Immigrant Visa Abroad (DS-260)

Who qualifies

Beneficiary of an approved I-130/I-140 living outside the U.S.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Pay NVC fees

   Log into CEAC and pay the affidavit and visa fees.

   Watch out: Use only the official State Department site.
2. 2

   Complete DS-260

   Answer every question accurately.

   Watch out: Answers must match prior forms.

   Common rejection reason: Inconsistent answers.
3. 3

   Submit civil documents

   Birth, marriage, police certificates and I-864.

   Watch out: Check country-specific document rules.

   Common rejection reason: Missing police certificate.
4. 4

   Medical exam and interview

   See an approved panel physician; attend the embassy interview.

   Watch out: Bring originals.

   Common rejection reason: Missing originals.
5. 5

   Enter the U.S. and pay immigrant fee

   Pay the USCIS immigrant fee to receive the green card.

   Watch out: Not applicable.

Documents you'll need

• DS-260 confirmation

  Printed confirmation page.

• Passport

  Valid 6+ months beyond entry.

• Birth certificate

  Per country reciprocity rules.

• Police certificates

  From countries lived in 6+ months after age 16.

• Sponsor I-864 package

  Affidavit of Support with evidence.

• Medical exam results

  Sealed panel physician results.