Civil Documents & Evidence Checklist for Selectees
The comprehensive documentation checklist required by the U.S. Embassy for your immigrant visa interview.
Original Documents Required at the Interview
You must bring both the original and a photocopy of each required civil document for every person applying for a visa. Originals will be inspected and returned to you by the consular officer.
1. Core Personal Civil Documents
Birth Certificates
Original long-form government birth certificate showing applicant name, date and place of birth, and both parents' full legal names. Hospital certificates are usually insufficient.
Passports
Valid unexpired international passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended date of entry into the United States for each family member.
Marriage / Divorce Certificates
Original civil marriage certificate if married. If previously married, certified copies of all termination records (divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment records).
Military Records
If you served in the armed forces of any country, an official certified military record detailing your service and discharge conduct.
Court & Prison Records
If convicted of any crime, certified court records showing the charge, disposition, and sentence, even if pardoned or expunged.
2. Police Clearance Certificate Rules (9 FAM 502.6)
Every applicant aged 16 years or older must provide police clearance certificates from:
- Country of Nationality: If you have resided there for at least 6 months at any time in your life.
- Country of Current Residence: If you have lived there for 6 months or more.
- Any Other Country: Where you have lived for 12 months or more since turning 16.
- Any Location Where Arrested: Regardless of duration or outcome.
U.S. police certificates are NOT required (FBI checks are executed automatically).
3. Certified English Translation Standards
All civil documents not written in English or the official language of the country where the consular post is located must be accompanied by a certified translation:
Required Certification Statement:
Signature, Date, and Contact Information
4. Physical 2x2" Photographs for the Interview
Each applicant must bring two identical physical 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photographic prints to the embassy interview. The photos must have been taken within the last 6 months against a plain white background without eyeglasses.
Generate Interview 4×6 Print Sheet
Prints 6 exact 2x2" photos on one 300 DPI sheet with cut marks for $0.35 at any photo kiosk.
5. Immigrant Medical Examination
Prior to your consular interview, all applicants must undergo an immigrant medical examination conducted by an embassy-authorized panel physician. The exam includes:
- Review of medical history, physical examination, and chest X-ray (for tuberculosis).
- Blood tests for communicable diseases.
- Required CDC vaccinations (MMR, Polio, Tetanus, COVID-19, etc.).
The clinic will either provide you a sealed medical envelope (DO NOT OPEN IT) or transmit results directly to the embassy electronically via eMedical.
Regulatory Notice & Official Links
This guide is prepared based on Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (22 C.F.R. § 42.33) and Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 502.6). Always verify instructions on the official U.S. Department of State portal: dvprogram.state.gov .