Marriage Green Card Consular Processing
NVC Documents for a Spouse Immigrant Visa
After USCIS approves a marriage based Form I-130 for consular processing, the National Visa Center generally handles the financial and civil document stage before the immigrant visa interview. The petitioner and applicant must submit the required materials through the process directed by NVC and should use the country-specific civil document requirements for the applicant's case.
NVC Stage
NVC Collects the Visa Application, Financial Evidence, and Civil Documents
After the approved petition reaches NVC, the case generally proceeds through fee payment, the immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support documentation, and civil document submission.
For electronically processed cases, documents are generally uploaded through the Consular Electronic Application Center. Documents should not be mailed to NVC unless NVC specifically instructs the parties to do so.
Applicant Documents
Civil Documents Depend on the Applicant's Personal History
Department of State requires civil documents issued by the proper official authority. The exact document format and availability rules depend on the country that issued the record.
Birth Certificate
The applicant and each immigrating family member generally must obtain the required birth record or certified copy.
Marriage Certificate
A spouse visa applicant should provide the official record of the qualifying marriage.
Prior Marriage Termination
Final divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment records are generally required for each prior marriage.
Passport Biographic Page
Each immigrating family member generally submits a copy of the biographic data page of a currently valid passport.
Police Certificates
Applicants age 16 or older generally need police certificates based on nationality, current and former residence, and arrest history under Department of State rules.
Court and Prison Records
An applicant convicted of a crime generally must obtain certified court and prison records even if later pardoned or granted other clemency.
Military Records
An applicant who served in the military of any country generally must provide the required military record.
Adoption or Custody Records
Cases involving adopted children or certain family relationships may require additional adoption and custody documentation.
Petitioner's Prior Marriages
A Spouse Visa Case May Also Require the Petitioner's Divorce Records
For IR1, CR1, and F2A spouse visa cases, Department of State instructions require evidence terminating each prior marriage of the petitioning spouse when the petitioner was previously married.
The record may include a final divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment document depending on how the prior marriage ended.
Police Certificates
Police Certificate Rules Depend on Residence and Arrest History
Applicants age 16 or older should carefully apply the Department of State police certificate rules rather than simply obtaining one certificate from the current country of residence.
Country of Nationality
A certificate is generally required when the applicant has lived in the country of nationality for the period specified by Department of State rules.
Current Residence
A certificate can also be required from the applicant's current country of residence when the applicable residence threshold is met.
Former Countries of Residence
Longer periods of residence in other countries after age 16 can create additional police certificate requirements.
Arrest History
An arrest can create a police certificate requirement regardless of how long the applicant lived in that location.
Country-Specific Documents
Use the Department of State Requirements for the Issuing Country
A document that looks like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificate, or divorce document is not necessarily the version accepted for immigrant visa processing.
The Department of State publishes country-specific information identifying document availability, issuing authorities, document names, and special procedures.
Translations
Some Civil Documents Require Certified English Translations
Department of State generally requires certified translations for documents not written in English or in the official language of the country from which the applicant is applying.
The translator's certification should state that the translation is accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.
Financial Documents
The Petitioner Generally Submits Form I-864 and Supporting Evidence
Marriage based immigrant visa cases generally require the petitioner to submit the appropriate Affidavit of Support together with the financial evidence needed for the particular sponsorship arrangement.
Depending on the case, the record may involve the petitioner's income, tax evidence, assets, household member documentation, or a joint sponsor.
Petitioners living outside the United States should separately review the domicile requirement.
Submitting Through CEAC
Upload All Required Documents Before Submitting the Case for NVC Review
For electronically processed cases, CEAC separates financial documents from civil documents.
The parties should upload the required documents in the appropriate sections and use the submission function after the required items have been added. NVC then reviews the case for documentary completeness.
Complete Form DS-260
The immigrant visa applicant completes the online immigrant visa application.
Collect Financial Documents
Prepare the appropriate Form I-864 materials and supporting financial evidence.
Collect Civil Documents
Use the applicant's history and country-specific requirements to identify the necessary records.
Upload Clear Copies
Make sure the documents are readable, complete, and submitted in the appropriate location.
Submit the Documents
Once the required sections are complete, submit the case for NVC review.
Unavailable Documents
The Correct Response Depends on Why the Document Is Missing
Department of State distinguishes between a document that is officially unavailable under the country-specific guidance and a required document that the applicant simply has been unable to obtain.
If the Department of State's country guidance states that the document is unavailable, NVC does not require the applicant to scan a nonexistent document.
If the document is considered available but the applicant cannot obtain it for another reason, Department of State instructs the applicant to submit a detailed written explanation with the other documents. The consular officer may later determine whether the document must still be obtained before visa issuance.
Original Documents
Keep the Originals for the Visa Interview
Uploading civil documents through CEAC does not eliminate the requirement to bring the original or certified copy records to the immigrant visa interview.
Applicants should organize the interview documents before the appointment and confirm that updated records, particularly police certificates, remain valid.
Avoidable Delays
Common NVC Document Problems
Wrong Civil Document
The submitted record does not match the version identified by the country-specific requirements.
Incomplete Divorce History
A prior marriage termination document is missing for the applicant or petitioner.
Missing Translation
A document requiring translation is uploaded without an acceptable certified translation.
Incomplete Police Certificate History
The applicant obtains only a current local certificate and overlooks a certificate required because of nationality, former residence, or arrest history.
I-864 Problems
The financial submission contains the wrong form, missing financial evidence, incorrect household information, or an unresolved domicile issue.
Mailing Documents Without Instructions
Sending paper documents to NVC in an electronically processed case can delay rather than accelerate processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
NVC Spouse Visa Document Questions
Do I send original civil documents to NVC?
Generally no. Copies are submitted during NVC processing, while originals or certified copies are brought to the immigrant visa interview.
Do I mail my documents to NVC?
For most electronically processed cases, documents are uploaded through CEAC. Do not mail documents unless NVC specifically instructs you to do so.
Do I need divorce records for every prior marriage?
Generally yes. The applicant must provide evidence terminating each prior marriage, and spouse visa cases may also require termination records for the petitioner's prior marriages.
Do I need police certificates from every country I visited?
No. Police certificate requirements depend on age, nationality, residence history, and arrest history rather than ordinary short visits.
What if a required document does not exist in my country?
Use the Department of State's country-specific document guidance. If the record is officially unavailable, follow those instructions. If the record is considered available but cannot be obtained for another reason, NVC generally requires a detailed written explanation.
Do I bring the same documents to the interview?
Bring the original or certified copy civil documents required for the interview, along with the other items listed in the appointment and embassy instructions.
Related Guides
Marriage Visa Consular Processing Resources
Legal Assistance With NVC Spouse Visa Documents
The Messersmith Law Firm represents spouses in National Visa Center processing, Form I-864 review, civil document preparation, marriage evidence, and immigrant visa interview preparation.
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