Latest update September 17th, 2026 10:25 AM
ImmigrationINFO: Documents required for Immigrant Visa Processing Abroad
By Attorney Gail Seeram
The most frustrating part of the immigrant visa process when the beneficiary is living outside the United States is gathering supporting documents. About six to nine months before the immigrant visa (or green card) is available for issuance at the U.S. Embassy, the National Visa Center will request certain supporting documents from the petitioner and beneficiary.
This article will briefly list and describe the supporting documents required by the Department of State, National Visa Center. Note, all the original certified documents that are submitted to the National Visa Center are NOT returned to the petitioner or beneficiary.
- Birth Certificates – Each family member traveling to the United States must submit an original (or certified) copy of their birth certificate. With Guyana, they like to see an original issued within the last year. Also, an original (or certified) copy of the petitioner’s birth certificate should also be submitted.
- Adoption Documentation – If an intending immigrant child was adopted and if the child’s application to immigrate is based upon a parent-child relationship, then an original (or certified) copy of the adoption decree, adoptive birth certificate, custody documentation and home study must be submitted.
- Marriage and Divorce Certificates – If the petitioner or beneficiary has been married or divorced, then an original (or certified) copy of EACH prior and current marriage certificate and final judgment of divorce should be submitted. Note, a legal marriage recognized anywhere in the world is recognized by the United States. Please remember to disclose ALL prior marriages.
- Photographs – Each family member traveling to the United States must submit two identical 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) colour photographs.
- Military Records – If you served in the military of any country, you must obtain a photocopy of your military record.
- Arrest, Court, Prison Records – If you were arrested or convicted of a crime, you must obtain a certified copy of each arrest, court and prison record, regardless of the fact that you may have been granted amnesty, a pardon, or other act of clemency. If the arrest, court or prison records are unavailable or have been destroyed (or purged) then obtain a letter from that agency on letterhead stating that a search was conducted and the records do not exist.
- Photocopy of Valid Passport Biographical Page – Each family member traveling to the United States must submit a photocopy of the biographic data page of their valid passport. The biographic data page is the page of your passport with a photograph, name, date, and place of birth.
- Police Clearance – Each family member traveling to the United States that is over age 16 must submit an original police clearance from every country lived for more than six months. Note, police certificates expire after one year, unless the certificate was issued from your country of previous residence and you have not returned there since the police certificate was issued.
- Affidavits of Support – The petitioner must complete Form I-864 and show they earned the required income under the poverty guidelines. Also, the petitioner must submit tax returns from the last three (3) years, employer verification letters and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
- Form DS-260 Confirmation – This is the on-line immigrant visa application that has to be completed for EACH family member traveling to the United States.
As you can see, the above list is quite long and exhaustive. It can be quite overwhelming if it involves a family and not just one person. It is recommended seeking counsel or advice from an immigration lawyer if the petitioner or beneficiary has questions. If the correct supporting documents are not submitted to the National Visa Center, then the immigrant visa can be denied at the U.S. Embassy.
For more information, contact Gail Law Firm:
Email: Gail@GailLaw.com
Phone: 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730
www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
FREE in-office consultation – FREE Live Chat
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