For a spouse visa interview at a US embassy, applicants must bring a valid passport, the approved Form I-130 petition receipt, and the DS-260 confirmation page. Supporting documents include marriage certificates, proof of relationship such as photos and communication records, and financial evidence like the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). Medical examination results and police clearance certificates may also be required to complete the interview process.
What Documents are Needed for a Spouse Visa Interview at a US Embassy?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Digital Relationship Evidence | For a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy, digital relationship evidence such as WhatsApp chat logs, email exchanges, video call screenshots, and social media interactions can validate the authenticity of the marital relationship. These digital documents complement traditional paper evidence and demonstrate ongoing communication and emotional connection between spouses. |
| 2 | WhatsApp Chat Transcripts | WhatsApp chat transcripts demonstrating consistent and genuine communication between spouses serve as crucial supplementary evidence in a US spouse visa interview, verifying the authenticity of the relationship. Alongside transcripts, applicants must present valid passports, marriage certificates, Form I-130 receipts, financial affidavits, and proof of cohabitation to meet embassy requirements. |
| 3 | Virtual Marriage Ceremony Certificates | For a spouse visa interview at a US embassy, presenting a virtual marriage ceremony certificate entails submitting an officially notarized document that verifies the legitimacy of the marriage, alongside valid identification such as passports. Supporting evidence including joint financial records, photographs, and affidavits strengthen the case by demonstrating the authenticity of the relationship despite the virtual nature of the ceremony. |
| 4 | Electronic Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) | The Electronic Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a critical document required for a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy, demonstrating the petitioner's financial ability to support the immigrant spouse without relying on public benefits. This form must be electronically submitted and signed by the petitioner, including detailed income, assets, and household information to meet the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 5 | Biometric Appointment Receipt | The Biometric Appointment Receipt is a crucial document required for a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy, confirming the scheduled date and location for fingerprinting and photograph collection. This receipt ensures the applicant has completed mandatory biometric processing, which is essential for background checks and identity verification during the visa adjudication process. |
| 6 | Social Media Interaction Logs | Social media interaction logs, including activity history and communication records, are increasingly reviewed during a spouse visa interview at a US embassy to verify the authenticity of the relationship. Applicants should prepare to provide detailed information or access to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to demonstrate genuine interaction between spouses. |
| 7 | Remote Income Verification Letters | Remote income verification letters for a spouse visa interview at a US embassy must detail the sponsor's consistent earnings, employer contact information, and employment duration to demonstrate financial stability. These letters serve as critical evidence to satisfy the affidavit of support requirements, confirming the sponsor's ability to support the applicant without public assistance. |
| 8 | Video Call Records | For a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy, applicants must provide video call records demonstrating consistent communication between partners, supporting the authenticity of the relationship. These records should include timestamps, participant details, and clear visuals or audio to strengthen the evidence of a bona fide marriage. |
| 9 | Cloud-based Photo Album Links | Applicants must provide a valid passport, marriage certificate, and completed visa application forms at the spouse visa interview, while cloud-based photo album links showcasing wedding and relationship memories offer supplemental evidence of genuine marital status. Uploading organized, timestamped images to secure online platforms enhances credibility and supports proof of an authentic relationship during the USCIS evaluation process. |
| 10 | E-Signed Joint Lease Agreements | For a spouse visa interview at a US embassy, E-signed joint lease agreements serve as crucial evidence of shared residence, demonstrating the authenticity of the marital relationship. These digital documents must be clear, valid, and compliant with local real estate laws to support the visa application effectively. |
Overview of the US Spouse Visa Process
The US spouse visa process involves several key steps, beginning with the petition filed by the US citizen or permanent resident spouse. A crucial part of this journey is the visa interview at the US embassy, where you must present specific documents verifying your relationship and eligibility. Preparing these documents thoroughly can significantly influence the success of your visa application.
Key Identification and Personal Documents
What documents are needed for a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy? Key identification documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate. Personal documents such as police clearance certificates, proof of financial support, and completed visa application forms are also essential for your interview.
Proof of Genuine Marriage
Proof of genuine marriage is a critical requirement for a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy. This evidence validates the authenticity of the marital relationship to immigration officials.
Applicants should bring official marriage certificates, joint bank account statements, and photographs together that span the length of the relationship. Affidavits from friends and family confirming the marriage can strengthen the case. Consistent communication records, such as emails and call logs, also support the claim of a bona fide marriage.
Financial Evidence and Affidavit of Support
Preparing for a spouse visa interview at a US embassy requires submitting specific financial documents to demonstrate the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant spouse. Key documents include financial evidence and an Affidavit of Support to prove financial stability and legal responsibility.
- Financial Evidence - Includes recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements proving the sponsor's income meets or exceeds the minimum poverty guidelines.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) - A legally binding document completed by the sponsor pledging financial responsibility for the immigrant spouse.
- Supporting Documents - Proof of the sponsor's employment, assets, and any additional income sources to strengthen the visa application.
Medical Examination and Vaccination Records
For a spouse visa interview at a US embassy, submitting your Medical Examination and Vaccination Records is crucial. These documents verify your health status and compliance with US immigration health requirements.
- Medical Examination Report - A report completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon confirming you have undergone the required medical examination.
- Vaccination Records - Official proof of vaccinations that meet the CDC's vaccination requirements for immigrant visa applicants.
- Completed Form I-693 - The sealed medical examination form provided by the civil surgeon, which must be submitted at the interview.
Ensure all medical documents are current and properly sealed to avoid delays in visa processing.
Police Clearance and Criminal Background Checks
For a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy, police clearance certificates and criminal background checks are crucial documents. These records verify the applicant's criminal history and are required to ensure eligibility for entry into the United States.
You must obtain police clearance from every country where the applicant has lived for six months or more since turning 16. The documents should be recent, typically issued within the last six months, and must be submitted along with other visa application materials.
Prior Marriage and Divorce Documentation
For a spouse visa interview at a US Embassy, it is essential to provide prior marriage certificates to demonstrate the legal end of any previous marriages. Divorce decrees or annulment papers must be submitted to prove the termination of all prior marital relationships. These documents help establish the applicant's eligibility and ensure compliance with US immigration laws.
Supporting Photographs and Communication Records
| Document Type | Description | Purpose in Spouse Visa Interview |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting Photographs | Recent color photographs of the applicant and the spouse, including joint pictures taken over the course of the relationship. | Provide visual evidence of a genuine relationship, demonstrating the couple's interaction and history together. |
| Communication Records | Printed copies of emails, chat logs, phone call records, and letters exchanged between the spouses. | Establish authenticity and ongoing communication between the couple to verify the legitimacy of the marriage. |
Interview Appointment Letter and Visa Fee Receipts
The Interview Appointment Letter is a mandatory document for your spouse visa interview at a US Embassy. It confirms the date, time, and location of your scheduled interview.
Visa Fee Receipts serve as proof that the required payment for the spouse visa application has been completed. These receipts must be presented during the interview to verify fee submission and avoid delays.
What Documents are Needed for a Spouse Visa Interview at a US Embassy? Infographic
