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

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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 InterviewPetition

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 VisaProcess Overviewflow 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 fileForm I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility, following instructions on the USCIS website.U.S. employers fileForm 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 aboutfiling 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. citizenNumber isnotlimited.Next:Begin NVC Processing

Unmarried child (under age 21) of a U.S. citizen

Parent of a U.S. citizen who is age 21 or older

Adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizensNumberislimited each year.Next:Check Priority Dates

Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens

Spouses and children of U.S. lawful permanent residents

Employment based, except for certain special immigrants

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 theChoice of Address and Agent(DS-261)form in theConsular Electronic Application Center.

Please allow15 daysfor 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 StatusIf you are physically present in the United States and will apply for adjustment of status withUSCIS, 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 byemail or mailas soon as you decide to pursue adjustment of status.

If You Are Applying For a Provisional Unlawful Presence WaiverIf 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 theConsular Electronic Application Center(CEAC). Visit the webpage,Provisional WaiverNVC FAQs(PDF - 196 KB)for more information. A Spanish translation is availablehere(PDF - 203 KB).USCIS will notify the NVC that you have applied for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.

Important Notice: Termination of RegistrationImmigration 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 theNVC 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 theImmigrant Visa Invoice Payment Centerand 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.

StepAction

1Review the Immigrant Visa Fee and Affidavit of Support Fee Invoices your agent received from the NVC.

2Make a cashiers check (from a U.S. bank) or money order payable to theU.S. Department of Statefor the amount listed on the fee invoices. Wedo notaccept personal checks.Important:Write your NVC case number on the memo line of the cashiers check or money order.

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

NVC Fee Processing CenterP.O. Box 790136St. Louis, MO 63179-0136

If you pay online,please allowfive daysfor 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 theApplication for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260)in theConsular Electronic Application Center(CEAC). You may wish to preview asampleDS-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 accessCEAC.After submittingForm DS-260online,you must print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview.You can print this fromCEACany time after you complete your DS-260 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 formThe 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, reviewAffidavit of Supporton 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 ourFAQs. Use the information in the FAQs and other information on this websitewith, 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 the business entity that filed the petition.Complete FormI-864, and bring it to the interview. You do not need to submit it to the NVC.

You filed an employment petition (Form I-140 or I-526) and you own less than five percent of the business entity that filed the petition.You do not need to complete an Affidavit of Support form.

Continue to the next step.

The applicant you are sponsoring has earned or can be credited with at least40 eligible quarters under the Social Security Act.Complete FormI-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 FormI-864W

You are a self-petitioning widow(er).Complete FormI-864W

You are a self-petitioning battered spouse or child.Complete FormI-864W

You are sponsoring a child who will become a U.S. citizen immediately upon entry under theChild Citizenship Act of 2000(CCA).Complete FormI-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 FormI-864EZ

If none of the above apply and you meet theminimum income requirement.Complete FormI-864

If none of the above apply and you are using the income of other household members to meet theminimum income requirement.The sponsor must complete FormI-864and each household member must complete FormI-864A

If none of the above apply and:

1. You do not meet theminimum income requirementand are using a joint sponsor, and

2. You are not using the income of other household members to qualify.The sponsor and the joint sponsor must each complete FormI-864

Obtain financial evidenceAfter the petitioner, joint sponsor, and/or household member complete the Affidavit of Support form, he or she shouldsubmit 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 EvidenceDescription

IRS Tax TranscriptIf you completed FormI-864,I-864A, orI-864EZsubmit anIRS tax transcriptfrom the most recent tax year.

Extensions:If you filed an extension for the most recent tax year, submit a photocopy of yourIRS 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 incomeIf you completed FormI-864,I-864A, orI-864EZand 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 areemployed 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 areself-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 areunemployed 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 currentlyself-employedin 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 relationshipIf you completed FormI-864A,submit evidence that proves your relationship to the sponsor (the person who filed Form I-864). You can prove your relationship bysubmitting 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 domicileIf you completed FormI-864,I-864A, orI-864EZand your mailing address and/or place of residence isnotin the United States, but your country of domicileisthe United States,write an explanation and provide documentary evidence indicating how you meet the domicile requirement. Review ourFAQsto learn more about domicile.

Proof of U.S. statusIf you completed FormI-864as ajoint 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.

Social Security Administration (SSA) Earnings StatementIf the principal applicant completed FormI-864Wbecause he or she can be credited with40 eligible quarters under the Social Security Act, submit his or her SSA Earnings Statement showing the coverage.

You can obtain an SSA Earnings Statement online athttp://ssa.gov/myaccount. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.

Proof of AssetsIf you submitted FormI-864orI-864Aand you used assets to meet theminimum 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 Statesshould 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 DocumentationIf 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 siblingunder age 16by 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable adoption certificatesIf 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 CertificatesYou 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable birth certificatesIf 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 RecordsIf 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable court and prison recordsIf 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 CertificatesIf 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable marriage certificatesIf 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 DocumentationIf you were previously married, you must obtain evidence of the termination ofEACHprior marriage. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy of one of the following documents: FINALdivorce 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable marriage termination documentIf 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 RecordsIf 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable military recordsIf 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 DocumentsIf 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 PageYou 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 youroriginalpassport 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable passportsIf you cannot obtain a passport, please submit a written explanation when you submit your other documents.

PhotographsYou 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 StatesPhotograph Requirements.

Police CertificatesIf you are 16 years of age or older, you must submit a photocopy of a police certificate from the following locations:

From your...If you were...And resided there...

Country of nationalityAt least 16 years of ageAt least 6 months

Country of residenceAt least 16 years of ageAt least 6 months

Country of previous residenceAt least 16 years of ageAt least 1 year

Any country where you were arrestedAny ageFor 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 atReciprocity by Country.

Unobtainable police certificatesIf 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 inONEpackage 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 processingIf 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 tonvcelectronic@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 ourDocument Scanning FAQs.Method 2: Choice of processingIf Your NVC Case Number Begins WithAnd Your Visa Category IsYou Can Choose Either

MTLAny immigrant visa categoryEmail ProcessingorMail Processing

GUZCR1, CR2, F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4, IR1, IR2 or IR5Email ProcessingorMail Processing

BNS, FRN, HNK, RDJ, or SYDIR1, IR2, IR5, CR1, or CR2Email ProcessingorMail Processing

Important: Once you select a method, you cannot switch methods later in the process.Method 3: Mail processingIf neitherMethod 1: Email processingnorMethod 2: Choice of processingapplies 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 CenterAttn: DR31 Rochester Ave. Suite 100Portsmouth, 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 theRights and Protections pamphletbefore 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 Reviewthe information sent by the NVC noting the date, time, and location of your immigrant visa interview.

2.Review U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview InstructionsThere 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.

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3.Schedule and Complete a Medical ExaminationYou (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.

ReviewMedical Examinationfor more details, and review the embassy specific instructions about the medical exam.

4.Gather All Remaining Documents RequiredYou are required to obtain theoriginal 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 placemustbe 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 importantInterview Preparation Notices.6.Additional Information- Visit the U.S.Embassy or Consulatewebsite 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 LetterThe 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

PhotographsTwo identical color photographs for each applicant, which must meet the generalPhotograph Requirements Medical Exam ResultsIf 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 DocumentsOriginal 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 theInterview 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.

Youmust bring allyour 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 TranslationsIf documents requiring English translation were not sent to the NVC, youmustobtain them and present them on the day of your interview. For more information reviewInterview PreparationandOriginal Documents Visa FeesIf 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 follow-to-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, theChild 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 ormake 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. ReviewAbout Visa Denials belowand theDenialswebpage for more detailed information.Visa Approval - When You Receive Your VisaPassport 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.SelectUSCIS Immigrant Feeon 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 underState 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 underTravel. 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 aLawful Permanent Resident. SeeWelcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrantsto 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 theSocial Security Administrationwebsite.

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 additionaladministrative processingafter 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. SeeIneligibilities 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.