Petition Approved: How to Prepare for the DS-260 Abroad
DS-260 Consular Processing Checklist: Complete guide to all required documents for embassy processing abroad.
Before You Begin: Critical Data Requirements
For the DS-260 stage, you must collect all critical data from yourself and every dependent applicant who will be filing with you. The DS-260 is one of the most detail-heavy stages of the immigrant visa process: it requires comprehensive biographical, address, employment, education, and travel history, often covering the past 5–10 years, with no gaps allowed.
The CEAC platform is unstable and does not allow you to skip incomplete items, so you cannot "move on" without fully resolving every question and every date gap. Missing information will stall progress and require you to gather more information later, delaying the process.
Preparation is essential: Gather all information in advance, verify every timeline for continuity, and ensure you have a VPN ready in case CEAC outages occur. Having everything prepared beforehand enables efficient and accurate completion.
View our Paralegal Guide for complete operational guidance on DS-260 preparation.
Required Photos
Passport Photos
Requirements
Specifications
Civil Documents
State Department Official Resources
The U.S. State Department provides detailed requirements for civil documents by country and comprehensive employment-based visa information.
Civil Documents by Country:State Department Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents
Search for your country to find specific document requirements, issuing authorities, fees, and procedures.
Employment-Based Immigration:State Department EB-1 Visa Information
Official information about EB-1A requirements and consular processing procedures.
Document Requirements by Country
Civil document requirements vary significantly by country. Always check your country's specific requirements using the State Department resources above.
Example - Korean Documents: Korean civil documents must be the "Detailed version" including Resident Registration Number, required even if unmarried (age 18+). Other countries have different formats and requirements.
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Additional Documents
Country-Specific Examples
Korea: Detailed version with Resident Registration Number required, even if unmarried (age 18+)
Japan: Family register (Koseki) documents from municipal office
India: Registrar of Births and Deaths certificates
China: Notarized certificates from Civil Affairs Bureau
Always verify: Use the State Department's country-specific guide for exact requirements, as these can change and vary significantly.
Police Certificates
"I lived abroad in a country other than my home country or the U.S. for a while. Do I also need to get documents there?"
When Required
Yes! Police certificates are required if you were 16+ years old and lived in any country (other than U.S.) for 6+ months, regardless of whether it's your home country or not.
Important: Check the State Department's country-specific requirements for proper procedures, fees, and processing times. Each country has different requirements and processing methods.
Example: Korean Police Certificate
From Korean National Police Agency
Request English language certificate
Typically 2-3 weeks
Country-Specific Requirements
Each country has specific procedures and requirements
Varies by country (2-8 weeks typical)
Some countries require sealed envelopes or special procedures
Example: Japanese police certificates must remain in sealed envelopes - opening invalidates the certificate.
Additional Required Documents
"What other documents do I need beyond birth and marriage certificates?"
Travel History Certificate
Complete international travel history
From your home country's immigration office
Example: Korean Entry & Exit Certificate (English version) from Korean Immigration Office
Military Service Records
Some countries require military service documentation
Shows completion, exemption, or current status
Example: Korean Military Records Certificate required for all Korean male applicants
Complete Address History
"Do I really need to list every single address I've lived at?"
Yes - No Gaps Allowed!
Critical Requirement: You must provide your complete address history with absolutely no gaps in timeline since age 16.
Requirements
Include All
Criminal Record Disclosure
"I had a minor incident years ago that was dismissed. Do I still need to mention it?"
Yes - Full Disclosure Required
ALL criminal history must be disclosed, even if dismissed, expunged, or considered minor. The embassy will find out anyway - it's better to be upfront.
Required Disclosures
Even if dismissed or reduced
Regardless of outcome
If previously reported on DS-160
Required Details
For DUI cases
All financial consequences
Suspensions, revocations
Complete count of incidents
I-601 Waiver
Depending on the severity of criminal history, a Form I-601 Waiver may be required. Consult with legal counsel for cases involving criminal records.
DS-260 Online Form
"How do I actually submit all these documents to the embassy?"
Online Immigrant Visa Application
The DS-260 is your main application form that you complete online. You'll upload most of your supporting documents through this system.
Form Requirements
Supporting Documents
Embassy Interview Preparation
"The interview is scheduled! What do I actually bring to the embassy?"
Bring to Interview
Medical Exam Completion
Ready for DS-260 Consular Processing?
Our experts can help ensure your DS-260 application and supporting documents are properly prepared for embassy processing.