administrative processing after the interview before
the application can be processed to conclusion. The consular officer will inform you if additional
administrative processing is necessary.
Based on U.S. law, not everyone who applies is qualified or eligible for a visa to come to the United
States. Under U.S. law, many factors could make an applicant ineligible to receive a visa.
See Ineligibilities for U.S. Visas. In some instances, the law might allow you to apply for a waiver
or the ineligibility. If you are able to apply for such a waiver, the consular will advise you on the steps
to take.