Immigrant Visas

Common Mistakes Made on Immigrant Visa Applications

Below are some of the most common problems we encounter in conjunction with Immigrant Visa applications. Please take time to read the items below and be familiar with all of the information you have received in this package so that your Immigrant Visa processing can go smoothly and quickly.

Application Form (DS-230):

• Complete ALL sections of the application. DO NOT leave any question unanswered. This includes all parts of questions 22 and 23.
• DO NOT use the term "not applicable" or "N/A". Instead write "none" or "never".
• Sign and date the bottom of page 2. Copies or facsimiles of your signature are not acceptable. Children, who are able to, should sign their own forms and the parents of children under 16 should also sign the child's name and write "by (father) or (mother), whichever is appropriate.
• DO NOT sign the bottom of page 4. You should only sign page four when instructed to do so by the Consular Officer during your visa interview.

Affidavit of Support (I-864):

• You must have a fully completed Form I-864 signed and notarized by the petitioner, even if the petitioner has no income.
• If the petitioner's income is not sufficient to meet income requirements, the income of another person residing in the same household can be combined with the petitioner's income by signing and notarizing an "Agreement of Household Member" (I-864A).
• A person residing outside of the petitioner's household may also act as a financial co-sponsor by completing a separate I-864.
• ALL I-864 AND I-864A forms MUST include the income tax return (form 1040 and W-2) for the most recent year for each person.
• Each family member applying for an immigrant visa must have an I-864 with an original, notarized signature.

Other Documentation:

• YOU MUST HAVE the appropriate POLICE CERTIFICATES available as outlined in the attached documentation. Your visa cannot be issued without them.
• Nurses applying for Employment visas are required to present CGFNS, or evidence of successful completion of the NCLEX -RN examination, AND VISA SCREEN certificates. See Frequently Asked Questions on Employment Based Visas for Nurses