You and each family member immigrating with you to the United States must submit to the NVC original documents issued by an appropriate authority, or certified copies of those documents listed in this section.
You and each family member immigrating with you must also submit to the NVC a photocopy of the original documents or certified copies of the documents.
All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:
Original documents, photocopies, and translations (if required, as explained above) of the following documents must be submitted to the NVC for you and each family member immigrating with you to the United States.
You (and any family members immigrating with you to the United States) must obtain an original birth certificate issued by the official custodian of birth records in your country of birth, showing your date of birth, place of birth, and parentage Important Notice: All Immigrant Visa applicants must submit a long form original birth certificate. Short form birth certificates will not be accepted.
The certificate must contain the:
Unobtainable birth certificates
If your birth record is not obtainable for any reason, a certified statement must be obtained from the appropriate government authority explaining why your birth record is unavailable. You must also submit secondary evidence such as:
Note: An affidavit executed before an official authorized to take oaths or affirmations must also be provided. More specific information is available from the NVC.
If you were convicted of a crime, you must obtain a certified copy of each court record and prison record, regardless of the fact that you may have subsequently been granted amnesty, a pardon or other act of clemency.
Court records should include:
Who needs to submit deportation documents?
If you have been previously deported or removed from the United States at government expense, you must obtain Form I-212, Permission to Reapply After Deportation, from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, or from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and follow the instructions on that form.
Who needs to submit marriage certificates?
If you are married, you must obtain an original marriage certificate, or a certified copy, bearing the appropriate seal or stamp of the issuing authority.
Note: Marriage certificates from certain countries are unavailable. More specific information is available from NVC, the nearest United States immigrant visa processing post, or online at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3272.html
Who needs to submit marriage termination documentation?
If you were previously married, you must obtain evidence of the termination of EACH prior marriage. Evidence must be in the form of original documents issued by an official authority, or certified copies bearing the appropriate seal or stamp of the issuing authority, such as:
Who needs to submit military records?
If you served in the military forces of any country, you must obtain a copy of your military record.
Note: Military records from certain countries are unavailable. More specific information is available from NVC, the nearest United States immigrant visa processing post, or online at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3272.html.
Who needs to submit petitioner documents?
If you are applying for an IR5 (Parent of a U.S. Citizen) visa, you are required to provide:
If you are applying for a F4 (Brother or Sister of a U.S. Citizen) visa you are required to provide:
Original or certified copy of your Petitioners birth certificate.
Who needs to submit a photocopy of their passport?
The applicant and each family member accompanying the applicant must submit a photocopy of the biographic data page from their respective valid passport.
What should I send to the NVC?
Send a photocopy of your (and any family members’) biographic data page from valid passports. This is the page that shows your name, and your date and place of birth.
Note: Do NOT send passports to the NVC. Send only photocopies of the biographic data pages.
You must submit two identical color photographs. Review Photograph Requirements for size specifications and more information.
Who needs to submit a police certificate?
Each visa applicant aged 16 years or older must submit police certificates.
What should I send?
You must submit police certificates which:
How do I obtain a police certificate?
An applicant must obtain a police certificate from the local police authority:
IF you… |
AND… |
have been living in your country of nationality at their current residence for more than 6 months |
you are 16 years old or older |
lived in a different part of your country of nationality for more than 6 months |
you were 16 years or older at that time |
lived in a different country for more than 12 months |
you were 16 years or older at that time |
were arrested for any reason |
you were any age at the time of the arrest |
Who needs to submit custody documentation?
If the intending immigrant child was adopted and if the child’s application to immigrate is based upon a parent-child relationship, then custody documentation is required.
What do I need to send?
If you are the adoptive parent and/or petitioner, you must provide:
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