Preparing For Your U.S. Immigrant Visa Interview Ready for your U.S. Immigrant Visa interview?
We hope so, but since there are a lot of steps, let’s go through them together and make sure you don’t forget anything! Let’s start with the appointment letter. You can receive this by mail or email. Check the first page for the date, time andlocation of your appointment. Be sure that the correct names are on the letter! These are the visa applicants who should go to the interview. Now let’s get prepared for your interview.
You need to go online to nvc.state.gov/interview to get detailed instructions. Select the city where your interview will take place. The three-letter city abbreviation will match the first three letters of your NVC case number, which is on your interview letter. You can choose your language using the button at the top of the page. There is contact information and helpful links on the right. On the left are steps that you must take before your interview.
Follow those instructions carefully! At some embassies, you must register for a free courier service to return your passport and visa after the interview. This is usually done online. If the embassy doesn’t require this step, don’t worry. At your interview, the consular officer will tell you how to pick up your passport and visa.
Next, schedule a medical exam with one of the approved doctors listed on your instructions.
Medical exam reports from other physicians are NOT allowed. Remember to bring all necessary items with you to the doctor. We’ll talk more about those in a moment. Next, print this checklist and carefully fill it out for each visa applicant. These are all the documents you must bring to your interview. Remember to bring the original version of all certificates, such as your birth and marriage certificates.
If someone from your family is in the United States and is sponsoring you, you’ll have to contact them for a few things. Here’s what you’ll need to say: Hello? Hi, Mom. I’m looking at the list of documents I have to bring to my Immigrant Visa interview. Can you send me a few things? I need a photocopy of the federal tax return you filed most recently, and your W-2 forms would be helpful, too.
If I don’t have these items, they won’t be able to finish my interview. Thanks!
Carefully read the section about police certificates. If the certificate you submitted to NVC is more than1 year old and you still live in that country, you must get a more recent police certificate and bring it to your interview. Now go get your picture taken! Photo size requirements can be found online.
Don’t forget, you cannot wear glasses or hats. And … … face forward! The day of your medical appointment, give your doctor your passport, appointment letter, photos, and a copy of your immunization records. Once you’ve been examined and have paid for your visit, the doctor will either send your results to the embassy or give you a sealed envelope. Don’t open that! Bring it to your visa interview.
You’re almost ready for the interview! Check the instructions one more time and go over the interview guidelines. You’ll see options for rescheduling or cancelling your interview, security-screening procedures … … and other links to further instructions and helpful information.
Finally, gather all your documents together and make sure your checklist is filled out. You’re ready for your Immigrant Visa interview! Remember, if you have questions go to nvc.state.gov/interview and review the information online about the interview process.
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