As you prepare for your Consular Interview, you should gather together and prepare all the documents that you will need to present to the U.S. official on the day of your interview. This would include all documents, translated into English, with a signed statement declaring that the person who translated the documents is competent to do English translations, and also that the translation is correct. It is important that these items are in order, as the U.S. official will review the documents at the interview. Upon review, he or she will determine if the information on Form DS-260 that had been submitted online is correct. According to USAFIS, “Upon verifying all information, the consular official will decide if you are approved to receive a Green Card. The Consular Process depends on the accuracy of these documents and processes to make the correct evaluations.”
There is a great deal of paperwork required for the Consular Interview and, therefore, it is advised that all Green Card winners begin to gather and prepare all necessary documents as soon as possible. USAFIS recommends that you bring original or certified copies of documents to the interview. In addition, all applicants and family members who are applying for Green Cards should have a photocopy of every document, which should be copied before the interview. USAFIS suggests that you copy several of these documents ahead of time as they will be needed at different times during the application process.
The documents that are required can vary, depending on the background of the original applicant and his or her family members. In addition, the information on the DS-260 Form can determine which documents are needed, and these must be verified with correct documentation by the U.S. consular officials.
USAFIS can assist you in determining the documents that you will need. Here is a list of the most common documents that are needed at the visit with the Consul:
- Birth Certificate(s)
- Child Custody Documents, if applicable
- Required Documents to Confirm Eligibility, Based on Education or Work Experience
- Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- Divorce Certificate, if applicable
- Court and Prison Records, if applicable
- Military Records, if applicable
- Police Certificate(s)
- Deportation Document, if applicable
- Form DS-260 Confirmation Page copy
- Medical Exam Records, in sealed envelope unopened*
- Passports valid for at least 6 months past the expected date of entry into the U.S. for the applicant and each family member applying for a Green Card
- Consular Interview Appointment Information printed from the Entrant Status Check
- 2 identical color passport-style photos, made according to the DV standards, for the applicant and each family member who is applying for a Green Card
- Status Check section of the U.S. State Department ‘s E-DV website
- Any additional documents that may be requested
*The medical exam documents may be sent directly to the Consulate or U.S. Embassy where your interview will take place. It may also be given to the applicant in a sealed envelope that should be taken to the Consular Interview.