After winning the Green Card Lottery, one of the most important tasks is to gather and prepare all the necessary documents for the visa application process. This checklist will guide you through the essential documents you need to collect for yourself and your eligible family members to ensure a smooth process.
1. Personal Identification Documents
- Passport: A valid passport for each applicant (principal applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under 21). The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
- Birth Certificates: Certified copies of birth certificates for the principal applicant and each accompanying family member. These must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names.
2. Family Relationship Documents
- Marriage Certificate: A certified copy of your marriage certificate if you are married. This proves the legal marriage between the principal applicant and spouse.
- Divorce or Death Certificates: If either you or your spouse were previously married, provide certified copies of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse(s).
- Adoption Papers: If you have adopted children who are applying for a visa with you, provide certified copies of the adoption papers.
3. Education and Employment Documents
- Educational Certificates: Proof of your educational qualifications, such as high school diploma, equivalent certificates, or university degrees. If applicable, include transcripts.
- Work Experience Documents: If applying based on work experience rather than education, provide detailed evidence of your work history, including employment letters, job descriptions, and any relevant certifications.
4. Police Certificates
- Police Clearance Certificates: Police certificates for each applicant aged 16 or older from every country where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 16. These certificates must show no criminal record or note any offenses.
5. Medical Examination
- Medical Examination Report: Each applicant must undergo a medical examination by a U.S.-approved doctor in their country. The results will either be sent directly to the embassy or given to you in a sealed envelope to bring to your visa interview.
6. Visa Application and Supporting Documents
- DS-260 Confirmation Page: Print and bring the confirmation page of the DS-260 form submission for each applicant. This form is the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
- Visa Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the visa application fee for each applicant. The fee amount can vary, so check the U.S. Department of State website for the current fee.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs of each applicant, adhering to U.S. visa photo requirements.
7. Financial Documents
- Affidavit of Support (if applicable): If you have a U.S. sponsor, they must complete Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, to show they can financially support you in the U.S.
- Bank Statements: Provide recent bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself and your family in the U.S.
- Proof of Employment: If you have a job offer in the U.S., provide an employment letter from your future employer.
8. Additional Documents
- Court and Prison Records: If any applicant has been convicted of a crime, provide certified copies of court and prison records.
- Military Records: If you served in the military, provide certified copies of your military records.
9. Visa Interview Preparation
- Appointment Confirmation: Bring the appointment confirmation letter for your visa interview, which you will receive after scheduling your interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on your case, additional documents may be requested by the consulate. These could include property records, proof of residency, or other specific documents related to your application.
10. Travel Documents
- Sealed Immigrant Visa Packet: After your visa is approved, the U.S. consulate will give you a sealed immigrant visa packet, which you must not open. This packet is to be presented to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at your U.S. port of entry.
- Visa Stamp in Passport: Your passport will be stamped with the immigrant visa, allowing you to enter the United States.