You have waited for what seems like forever for this day to arrive. It is the day that the immigrant visa interview appointment is scheduled at the United States embassy or consulate for you and your family. You have followed the consul's advice and you have not yet quit your job, sold your property or purchased nonrefundable airline tickets to the United States. There will be plenty of time to do those things after the immigrant visa is safely in your hands.
The United States immigration laws require that each applicant complete a medical exam by one of the doctors authorized by the consul. The exam will consist of a blood test for HIV, a chest x-ray for tuberculosis and vaccinations against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Proof of prior vaccinations should be shown to the doctor. The medical exam is generally scheduled a few days before the visa interview appointment.
The best advice that you can be given on the day of the visa interview appointment is to relax. While United States embassies and consulates can seem intimidating, the personnel who process your case really want to help you succeed. While it is not necessary to dress formally for the appointment, dress in business-casual clothing. Dress comfortably because there may be substantial waiting time. Check the policy of the consul regarding whether small children are required to be present. Generally, brief cases, cell phones, computers, cameras and similar electronic devices are not allowed in the building for security reasons.
When your name is called for your interview, approach the consul with a smile and always use courtesy. Listen to the questions carefully and answer only the question, no more and no less. The questions you may be asked include questions about your job offer in the United States, your qualifications and any other information that appears on your application forms and documents. As a result, it is critical that you be thoroughly familiar with all of the documents in your application package. Never argue with the consul. Speak up with confidence and look the consul directly in the eye when addressing the consul.
If your immigrant visa application is approved, the immigrant visa will be placed in each applicant's passport and each applicant will be provided with a large sealed envelope containing the application and supporting documents. The immigrant visa is generally valid for 6 months to immigrate to the United States.
It is most important to note that the issuance of the immigrant visa by the consul at the time of the interview at the embassy or consulate is no guarantee of admission into the United States. At your port of entry into the United Sates you will present the visa and the sealed envelope to the officer who will then make the final decision regarding your admission to the United States as an immigrant. If admitted to the United States, you become a permanent resident of the United States as of the date of entry. The actual permanent resident card ("green card") will be sent to you by mail very soon after your entry.
When the card arrives....what do you do next? Go Celebrate!
