Civil Documents Checklist for Immigrant Visa Application
When applying for an immigrant visa to the United States, you will need to provide various civil documents to support your application. These documents help establish your identity, family relationships, and eligibility for the visa category you are applying for. Keep in mind that the specific documents required can vary based on the visa category and your individual circumstances. Here’s a general checklist of civil documents that might be required for an immigrant visa application:
Identity and Civil Status Documents:
- Passport: A valid passport for each applicant, with at least six months of validity beyond the intended date of entry to the U.S.
- Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy of the birth certificate for each applicant. If the document is not in English, a certified translation is typically required.
- Marriage Certificates: For married applicants, provide original or certified copies of marriage certificates. If applicable, include documentation of any previous marriages and divorces.
- Divorce or Death Certificates: If you or your spouse have been previously married, provide divorce or death certificates to verify the termination of the previous marriage(s).
Police Clearance and Legal Documents: 5. Police Clearance Certificates: Provide police clearance certificates from each country where you have lived for a significant period of time, typically one year or more. These certificates may be required to demonstrate good moral character and the absence of criminal records.
- Court and Prison Records: If you have been involved in legal proceedings, arrests, or convictions, provide documentation from the relevant authorities, including court records and prison records.
Proof of Relationship and Family Ties: 7. Marriage and Birth Certificates: If you are applying with family members, provide marriage certificates to establish spousal relationships and birth certificates to establish parent-child relationships.
Financial and Sponsorship Documents: 8. Affidavit of Support: If you have a U.S. sponsor, they will need to provide Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with supporting financial documentation to demonstrate their ability to financially support you.
Education and Work Experience Documents: 9. Educational Certificates: Provide transcripts and certificates for your educational qualifications, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
- Work Experience Documentation: If your visa category requires a certain level of work experience, provide documentation such as letters from employers, pay stubs, and tax records to verify your work history.
Please note that this checklist is a general guide, and the specific documents required can vary based on the visa category and the U.S. consulate or embassy where you will be applying. It’s crucial to carefully review the requirements provided by the consulate or embassy and gather all the necessary documents to support your visa application. If you have any doubts or questions, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or the consulate’s official resources for guidance.
How do I submit the civil documents for immigrant visa application?
When submitting civil documents for an immigrant visa application to the United States, you’ll typically follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State and the specific U.S. consulate or embassy where you will be applying. Here’s a general overview of the process for submitting civil documents:
- Review Instructions: Start by carefully reviewing the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State and the specific consulate or embassy where you will be applying. These instructions will detail the required documents, acceptable formats, and any specific guidelines for submission.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the required civil documents according to the checklist provided by the consulate or embassy. Ensure that you have both original documents and copies, as well as any required translations.
- Organize Documents: Organize your documents in a neat and organized manner. You may want to create separate folders or envelopes for different types of documents, such as identity documents, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, etc.
- Make Copies: Make photocopies of all the original documents. It’s advisable to have at least one copy of each document for your own records.
- Certified Translations: If any of your documents are not in English, you will need to provide certified translations. The translations should be accurate and complete translations of the original documents.
- Verify Document Requirements: Double-check that you have included all the documents required for your specific visa category and individual circumstances. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or denials.
- Submit Documents: Depending on the instructions provided by the consulate or embassy, you may need to submit your documents in person during your visa interview or by mail before your interview date. Some consulates and embassies have specific procedures for submitting documents, so be sure to follow their guidelines.
- Attend Visa Interview: If required, attend your visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy. During the interview, the consular officer may ask questions about your documents and your eligibility for the visa.
- Return of Original Documents: After your interview, the consular officer will review your documents and make a decision on your visa application. If your application is approved, the officer will provide instructions on how to proceed. In some cases, original documents may be returned to you after the interview, while in other cases, they may be kept by the consulate.
- Follow Further Instructions: If your visa is approved, the consulate or embassy will provide you with further instructions on how to proceed with the visa issuance and travel to the United States.
It’s important to note that the process of submitting civil documents can vary by consulate or embassy, and requirements can change over time. Always refer to the official instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State and the specific consulate or embassy where you will be applying for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any doubts or questions, consider seeking guidance from an immigration attorney or the official resources of the consulate or embassy.
How long does NVC take to review the civil documents?
The National Visa Center (NVC) is responsible for reviewing and processing the civil documents submitted as part of the immigrant visa application process for U.S. consulates and embassies. The time it takes for the NVC to review the civil documents can vary based on several factors, including the volume of applications, the completeness of the submitted documents, and the specific visa category: https://bwea.com/civil-documents/
Generally, the NVC’s review of civil documents can take several weeks to a few months. However, the processing times can change over time due to fluctuations in the number of applications and other factors. It’s important to note that the NVC’s processing times are subject to change and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about NVC processing times, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin website or the NVC’s official website. These sources often provide estimated processing times and updates on current processing statuses.
If you have submitted your civil documents to the NVC and are waiting for them to be reviewed, it’s recommended to regularly check the official sources mentioned above for any updates or changes to processing times. If you have concerns about the delay in the processing of your documents, you can also contact the NVC directly or seek assistance from an immigration attorney for guidance.
