Q: I was notified that my immigrant visa case is eligible for interview. I had already submitted all the previously requested documents during the process. What else should I take with me to the interview?

A: The interview is the final step for an immigrant visa. Your immigration petition, visa application, and supporting information will be reviewed for compliance with immigration law, verification of the facts, and potential visa ineligibilities.

While the case file that we have for you already contains extensive documentation, we do require you to bring several additional documents to your interview appointment. Without these final submissions, your case will be delayed until we receive them; this can make the difference between receiving your visa a few weeks after the interview and delays of weeks or months.

If you can ensure that you have everything you need prior to the interview, you will have a much quicker and smoother process.

You will receive a complete list of instructions when you are notified that it is time for you to interview at the embassy. Here are some of the significant guidelines you should consider as you prepare for your interview:

• All applicants should bring to the interview the original and at least one good-quality copy of each of their civil documents (birth, marriage, and death certificates, divorce decrees, etc).

In Jamaica, the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) generates certified copies of these certificates on forms slightly longer than standard letter-size paper, and those documents bear serial numbers at the very top and bottom. This means that the copy size must be reduced to 92 per cent to avoid cutting off the serial numbers. Copies missing serial numbers cannot be accepted.

• Any photographic evidence that would help you persuade the consular officer of the authenticity of the relationship you have with your petitioner (person who filed for you). Since you cannot bring your phone with you into the Embassy, please print out any photos beforehand that you wish to submit and bring them to your appointment.

• Four colour passport-sized photographs of each person applying for a visa. Please review our online photo specifications to ensure the photos meet requirements.

• Your petitioner may accompany you to your interview and is encouraged to do so when a marital or fiancé(e) relationship forms the basis for the petition.

In addition to the items listed above, immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. In Jamaica there is only one facility accredited by the US Embassy to perform this exam: Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston. Results from medical examinations performed by other physicians will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam at the hospital using the telephone numbers provided in your appointment letter. We strongly urge you to telephone the hospital to make your appointment immediately after you register your appointment for your visa interview online in order for the results of the exam to reach the embassy in time for your interview. In order for the doctor to complete the medical form during the exam, you will need to bring your visa interview appointment letter, your passport, four passport-sized colour photographs taken recently (these are in addition to the ones you will bring to your visa interview), reading glasses (if used), a copy of your immunisation records, and all medication containers and/or most recent prescription. The doctor will complete the medical form and send it directly to the US Embassy.

In general, it’s a good idea to bring as much information as possible to the visa interview. Having photos, original civil documents, and documentation, if relevant, of property titles, life insurance, tax or other financial activities on hand will make the process faster and easier.

Avoid unnecessary delays — come prepared with everything you need!

You can find more information about how to travel to the US on our website, jm.usembassy.gov . Keep on top of Embassy news on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/US-Embassy-Jamaica and by following @USEmbassyJA on Twitter . We also answer general visa questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.