Embassy of the United States

If another member of the petitioner's household who is living at the same address wishes his/her income to be considered in relation to the Affidavit of Support. He/she must complete Form I-864A - "Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member" and provide the following:

Please note that if the petitioner, household member or a joint sponsor has not filed taxes in any of the last three years, he/she is required to provide an explanation in writing. If the petitioner's income is below the guidelines set at 125% of the U. S. poverty level, then another U.S. citizen or resident may submit an additional affidavit of support as a joint sponsor.

Claims of business income should be substantiated with evidence of the business, receipts, registration, the exact nature of the work, etc. An I-864 with all supporting documents must be submitted for each visa applicant including eligible accompanying family members. Photocopies may be submitted for accompanying family members, but must have original signatures and notarizations. Photocopies of the signature and notarization will not be accepted.

All I-864 "Affidavits of Support" are a legally binding commitment to act as the financial sponsor of the applicant, once he/she arrives in the United States.

Before submitting the affidavit of support (Form I-864 or Form I-864A), be sure to review the "Checklist for Preparing the I-864". More information may also be found at the State Department's web site.

Note on the validity of the I-864 and I-864A: The I-864 and I-864a must be submitted to a consular officer within twelve months of the date they are signed and notarized, or new forms will be required. A form submitted within twelve months of signature will have an unlimited validity and will not expire. However, a consular officer may require supporting documents that are over twelve months old to be updated.

Form I-864 is, therefore, not required in any case in which the visa applicant qualifies for automatic citizenship upon admission. That would include the following categories of immigrants:

(1) Orphan classified IR-3, provided the child will be admitted to the United States while still under age 18 and will be in the physical custody of the adoptive U.S. citizen parent at the time of admission;

(2) Adopted child classified IR-2 who meets the requirements of INA 101(b)(1)(E), provided the child will be admitted to the United States while under age 18 and will be in the physical custody of the adoptive U.S. citizen parent at the time of admission; and

(3) Child classified IR-2 (born in or out of wedlock) to a parent who is now a U.S. citizen, provided the child will be admitted to the United States while still under age 18 and will be in the physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent at the time of admission;

One certified copy of the birth certificate of each person named in the application is required. Birth records must be presented for all unmarried children under age 21 even if they do not wish to immigrate at this time. (If children are deceased, so state, giving year of death.). The certificate must state the date and place of birth and the names of both parents. The certificate must indicate that it is an extract from official records. If any children were adopted, you must submit a certified copy of the final adoption decree. Photostatic copies are acceptable provided the original is available for inspection by the consular officer.

Persons who have been convicted of a crime must obtain a certified copy of each court record and of any prison record, regardless of the fact that they may have benefited subsequently from an amnesty, pardon, or other act of clemency.

All immigrant visa applicants are required to have a medical examination from one of our approved panel physicians. The following doctors have been approved by the Consulate General to give medical examinations, immunizations and laboratory tests for Immigrant Visa applicants. The examination and immunizations they give conform to the standards and terminology prescribed by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Click here for more information on medical examinations.

Lister Laboratory is the Consulate's approved center for conducting blood tests and taking x-rays. All applicants must have these procedures performed at Lister Laboratory. It is not necessary to schedule an appointment for these tests, but you should allow at least three working days before your scheduled Immigrant Visa appointment for the laboratory tests to be completed. Applicants who are examined at the laboratory between 8 am and 10:30 am may be able to receive their laboratory results the same day.

Lister METROPOLIS Laboratory & Research Center Pvt. Ltd.

No. 13 (Old No. 6) Jagannathan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034

Tel: 28222561, 28222562    Fax: 2852-8242
Hours: 7:30 to 10:30 am, Mon - Sat; Reports pickup daily 4:30 to 5:30 pm

The physicians listed below are authorized to give medical examinations to visa applicants. Make your own arrangements for examination by any physician on the list at least seven days before your immigrant visa appointment.

You are also required to visit one of the Consulate's approved panel physicians for a physical examination after laboratory tests have been completed. Please schedule this appointment at least two working days before your IV appointment. You may make an appointment with one of the panel physicians listed below by telephone during working hours. Bring the completed laboratory test results with you to the physical examination. In addition, for each family member, bring a passport, one photograph, all medical records of vaccinations, prior illnesses or treatments. You must discuss your medical history and current conditions - pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions and medications taken - with the physician.

Completed medical reports will be given to you by the physician and must be brought with you to the Consulate General at the time of your visa interview. Following is a list of the Consulate's approved panel physicians: