What documents are needed when you process your visa at the Consulate? It depends on what type of visa you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a visa at the Consulate based on your marriage, you need to have a list of documents that the Consulate is going to have on their website. Of course, in all situations where you’re applying for a visa, it goes without saying that you’ll need a valid passport. Passports usually should be valid for one year. They will also ask you to bring updated passport photos and then it’s important to bring anything related to the application. If you’re applying for a visa based on your marriage, it’s a good idea to bring updated evidence that you’re marriage is still ongoing, that it’s a bona fide relationship. If you have joint documents or have visited each other over the past year, that’s important to bring to the Consulate interview. They are also going to want to see your original documents, your marriage certificate, any divorce decrees, and your birth certificate.

If you’re going to the Consulate for an immigrant visa, such as applying for your H1B visa or a student visa, you want to bring documents in support of that application. If an H1B visa was applied for you here in the United States, it’s very important to have a copy of that application with you and to review it to make sure you understand what’s put in the application because the officer at the Consulate is going to ask you about your job, what your intentions are, what your past employment history is and what you’re going to the United States to do. What type of job do you have? Similarly, if you’re applying for a student visa, for example, you’re going to want to show evidence that you have the financial ability to take care of yourself while you’re in the United States. You can show evidence of that through bank statements or tax returns, evidence that you obviously are accepted to school, etc.

Each visa is different and you’re going to have to keep in mind that when you apply for that visa, you want to bring documents that support the application and verify everything that you’re coming to the United States to do. Because each application is different, the answer is going to depend on each application, and it’s important to go over those documents with an immigration lawyer and for you to look at the Consulate’s website to see what they advise. If you have questions about it, it’s a good idea to call me and I’d be happy to discuss what documents are required for your consular interview.

Cheryl David is an experienced immigration attorney practicing in New York City. Please contact us21 if you have any questions regarding your specific case, or general immigration procedures and policies.