Sometimes the consular check is quick and requires a minimal set of documents. However, there are cases when people have to come several times and bring additional documents.
There are 2 main sets of documents that need to be prepared.
- Handwritten application form: All pages printed and signed. Be sure to check the filling instructions.
- Photos: At least 5 color photos (size 3×5 to 4×5 cm) for each family member.
- Foreign passport: For each family member.
- Internal passport: For each family member (except children).
- Birth certificate: Original or an extended information certificate from the registry office/MFC.
- Military ID: Original.
- Employment record book: Original or printout (if electronic).
- Diplomas: Starting from high school and beyond.
- Notarized consent: If traveling with a minor child, notarized consent from the second parent with an apostille is required.
- Copies of documents: Make at least 1 copy of all the above documents.
This set of documents is collected for parents, grandparents with Jewish roots. The main documents are:
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate.
- Death certificate (if available).
- Military IDs (in the USSR, nationality was indicated there).
- Extract from the house register.
- Certificate from a Jewish cemetery about the burial.
- Personnel files from work, study, or service.
The key goal is to collect 3 different originals for parents, grandparents with Jewish roots.
- Instruct relatives on what exactly and where to obtain.
- If relatives cannot move around – hire a driver or assist them in advance.
- Make duplicates of documents at the MFC if relatives are afraid to hand over originals.
- Under no circumstances should you deceive the consul.
- Follow a business dress code.
- Allocate up to 120 minutes for the meeting.
- Organize documents into folders for convenience.
- Have all copies in electronic format.