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FAQs
 
  1. Why do consular officers recommend DNA?

    Consular officers recommend that an applicant undertake a DNA exam with a petitioner or other relatives when the applicant failed to provide enough evidence to support a claimed biological relationship.  The result of the DNA test is generally the strongest evidence of a claimed biological relationship.  In adjudicating a case, consular officers consider such result in conjunction with all the documentation and testimony presented at the interview.

  2. What do I need to do when a consular officer recommends DNA?

    Before leaving the consulate, you should carefully read the instruction sheet provided to you by the consular officer.  If the consular officer recommends that you conduct a DNA test with the petitioner or another relative in the United States, you should contact one of the designated laboratories immediately in order to prevent any unnecessary delay in the case.

  3. Under what circumstances is my child qualified for a U.S. passport?

    Only U.S. citizens are qualified for a U.S. passport.  Your child may be a U.S. citizen, and therefore qualified for a U.S. passport, if he/she was born after you became a U.S. citizen.  If you believe your child is qualified for a U.S. passport, you should contact the American Citizen Services section of the consulate to schedule an appointment to register the child and to begin the process of applying for a U.S. passport.

  4. Can I come to the consulate for my interview on the same day as other members of my family?

    Typically, the consulate schedules the interviews for all children and parents together on the same day.  However, if you would like to schedule an interview on the same day with your brother(s)/sister(s), please contact CIVA, our public information call center.  The current number for CIVA is 2229-5001 in Haiti, and 1-877-917-2482 in the U.S.  Please note that these numbers can change at any time.

  5. What documents should I bring to my immigrant visa interview?

    You should bring your interview packet of information and any photos, money orders, letters, or other documentation that demonstrates that you have a relationship with the person who petitioned for you.  If do you not bring all of the documentation requested of you, you may be asked to submit the documentation on another day before you can be granted a visa.

  6. How long does it take to get the visa after the consular officer tells me that I’m approved for one?

    Generally, it takes between 10 and 15 days from the time when the consular officer tells you that you are approved for a visa to the time when your passport and visa packet are ready to be picked up.  The consular section recommends you do not make any travel arrangement to the U.S. until after you have actually received your passport and visa packet.

  7. I previously lived in the United States without the permission of the U.S. government.  What should I bring to my interview?

    You should bring all documentation showing when and how you entered the U.S.  Moreover, you should submit any asylum and deportation papers from any applicable proceedings with INS/USCIS or the immigration court.  Finally, you should bring proof that you returned to Haiti on a specific date.

  8. I intend to naturalize but I have already filed I-130 petitions for my spouse and our child(ren).  What should I do?

    You may proceed with the naturalization process and contact USCIS as soon as you officially become a U.S. citizen.   Once you are a U.S. citizen, you should send USCIS proof of your citizenship and request that the visa categories of your beneficiaries be revised accordingly.  For more information, you should visit www.uscis.gov.

  9. Why do consular officers ask for the birth certificates of my children when they are not going to travel with me?

    It is a necessary process for consular officers to verify claimed parental relationships, even if the children of the applicant are not traveling at the same time or together with the applicant.  Please note that all submitted documents are subject to verification.

  10. My spouse is petitioning for my child(ren) as step-child(ren).  Why do consular officers ask for my proof of legal status in the United States?

    Consular officers ask for your proof of legal status in the U.S. even though you are not the petitioner as it provides consular officers with another basis to determine the eligibility of your child(ren) for an immigrant visa.  Proof of your legal status is also used to determine your eligibility as a sponsor providing financial support.

  11. Why do I need to submit proof of legal status again when I already submitted it to USCIS?

    Often, by the time your petition is ready for interview by a consular officer, the proof of status in the form of a legal permanent resident card (“Green Card”) has expired.  Only individuals with legal status in the United States are eligible to petition for an immigrant visa.  As such, we need to verify that you continue to hold legal status so as to continue with the petition. Please note that all submitted documents are subject to verification.