- 1). Obtain a current passport. Gather the following documents: a certified copy of your birth certificate, court and prison records (if you were ever convicted of a crime), deportation records (if you were ever deported from the U.S.), marriage certificate (if you are married), divorce records (if you were married but are now divorced), and your military records (if you ever served in the military of any country). These documents will be requested during the visa application process.
- 2). Review the "Photograph Requirements" on the U.S. Department of State website. Take two photos of yourself that satisfy the conditions of these requirements.
- 3). Download and print out Form DS-230, the "Application for Immigrant Visa Alien Registration," from the U.S. Department of State website.
- 4). Fill out the application. Check the "Yes" box for question "43a" which asks "Do you want the Social Security Administration to assign you an SSN (and issue a card) or issue you a new card (if you have an SSN)?" Check the "Yes" box for question "43b," the "Consent to Disclosure" statement.
- 5). Bring your application and supporting documents to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate office in your country. Different protocols exist for different types of visas. A consular officer will walk you through the immigration application process. In addition to submitting an application along with the required supporting documents, in general you are also expected to prove that you will be able to financially support yourself if you are allowed to come to the U.S., undergo a medical examination, receive certain vaccinations, and interview with an U.S. embassy representative.
SHARE
