The Interview

After you have paid the necessary fees and have submitted the required immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support, and supporting documents to the National Visa Center (NVC), they will review your file for completeness. Once your case becomes qualified for an interview, the NVC will work with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule an appointment for you.

An interview appointment letter is sent to you (the applicant), as well as your petitioner (sponsor), and your agent/attorney (if applicable) to notify you and them of the date, time, and location of the interview. There may be a wait of several months for an interview date to become available.

Supporting documents are sent to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once your interview appointment is scheduled, NVC sends the immigrant visa petition, visa application, and all related forms and documents which were submitted to NVC to the appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Important Next Steps

After receiving notification that an interview has been scheduled, it is important that you (and any family members applying to immigrate with you) prepare for the visa interview. Review Interview FAQsEach visa applicant will need to complete a number of important next steps in advance of the interview date, including (not a complete list):

  • Gather original forms and documents – You must bring the required original forms and documents to your immigrant visa interview.
  • Schedule and complete a medical examination with the authorized physician(s).

Select Prepare for the Interview above to learn about these important next steps.

Only applicants with appointments will be admitted into the Embassy. Exceptions will be made only if the applicant is under 18 or if the applicant is disabled and requires assistance. The parent/guardian or care giver’s name must be on the appointment list. These can be added by emailing ConsPrague@state.gov.

Large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages are not allowed within the Embassy grounds.

Please also do not bring laptops or any other electronic devices, such as Blackberries, iPods, PDAs or remote-entry automobile key “fobs” to the interview as they are not allowed within the Embassy.

Mobile phones will be collected by the Embassy Guard Force upon entry to the facility and will be returned upon departure. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the cancellation of your appointment.

You MUST be aware of these requirements or you won’t get in!

Applicants are required to queue outside even in inclement weather. Please, therefore, do not arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time.

Local authorities will not permit anyone to wait outside the Embassy, so please do not bring anyone else with you.