Follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, Laos.

After you receive your visa interview appointment, you must complete each of these steps below.  If you do not complete each step before your visa interview appointment the consular section may require you to reschedule for a later date.

All applicants must follow the instructions below before you go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Step 1: Register online

Before your visa interview appointment, you must register online here.

Your registration ensures we have the correct information to return your passport and documents after your visa interview.  Registration also allows you to cancel or reschedule your interview if necessary.

Register Online >>

Step 2: Schedule a medical exam in Vientiane

As soon as you receive your appointment date, schedule a medical exam at Alliance International Medical Centre in Vientiane. Click on “Medical Exam Instructions” for more information. Complete your medical examination at least three (3) weeks before your interview. If you do not have your medical results by the time of interview, the process will be delayed. Any follow-up treatment may also delay the process.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

Bring all required original documents or certified copies to your interview. You must provide a copy of each document for us to return your original or certified document. Print the checklist below and bring it to your interview along with the listed documents. We require certified English translations of Lao civil documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted. Most medical exam results will be returned to the applicants within 14 days. However, some medical results may take longer. If you don’t have the results by the time of your interview, the process will be delayed.

Approved physicians:

Alliance International Medical Centre
Souphanouvong Road, Wattayyaithong Village,
Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital
Tel: 856-21-513095
Email: info@aimclao.com

Items to bring to your medical examination

The doctor will need the following items to complete the medical exam forms:

• Your visa interview letter from NVC.
• Your passport,
• Four (4) recently taken passport-sized color photographs,
• A copy of your immunization records, if available, and
• Your DS-260 confirmation page

Any and all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, must be paid directly to the examining physician. Vaccinations cost approximately LAK 888,675 to LAK 13,156,725 (USD $41 – USD $607), depending on age and vaccine record. 

During the medical exam

Be prepared to discuss your medical history, the medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. The medical examination will include:

• A medical history review,
• A physical examination,
• A chest x-ray, (for applicants 15 years of age or older),
• Blood tests (for applicants 15 years of older), and
• Tuberculosis (TB) testing (for applicants two years of age and older).

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations before receiving a visa. Current immigrant visa vaccination requirements are available on the CDC's website. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. Immigrants is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. You can also read the Frequently Asked Questions about our medical examination requirements on Travel.State.Gov.

After the medical exam

In most cases, the doctor will provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope. DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

Any x-rays taken will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis (TB). However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

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Pre-Interview Checklist

Use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview. All foreign documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation unless excepted:

• Appointment Letter: A copy of your immigrant interview letter from NVC (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
  
  
• DS-260 Confirmation Page: Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx.
  
  
• Passport: Bring the original. Passport must be unexpired and valid for six months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States.
  
  
• Photos: Two (2) recently taken color passport-size (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch) photos of each person applying for a visa. Photos older than six (6) months will not be accepted. Please review our online photo requirements.
  
  
• Lao Household Registration Book (Family Book): Bring the original. This document does not need an English translation. Do not create a new book only for the visa interview. If you have a new book, bring in the previously cancelled book or a photocopy of it.
  
  
• Birth Certificate: Bring the original. The biological parents should be listed on the birth certificate. For IR5 (parents) and F4 (Sibling) cases, please provide the birth certificate of the petitioner. All Lao birth certificates issued after 2008 must be issued by the district office. Village birth records are not acceptable. Parents who have passed away should still be listed on birth certificates with a death annotation.
  
  
• Marriage Certificate: Original or certified document with an English translation.
  
  
• Divorce or Death Certificate (if any): Original or certified document with an English translation. Bring you and your spouse’s divorce decree of every prior marriage or prior spouse’s death certificate.
  
  
• Police Certificate: Valid police certificates from every country and Lao province you have lived in for more than six (6) months after the age of 16 years old. Certificates must be issued less than six (6) months ago.
  
  
• Medical Examination Results: The approved physician should have directly sent it to the embassy. However, if the physician gives you the results, please bring the sealed envelope to your appointment.
  
  
• Bank Statements: Bring the last 12 months of bank statements from the petitioner and any joint sponsors.
  
  
• Any Evidence of Name Change: Please bring any evidence of name change, if applicable. For IR5 and F4 cases, provide proof of a name change if applicable for the petitioner.
  
  
• For Derivatives: Bring original birth certificates and a photocopy for all children and the spouse of the principal applicant (even if he or she will not accompany).

Applicants should bring original or certified documents, along with photocopies, to the interview. You must provide copies of your original or certified documents for us to return the original or certified documents after the interview. The Consular Section needs to see all original documents even if the petitioner already submitted them to USCIS. Please make sure all civil documents (passport, birth, marriage, divorce, name change, and police certificates) are electronically uploaded.

Applicants who fall into any category below should bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications.

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript, or most recent U.S. federal income tax return and any relevant W-2s. If you want to combine your personal income with the income of your spouse or other household member, you need to submit a form I-864A for each household member along with proof of their legal status in the United States (copy of naturalization certificate, LPR Card, U.S. passport, or birth certificate).
  
  
  • Form I-864 is necessary to establish the petitioner’s capacity to be financially responsible for a beneficiary. Your petition may be denied based on a petitioner’s limited financial capacity or if you submit the wrong financial forms. To learn more about the income requirements please see USCIS.
  • If the petitioner of an immigrant visa application does not have enough income to sponsor a beneficiary, the petitioner may ask a joint sponsor to financially support an immigrant petition. All joint sponsors need to provide copies of their most recent IRS transcript or tax return and proof of legal status in the United States (such as a copy of their U.S. passport, Legal Permanent Resident card, or Naturalization Certificate).
  • A joint sponsor who lives in the same household as the petitioner must submit Form I-864A.
  • A joint sponsor who does not live in the same household as the petitioner must submit a separate Form I-864.

Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as old photographs or documents).

If you are married: Your original or certified document of the marriage certificate with an English translation and a photocopy.

If you were previously married: Your original or certified document of the divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate with an English translation and a photocopy.

For IR1 and CR1: Bring original or certified documents that prove termination of prior marriages for the petitioner.

If you are older than 16 years of age: Bring original police certificate(s) from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. In Laos, you must bring a police certificate from each province you resided in for more than six (6) months. Police certificates must be issued within one (1) year.

• Original job offer letter signed by the petitioning company on their company letterhead and issued one (1) month prior to your interview.
• Form I-864 is not required unless a relative is the petitioner or has a 5% or more ownership interest in the petitioning business.

If you have ever been convicted of a crime:

• Court and criminal records with an English translation and a photocopy.

If you have served in any country’s military:

• Military records with an English translation and a photocopy. In Laos, military records may not be available to you.

If you are adopted:

• Adoption papers or custody documents with an English translation and a photocopy.

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:

• The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, and a photocopy along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent. If the biological parent married to the petitioner has legal status in the U.S. you should include a photocopy of the proof of their status (Legal Permanent Resident card, Naturalization Certificate, work authorization, etc.).

If you are immigrating to the United States on a K1, K3, IR1, CR1, or F2A:

• We ask that you read and understand the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA). Follow the QR code or click the link to view in English and other languages.

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Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

There may be significant waits before the next available appointment, so try to attend your scheduled appointment. There’s no guarantee that a visa will still be available if you reschedule your appointment. Check the Visa Bulletin carefully before you reschedule your interview. If you’re applying for a Diversity Visa (DV), remember that visas are limited in number and must be issued by September 30 of the program year.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, contact the Consular Section by email at CONSLAO@state.gov as soon as possible.

Security screening procedures

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview.

You cannot bring:

• Any battery-operated or electronic device (including smartphones);
• Large bags or luggage; and
• Food and liquid items. 

Accompanying persons

The following people may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:

• Interpreter: Applicants may bring an interpreter if they do not speak English, Lao, or Hmong well enough to participate in an interview and no officer that knows the language is available.
• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring a person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child.
• Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview.

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to the National Visa Center, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview.

All fees may be paid in either U.S. dollars or the Lao Kip equivalent. We accept cash and credit. A complete list of fees can be found here. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded.

Do not make travel plans outside of Laos

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print your visa. We will inform you when the visa will be ready for pick-up and issue you a paper receipt at the time of approval. If you have to travel within Laos while your passport is still with us, please make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport.

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After Your Visa Interview

There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property; resign from your job; or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. 

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing.

When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on when to bring those documents to the embassy.

Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. However, the timing varies based on the circumstances of each case. Before inquiring about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 60 days after your interview.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet: We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. We will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you. Do not put it in your checked luggage. Give it to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

USCIS Immigrant Fee: All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. Some categories of people are exempt from paying this fee, such as children entering the United States under the orphan or Hague adoption program, returning residents, and K visa nonimmigrants.

When You Should Travel: You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six (6) months from the date of printing. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21^st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card: Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives, please consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are in compliance with their rules. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues: In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, in full custody to you as a result of a divorce, or in shared custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers with an English translation for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants: Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online. 

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Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants.

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to his/her visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website
  
  
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR have two years of qualifying work experience in the last five years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available online).
  
  
• Payment in cash of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee
   

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married, you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident).

Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Failure to have listed an existing spouse or children at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery will result in the denial of your visa and visas for your family. Any fees paid to the U.S. government in support of your visa application(s) are nonrefundable. If you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse to whom you were married when you entered the lottery, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements online.

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