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PRE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview.

Every visa applicant, no matter their age, must bring certain documents to the interview, including photographs, the original or certified copy version of all civil documents submitted to NVC. You do not need to bring your original Affidavit of Support or financial evidence you submitted to NVC.
  • Appointment Letter – The interview appointment letter you received from NVC.
  • Passport – For each applicant, an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States
  • Photographs – two identical color photograph(s) for each applicant, which must meet the general Photograph Requirements.
  • The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence.
  • If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:
    • 1. You are older than 16 years;
    2. The police certificate you submitted to NVC is more than one year old; and
    3. You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.
  • Your original marriage certificate and a photocopy.
  • If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate and a photocopy.
  • Supporting Documents – original or certified copies of all civil documents you uploaded into CEAC.
  • Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at CEAC.
  • Applicant's original birth certificate and a photocopy.
  • Medical examination results in a sealed envelope (if the physician gives you these results).
  • Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying)
  • The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s.
  • Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
  • Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).

    • Your original documents will be returned to you when the interview has been completed. Any photocopies provided may be kept.

    If you are unable to attend your appointment, please email support-india@ustraveldocs.com
    There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment
    For some family based visa categories, there is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview.

    FAQs:

    How should I store my documents?

    • It’s suggested to carry an accordion folder and store all required documents in the front for easy access

      How should I store my photos?

    • Preferably take a small album of about 100-150 photos in 4x6” format. This is for convenience.
    • The slot to submit documents and photos cannot fit a large album, however you can still take it and show it to the CO through the window

    Proof of Bona Fide Marriage

    • Include photographs of trips taken together, wedding ceremonies, civil wedding if applicable and most importantly pictures with friends and family.
    • Mistakes that many couples make is that they take pictures of photoshoots of the Petitioner and Beneficiary only.
    • It is extremely important to build a story and then more friends and family you include with you, the better it is.
    • Take pictures of both the petitioner and beneficiary only on trips taken together for Honeymoon, random dates etc.
    • Try making small albums so that CO can easily browse through the photographs.
    • 100-150 photographs are good.
    • Don’t stress out if you don’t have those many as many get approved with just a few as well. Remember, content is more important than quantity.
    • Living together: Proof of Rent Agreement/Utility Bills/Phone bills etc
    • Vacations - flight tickets, hotel bills, resort fees, etc
    • Social media - If you are active on social media, then update your status as married with your wedding date. This should be consistent with the date you submitted during your I-130.
    • Proof of commingling of finances. If you don’t have a joint bank account, then try adding your spouse to your joint account.
      Adding your spouse as an authorized user on your credit card is a viable option too.
      If you support your spouse in India i.e. Beneficiary and have remittance records from Petitioner to Beneficiary, then that counts as strong proof too. Jointly filed taxes can also be a good proof.
    • If you have a life insurance policy, then add your spouse as a beneficiary to that policy.
      While many people keep their parents as beneficiaries, it’s a good time to change that to your spouse.
    • If you invest in the stock markets, add your spouse as a beneficiary to your 401k and brokerage accounts.
    • Chats/call logs/love letters - While these are not considered as strong proofs, it’s always good to leave no stone unturned.
      NOTE: This should be given, but delete or redact or ignore giving any “too personal” or graphic messages.
    • Gifts to each other: Not important, but if it’s something like a scrapbook that would be allowed and not to heavy to carry, then feel free to take along as well.

    Can a petitioner join the beneficiary during the interview?

    • Only US citizens, parent/guardian (for child petition), or caregiver (for disabled/elderly) can enter the Mumbai US Consulate.
    • Green Card holders will be asked to wait outside.

      What is the bathroom situation?

    • The men’s room had 4 stalls available (women’s room is expected to be the same).
    • It is a bit of a walk from the waiting area so be sure to let the staff know (the ones walking around to assist) that you will be in the washroom.
    • This will ensure you’re not skipped when calling tokens.

      Can I take water inside the consulate?

    • They may let you (some were allowed).
    • Keep the bottle small (250ml or so).
    • After you step out post interview, there is a small table with refreshments.

      What about snacks?

    • Food is not allowed inside the consulate.
    • Try to eat beforehand, you may be in there for a while.
    • It’s a good idea to eat a protein bar when you get into the line prior to entering the consulate.

      When should I get to the consulate?

    • Around 6.45 a.m., the security will ask Immigrant Visa applicants only to form a line. At 7.00 a.m.
    • They will start allowing 10 or so applicants at a time to enter the security area
    • At the next gate, they will ask for the beneficiary’s interview letter and passport
    • Those listed in the first bullet point will want to have their passports ready if attending the interview process.

      What happens once in security?

    • Standard Airport style security to scan all documents. You won’t be asked to remove your shoes. Your pockets must be empty.

      I can't take any electronics into the consulate! What about my cellphone?

    • No electronics (cellphones, Smarth watches, CDs, flash drives, etc) are allowed.
    • You can carry your wallet/purse
    • There will sometimes be a service offered by police where they will hold your belongings and you can claim when your interview is over (20 rupees)
    • The police service is contingent upon the van being there.
    • It's suggested to leave your cellphone in the hotel and take some cash to hail an auto rickshaw after interview.

    Waiting + Interview Area

    • There are 16 windows - the first 8 are for the initial documentation collection.
    • 7 or so are reserved for the interview with the CO.
    • One window is left for follow up on documents (last window).
    • There are 2-3 large screens that will display the current token number being called as well as which token is being serviced.
    • You will be asked to form a line in the back of the room and arrange civil documents in a specific order.
    • One by one, beneficiaries will be given their token and ask to sit until they see their token on the screens.
    • Petitioners may be asked to sit when the beneficiary is waiting in line (keeps the area from clogging).

      First Interview Window

    • The Indian officer will ask for civil documents.
    • He will ask the beneficiary some questions (may vary):
      What is your spouse’s name?
      What is your mother’s maiden name?
      Is this your first marriage?
      Have you applied for a Visa before?
      Do you have any international trips?
    • The officer will keep the passport, original birth certificate, and PCC with him.
    • They will then ask you to take a seat and wait to be called again for the second interview window

      Second Interview Window

    • Petitioner can join spouse at this window
    • They will be asked to sit within a couple of minutes
    • The officer will ask the beneficiary to raise their right hand and swear to tell the truth
    • The officer will ask the beneficiary for their fingerprints
    • The officer will begin asking the beneficiary questions
    • Average is 5-10 minutes
    • Answer confidently and succinctly - too many details can create more questions
    • You may be asked for proof of bona fide marriage
    • Always tell the truth - the answers you give may affect the next question
    • If you ‘re not sure, you can say you don’t know
    • Once approved, if you were CR1 at time of DQ and went to interview after 2 or more years of marriage, let the CO know so they can process your visa as 10yr GC

      How long does the actual consulate interview process take?

    • On average, the process takes 2-3 hours (mostly waiting time).
    • Some have reported being in the consulate for 4-6 hours so it’s important to eat beforehand.