Original documents:If you are the beneficiary of a family-based immigrant visa petition, you must be prepared to present the original of all civil documents that establish your claimed relationship to the petitioner. Translations: All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
Please note that presentation of false documents in an attempt to obtain a visa can result in permanent ineligibility for any type of U.S. visa.
Children to be adopted by U. S. Citizens (IR-4 Visas) require the following additional documents:
Guardianship decree issued by an Indian court giving the prospective adoptive U.S. citizen parents (petitioners) custody of the child. Note that Muslim and Christian adoptions are not legally recognized in India. Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition (Form I-600A) Guardianship appointment issued by an Indian court naming the petitioner as guardian. Note that this is the only legally recognized method available for Christian or Muslim petitioners since outright adoptions by these religious communities are not legal in India. Power of attorney for the adoption agency, if the adopting parents will not be present at the interview Relinquishment of rights by natural parents, if known. Returning Residents Visa (SB-1) Applicants should have the following additional documents:
Old Alien Registration Card (green card) and/or expired re-entry permit. A notarized affidavit of support (form I-134) with employment letter, bank statement and most recent U. S. federal income tax return (form 1040 and W-2) from a sponsor is strongly suggested. Note that an affidavit of support on form I-864 is not required. Applicants for Employment Based Visas should have the following documents
Application (Form DS230, parts I and II) Birth Certificates (if unobtainable, click here) Police Clearance Certificates Court and Prison Records, if applicable Updated job offer letter from your employer (except self-petitioning E-1 and E-2 applicants - click here for more information) Medical Report Passport Proof of Relationship with your spouse and children (if applicable) Visa Photographs
For more information on Employment based visas, click here Registered Nurses require the following additional documents:
A valid U.S. nursing license or Visa Screen certificate and CGFNS certificate; in addition, applicants who cannot begin work in any capacity prior to receiving a nursing license, i.e. whose job offers are contingent, may be asked to present evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam prior to visa issuance. This determination will be made on a case by case basis at the time of interview with the Consular Officer.
Nursing Degree
Proof of education and experience
Click here to see Frequently Asked Questions on Employment Based Visas for Nurses
Applicants for Diversity Visas require the following documents:
Application (Form DS230, parts I and II) Supplemental Registration (Form DSP-122) Birth Certificates (if unobtainable, click here) Police Clearance Certificates Court and Prison Records, if applicable Evidence that you have a high school diploma or equivalent Passport Proof of Relationship with your spouse and children (if applicable) Visa Photographs
For more information on Diversity Visas, click here.
Affidavit of Support: U.S. immigration law requires the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner to prove that he or she will be able to financially support the visa applicant. In most family-based visa cases (click here for exceptions), the petitioner must submit a signed affidavit of support (Form I-864). An original, signed and notarized form I-864 "Affidavit of Support" is required for all beneficiaries of immediate-relative and family-based petitions (except IR-4 and SB-1 applicants). 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.
The petitioner should execute the Affidavit of Support and submit the following:
Federal income tax return (form 1040 and W-2 forms) for the most recent year or a statement why the petitioner did not file a federal income tax return in any of the past three years.If the petitioner wants his/her assets considered, evidence of assets such as bank statements and brokerage accounts. 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:
Federal income tax returns (form 1040 and W-2 forms) for the most recent year or a statement why the household member did not file a federal income tax return in any of the past three years. If the household member wants his/her assets considered, evidence of assets such as bank statements and brokerage accounts. 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.
Exceptions to Requirement for an Affidavit of Support (I-864)
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;
Birth certificates: 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.
Court and prison records: 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.
Medical Report: 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:
Dr. Mathai Thomas, Best Hospital Pvt. Ltd., 9 Vellala Street, Kodambakkam, Chennai 600 024. Tel: 2483-2777, 2483-2781 Mobile: 98400-72444 Hours: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Mon. – Sat.
Dr. V. Rajkumar, 1 Club Road, Behind T.B. Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai 600 031. Tel: 2836-1582 Mobile: 98410-36241 Hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 noon & 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Mon. – Sat.
Dr. Sanjan John, 9 Dr. T.V. Naidu Road, (off Spurtank Road), Chetpet, Chennai 600 031. Tel: 2836-1519, 2836-0808 Mobile: 98410-86804 Hours: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Mon. – Sat.
Dr. N. Vijayalaksmi, Padma Nursing Home, 753 Poonamalle High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 600 010. Tel: 2641-3445, 2641-3446 Mobile: 98404-12063 Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Mon. – Sat.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to bring your passport and your original visa interview appointment notification to both the laboratory and the panel physician’s office. You should also bring three visa-type photos for each family member being examined, as well as complete vaccination records for each examinee.
You should expect to pay the following fees:
Each applicant 15 years-old or older will be charged Rs. 700 for a general physical check-up and administration of vaccinations. (This fee does NOT include the actual cost of the vaccines, for which the applicant will also be charged.) In addition, each applicant 15 years-old or older will be expected to pay Rs. 800 for initial laboratory tests. Laboratory fees may range up to Rs. 3300 if additional tests are required. Applicants less than 15 years-old will be charged Rs. 500 for a general physical check-up and administration of vaccinations. (This fee does NOT include the actual cost of the vaccines, for which the applicant will also be charged.) All fees must be paid in cash directly by you to the laboratory or the panel physician. If further tests are advised by the panel physician at the time of your medical examination, you will be expected to bear the related costs. Normally, children under 15 years of age are not required to undergo chest x-rays, blood tests, or HIV anti-body testing, but they must undergo immunizations and a general physical examination.
Reminder: Vaccinations are costly! Be sure to bring complete vaccination records for each immigrant visa applicant when visiting the panel physician, or you risk having to pay up to Rs. 9000 or more in additional fees.
The medical reports are valid for a period of one year from the date of your medical examination. The examination must be repeated if the reports have expired or will expire prior to your entry into the United States. A blood test to check for HIV is required as part of your medical examination if you are over the age of 15. HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the name given to a group of illnesses that may occur in persons affected with HIV. Infection with HIV causes a defect in a person's natural immunity against disease. This defect leaves infected people vulnerable to serious illnesses that would not usually be a threat to anyone whose immune system is intact. This test is not to diagnose AIDS, but to detect antibodies to the virus. If the result is positive, it does not necessarily mean that you have AIDS or will get it. The results of your test will be provided to a consular officer; also, it may be necessary to report the results to the health authorities in this country.
Passport: A passport must be valid for travel to the United States and must have at least six months validity beyond the issuance date of the visa. If the appearance of the applicant has changed substantially since the passport was originally issued (such as in the case of minor children with passports issued at birth), then a new passport may be required. Minor children should have their own passports.
Police certificates: Each visa applicant over the age of 16 must present police certificates. Police certificates must cover the entire period of the applicant's residence in any area. The term "police certificate" means a certification by appropriate police authorities stating what their records show concerning each applicant, including all arrests, the reasons for the arrests, and the disposition of each case of which there is a record. Police certificates from certain countries are considered unobtainable. For more information on police certificate requirements see the chart below:
IF the applicant…AND…THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from…
| is residing in India and his or her Indian passport was issued within past 6 months | is 16 years old or older | 1. Passport office |
| passport was issued more than 6 months prior to visa application | is 16 years old or older | 1. Passport office
2. The district police office serving the applicant's place of residence |
| is an Indian passport holder and is staying outside India | is 16 years old or older | 1. Applicant's local Embassy or Consulate confirming he/she has no criminal record (a statement from Embassy or Consulate is acceptable) |
| is an Indian passport holder and currently resident in India, but has lived in another country (except for the U. S.). | lived in the foreign country for twelve or more months after reaching the age of 16 years. | 1. Passport office
2. District police office serving the applicant's place of residence (if the passport was issued more than 6 months prior to visa application).
3. Country of previous residence, if available. More information can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/index.htm |
| is a non-Indian immigrant visa applicant residing in India | is 16 years old or older | District police station serving the area of residence |
| is a foreign (non-Indian) applicant applying outside India | is 16 years old or older | not available |
Proof of Relationship:
For spouses of U. S. Citizens (IR-1, CR-1, and K-3 Visas), spouses of Legal Permanent Residents
(F-21 and V-1 Visas) and Spouses of Family Based Visa Applicants (F-3 and F-4 Visas):
Primary: Marriage registration certificates issued by a recognized governing authority at the time of the marriage. Proof of the termination of any previous marriage must also be submitted (e.g. death certificate of former spouse, final decree of divorce or annulment). For Muslim marriages, please submit a registration certificate from the Wakf Board of the area in which the marriage took place. For Christian marriages, please provide a church-issued marriage certificate.
Secondary: Wedding invitations, wedding photographs or other reliable documents that show the required relationship. For proof of an ongoing relationship, please submit such evidence as cards, letters, emails, photographs, phone records and other evidence that your relationship is continual.
For Children (IR-2, IR-3, F-1, F-24, F-3 and K-4 Visas) and Parents (IR-5 visas) of U. S. Citizens, Children of Family Based Visa Applicants (F-3 and F-4 Visas) and Children of Finace(e) visa applicants (K-2 Visas):
Primary: Old Indian passports, birth registrations issued within one year of the birth
Secondary: Secondary school leaving certificates, old ration cards, old baptismal certificates, old family documents such as land transfers and wills, original wedding invitations, college degree certificates, mark sheets, property certificates, family photos or other reliable documents which show the required relationship.
For the Brother or Sister of a U. S. Citizen (F-4 Visas):
Primary: Old Indian passports, birth registrations issued within one year of the birth
Secondary: Secondary school leaving certificates, old ration cards, old baptismal certificates, old family documents such as land transfers and wills, original wedding invitations, college degree certificates, mark sheets, property certificates, family photos or other reliable documents which show the required relationship.
Note: The documents of both the petitioner and beneficiary must show parent(s) name(s) to be considered in connection with the immigrant visa application.
Unobtainable birth certificates: In rare cases, it may be impossible to obtain a birth certificate because records have been destroyed or the government will not issue one. In such cases, you should obtain a statement to that effect from the civil registrar's office and proceed to obtain secondary evidence of birth. Other certificates, such as a baptismal certificate or school certificates, may be submitted for consideration provided they contain the date of the applicant's birth and information concerning parentage. Should these certificates be unobtainable, a close relative, preferably the applicant's mother, should prepare a notarized statement giving the place and date of the applicant's birth, the names of both parents, and the maiden name of the mother. The statement must be executed before an official authorized to administer oaths or affirmations. In such cases, please bring any secondary evidence you might have concerning your birth.
Visa Photographs
From July 26, 2004, we are started to issue machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) for immigrant visa applicants. You are requested to submit frontal view photograph and make sure that the photographs comply with the following specifications for all applicants:
Four photographs must be an un-mounted full-face photo taken within the last six months. The photograph must be a full front view, taken facing the camera - no side or angled views are acceptable. The photograph needs to correctly identify the person. The photograph should measure 2 inches x 2 inches (roughly 50 mm x 50 mm) with the head centered in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. The photograph must have a white or off-white background. Photos with colored, dark or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted. For persons wearing glasses, there must be no reflection around the eyes. Photos with reflections will not be accepted. A photograph wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable. Head coverings or hats are acceptable only because of religious beliefs and then only when the applicant's face is completely exposed. Since a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, an individual photo is required in all cases. Group photos are not acceptable.
Note: Effective immediately side view photograph for immigrant visa applicants is not needed anymore.
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