Documents Checklist for non-immigrant US VISA interview (L1, H1B, B1, B2, F1, M1 Visas)
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Essential checklist that would save you all US VISA docs hassels
Securing U.S. Visa these days is very difficult. One missing document can lead to VISA denial. I have number of friends who never got VISA in first time because they missed bringing the needed documents. Since U.S. VISA process involves quite a work, I am authoring this content from my personal experience so that you do not end up having frustrations during your most important interview for travel.
As per my experience, U.S. has “open doors” policy and they welcome all people from the world who are genuinely interested in visiting U.S. and experience this amazing land of opportunities. To maintain its integrity, peace and security, and facilitate the enjoyable travel for all, U.S. consulates in all countries interview candidates for their genuine purpose of travel and making sure non-immigrant VISA holders do not become liability in any form to the residents of United States. Therefore there are several documents that you are expected to carry to consulate with your interview.
The best place to find the current list of documents needed for interview is U.S. consulate website of the interviewing authority in your country. To find the list of your local U.S. consulate offices Click on this link.
As per my experience over last 10 years, I categorize the documents needed in following five categories:
1) Completely filled Official form(s) of U.S. Travel
a. DS-156 (and DS-157, if needed) forms: These forms have been replaced by one form DS 160 for most non-immigrant VISA classes.
b. VISA interview appointment letter
c. The fee receipt (if you deposited fee in advance)
2) Documents from your U.S. sponsor
a. For B1/B2 : Sponsorship documents from relatives I-134
b. For H1B/L1: Approved work VISA petition generally I-129 and I-765
c. For F1/M1 students: I-20 A/B/M/N
3) Complete Travel itinerary
a. Printed itinerary showing your travel arrangements (for short visits, having itinerary for return is advised)
4) Photographs as per specifications issued by local U.S. consulate office
a. Check your local consulate website for current instructions,. Till the date of this document authoring, 2” X 2” with clear front face photo is advised. I strongly advise to visit the website of local consulate for clear instructions on photographs
5) Documents supporting your purpose of Travel
a. Any company letters, sponsorship letters in addition to the official documents stated under point 2.
6) Documents supporting your closer ties with your country of citizenship
a. Property ownership documents, family status, Marital status, parents, financial ties, tax statements
7) Documents demonstrating your financial capacity to support yourself during travel
a. Bank statements, Deposit receipts, savings certificates etc
As Always
best of luck..
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My other articles about U.S. Visa
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Provides basic concepts about U.S. Visa.. Very educational and useful if you are new to U.S. Visa. - Tips for U.S. VISA interview
The article provides the summary of various items that you should be aware and prepare for when going for US VISA interview. The suggestions covered in this article are real life applicable research that has helped Author in his venture. So if you ar
link to VISA resources
- Murthy Law Firm : U.S. Immigration Law
MURTHY.COM is the web's largest source for U.S. immigration information. THE LAW OFFICE OF SHEELA MURTHY helps people around the world in U.S. immigration with work visas, green cards & citizenship. - Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin offers valuable information about immigration*. Click on the appropriate link below to find the desired bulletin.
feeds from Murthy.com a valuable VISA guidance resource
- Extended Travel by a Permanent Resident: Part 2 of 2
This is the second in our two-part NewsBrief on extended travel by U.S. permanent residents ("green card" holders). Here we provide additional information regarding when such travel is acceptable and when it can be regarded as an abandonment of U.S. permanent resident status. Also addressed are the procedures that are followed when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry (POE) are not convinced that a traveler continues to be eligible to enter the United States as a permanent resident. - 11 days ago
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i have forgot my password to us visa invite letter?
please help
Adil, forgetting password to application means can't do anything. If you did not submit application then wait for 7 days and reapply. Do not know many details so can not help much.
forgotten password is actually
mothers name in capital
sorry, since it is more than 7 days, I guess you have already filed a new applictaion. Good luck. post here if you are in bay area and need any help.
hi. i have missed one letter while entering my mothers name in DS160 application.will this cause visa denial?
Harshan, it should not be a big problem. When you go for interview, on the verification window, just let them know the spelling mistake and ask if you can correct it.
Thanks for the tip. I was able to open it!! Rergards
I am planning to travel for first time to US on a business trip. I have all supporting documents. Just as a caution, I checked by Appointment letter and observer that there is a spelling mistake. E instead of A.
IS this a problem ? Can I ask to correct it. I dont want to reschedule the appointment because I am running short of time.
Please advice
Is spelling mistake in your name?if so then you can ask for an updated copy to come ny email. Print it as color one and go. Spelling mistake in name may make it not match you name to passport. However if your name is mentioned twice or more and is correct all other times, then you are ok and can present the fact about mistake. Preferably name should always be matching with passport.
Hi,
what happen if my photo is one year old\
Would highly recommend to get latest photograph else embassy may ask you to do so within a few hours. They have guideline how old photo should be. Still check website.
very nice hub!very informative! with all of these ready,i doubt if the applicant would be denied!
Hi and good morning.
i am a pharmacist and as per the rules of pharmacist rules in U.S.A i am suposed to take the preliminary TOEFL in US. i aplied for visa b1/b2 but the consular was repeatedly asking the same question that i do not have strong ties with my country. Now i am confused like how can i be able to provide a solid tie. If u have any tip please help me. Tanx.
You may show your bank accounts with large anounts of cash, ancestral property, immediate family residence and its ownership, national cards like PAN-Card in home country to prove you have ties with the home country. It shoudl be honest intentions in mind to stay with country and clarity that you are trevlling for smaller time. A return ticket is good to have.
This is a nice hub and verhy informative. I have one just like it check it out. It is called how t ge t a US Nonimmigrant visa
secong time applying to the us embassy was turn done before base on salary and the fact that i had no ties, presently i have a child and in a stable job will that help, my daughter is 1 year old
@shereeka what kind of visa are you applying for?
Dear All
i am on b1/b2 in united states
can i open a bank account?
how can i change my visa status?
i would like to open a business here in United States for fashion?
do i will be able to get a business loan to start up?
i am from india my wife and i have a property in india?
which bank i should approach. for this?
regards
eddi
hi just want to ask if the requirements stated is same as in multiple visa? ..... im working now for 3 years in same company.. i want to take a multiple visa so every year i can take a leave and have vacation to US.. do u think i can pass the interview? eventhough i dont have my property here..but still have my job.. to reason to come back.. and i have my uncle o realtives theire in san francisco... how can i pass..pleaese help..thanks..
Is a confirmed return ticket necessary for the interview?
@Eddi
Hello Eddi,
The first thing you asked is if you can open a bank account while on B1/B2 status in the US. Unfortunately that will not be possible as banks in the United States require that you have a social security number in order to open an account. Persons on visitors visas (B1,B2, or B1/B2) are not eligible for social security numbers.
In regards to your second question where you asked how can you change your status, fortunately that is possible with the status you currently hold. Seeing that you are currently in the United States you will need to file the for I-539 with the USCIS. This form probably costs 150 + tax to file. But the big question now is, will my change of status be successful. This depends on which status you would like to change to. You must note that whatever status you change to you must have a good reason that is related to the purpose you came to the US.
In your third question you were asking if you were able to start a business in the US. Yes you can! but you cannot work in your own business you cant be CEO nor can you be the guy who scrubs the toilet in your own company. You must hire someone else to do so.
Loans are given out by banks and unfortunately you would need a social security number and a great social security credit score. So you will not be able to get a loan in the US.
I hope this helped if you have anymore questions you can visit one of my hubs and leave your question there
Richard
@mitch7
Determining whether you may qualify for a visitors visa or not is difficult with the limited information you have provided. If you wish to get a good answer feel free to send me a private message with more details of your situation
@hvs
a confirmed ticket can actually be your worst mistake at the interview do not buy a ticket it is not very smart to do so
Are you requred to carry your primary and secondary certificates in applying your u.s visa and interview
There is a spelling error in the surname, in my US Visa interview appointment form (F1).
The interview is on 16th February.
What should I do ?
hi hud wat does public charge mean in f1
One of my H1 B documents is missing. I was told that all documents should be in place before visa interview. What should I do now? Should I apply again for H1 B? Is it possible? or should I wait until the current H1 B expires? Please advise.
hi..i want to visit my sister in US so, i am applying for USvisa. As i am employed temporarily in Indian Govt. job so my employer refused to give me NOC. what should i do? Can a simple experience certificate certifying about my job but not about my visit in US be okay? i have not yet booked any return ticket as my travel dates are not decided till now. Can i pass the interview? Please advise.
I am not completely sure if for you personal visit and given you are on temporary job, you would need a NOC. You do need NOC for passport, but not for US Visa, especially if it is for personal pupose. In addition if your sister send you I134 and takes all responsibility for you to be sent back, then your temp govt job may not impact. Still I am not sure in this situation. If you go to your country embassy website and call up embassy with this question, thy should be able to help out... Good luck!
on my birth certificate, i made a mistake with my mothers name, i missed a letter instead of o it is a but the right thing is on the visa application form, what should i do before my interview date and do i have to carry my birth cert to the interview?
seriously, i need help somebody help me before it is too late.
@Kojo
once the information on your passport matched the information you have on your application form you will be fine. No you do not need to take your birth certificate unless you are under 18
I lost my Visa receipt that l got frm GTbank. I have already scheduled d appointment to March. I reported the loss to d bank and they gave me a copy of it. Just black & white like photocopy.
Please, will d US embassy accept d copy? Thanks
I just wanna ask I filled up the d-160 application for on january and i said that i dont have any relatives in United state and I found only yesterday that i do have relatives on father side can I fill up a new one and diregard the first one? Hope u could answer me. tnx
Hi, i'm from Colombia and i need to open a saving account in yhe states to make some payments to my clients there. i'm gonna be in miami in the short time. What do i need to open that account with m tourist B1 visa?? Thanks for your reply
I have entered every other information correctly but my mothers mother name is not correct how do I get the correct one since my form was filled for me by an agent!
Hi,
I am applying for the US visitor visa. Is it important to have the invitation letter form any of the person who is there is USA?
AS i am travel is sponsored by my spouse.
IF invitation letter is important what are the other details i need form the person who is sending the invitation letter(cover letter) to me.
Please clarify me ASAP, As my interview scheduled in couple of days.
Thanks in advance
You need I-134 from your spouse if you are traveling on visitor VISA.
In addition you would need to demonstrate that you are married to your spouse, his visa status, financial documents including tax returns and all other documents as listed. If your spouse is green card holder or on H1B Visa, then you may be questioned on the intent of applying visitor visa and not appropriate immigration or H4 application. Be prepared to answer those questions too.
Hi, I am an Indian national, currently in the UK pursuing my masters degree. I have applied for a B2 TOURIST VISA. what documents do i need to submit to "show evidence of my status in the UK". my sister in the US will be taking care of my expenses while I am there. so what document do i need to provide to show that there is sufficient funding to cover my expenses? also, what documents should i provide for evidence that i intend to return abroad after the end of my stay in the US?
Thanks.
Your sister should write out I-134 along with her financial documents as listed in I-134. If she is not working, and is married then have her husband fill details on I-134 as well as provide supporting financial docs.
You should provide a letter from you grad school in uk certifying that you are a student and indicating how much time left, and also marks sheet for the semester.. In addition it would be better to carry return tickets or at least clear dates of travel to and from U.S.
hi currently i m in uk and doing my teaching practise i wannt to visit usa on b2 visa i just want to know that how much money i need in my bank ?and how much long statement i need?like 3 months or 6 months?my family is supportng me they are in pakistan so what documents i need?kindly give me all details thanks
@HubChief
My question is same as above, please tell me how much long Bank Statement do I need and how much money for how long I should keep in my bank for bank statement... I am a student, I live in United Kingdom.... please reply...
Normally the bank statement should be no later than one month old, you'd need to bank to provide date of account opening, average monthly balance and current balance... Preferably if this information is provided by Bank representative and is certified on their letterhead, that would be better.
@HubChief
Thanks for ur information, and Please could u tell me how much money should be in my bank statement?? and can I show my recent bank statement which shows my recent to 7 months old funds.... because before 7 months I had much money in my bank account... and please tell me how much money should be included in my bank statement.... please reply...
@HubChief
I mean minimum how much money should be included in my bank statement??....
I cannot give a number as such. The money should be good to cover you trip expenses and still enough savings after trip so that you can stay in UK comfortably. My guess is at least gbp 35k - 40k or more if you are planning a 15 day trip. You do have to show most recent statement. Not 7 months old. I suggest that you should check u.s. consulate website for details or even call them for clarity. Also there is no hard and fast rule in these things. If you read VISA rules, they are guides and one would need to deduce those guides to best of their knowledge.
@HubChief
Ok I will show my New Bank Statement of Yearly funds e.g. Bank Statement of funds from March 2011 till Today, and I will also try to show my Father's Employment proof.... so that I could tell them that my father will support me or send me money for the Tour.... Thanks a lot for ur information... I would be glad if u could give me some website link or more details on Bank Statement issue.... I am planning to go on a 21 Day Trip to USA... Thanks.
Google for I-134 which is a paper of sponsorship by a U.S. resident. However over years of research I found that if at one place one document is requested in certain way, it is better to follow that guideline in other situations too. Simple logic is why any official procedure be different for a US resident or any resident of other country. Best option, you should call your local u.s. embassy office and get more details.
dear sir i just want to know my wfe is american citizen we married in this february ist nd now she got pregnant there so now i just want to know what i need make before she apply for me i really dont know nothing about it.
now she got sick also what she need to do for fast trick ??? thank you sir
This article is for. Non immigrant workers. Your case is an immigration case. She would need to file for your green card as a spouse. I would advise to research travel.state.gov. Look for the section that explains green card for spouse. In fact here is the link specific to your case that would give you all detail. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/type
If you feel thisis difficult, You can hire an immigration attorney if you are in u.s. And he/she will guide you appropriately.
I am from Nepal, In this May going to Denmark from my company for organic agriculture cultivation training for three month. After that i am planning to go to USA in animal husbandry training for short period-for this can i apply visa from Denmark or i have to apply from my home Country after return.
I just realized that in addition to my DS-160 confirmation page that I also need an appointment letter. But I don't think I have one. How do I get that?
my mom is going 79 this coming nov.25.do she still need to provide herself with nbi clearance.her grandchildren were the one who invited her to visit them.next week will be her interview already.the document she had only were the DS-160comfirmation page,appointment letter,the bank receipt she paid for the visa,passport,marriage contract,and the invitation letter she sent to her.Are this enough for her to be allowed to be interview?
It is advisable to apply from home country.
You can print that out from your online appointment site where you took appointment. If you do not remember the login security details, please check your us embassy website of your local us embassy office or call them.
Sorry, I do not know the details of NBI. Consult the website http://www.nbi.gov.ph/
Thanks for the information. In additional to my first question..As my company is going to support me financially for organic training in USA I would like to know what necessary document should I ask from organic farm before I apply for visa?
@Deepak you will need a letter on the company's official stationery that explains the purpose of your trip and certifies that they are willing and able to fund your trip. The letter should have adequate contact details for the person in charge at the company for sending you.
pls i want to visit my brother in us, and l have all the neccessary document like. Visa application fee reciet, appointment letter for interview, visa application comfirmation, and the nonimmigrant application. Please i want to know apart from the invitation letter, is there any other thing i need both from my brother or from any place. Please help me.
Thanks d-richie93. In addition, you may need invitation letter from the institute where you ate going on their letter head. May be helpful if you also add financial highlights on letterhead from the company including their duration in business, only for the one that is going to support your finance. You may also want to review the local embassy website on their recommendations.
It may be also useful to get I-134 invariably to ensure he has invited you for tourism visit. On local embassy website you would get more accurate info on additional needs of documents.,
his financial statements in terms of tax filing over last couple of years in case he is going to support your trip. Also include copy of his green card and/or copy of his passport. Depends again if he is sponsoring your trip.
I would like to know that I paid US embessy visa fees through SAMBA bank but i did one mistake I entered wrong passport number on bank fee reciept this bank reciept is non refundable. I asked to bank manager to edit my passport number but he refused and said this is non refundable u with same no problem, but I don't want to take risk shall i repay the fees again or aproach with same reciept tomorrow is my appointment..????
I would suggest you to call local us embassy office and discuss this...
Hi iam applying for a tourist visa....and i have a lot of realtive in US... just wana ask is I-134 really works?
I-134 is just one of the many documents.. The VISA decisions are based on a number of factors and not just one document..please visit US VISA official website travel.state.gov to get more insights.
hiya, so far as i can see at the US Consulate in NZ site itself, where it says required documentation, there is no mention of having to attend interview with bank statements, ticketing &c.. if this is actually the case, and one does need to take such along no matter what, would you be so kind as to direct me here to official stipulations regarding same? Thanks, aye!
Note rules keep changing from time to time and country to country. Whatever is recommended on official us consulate sites supersedes over whatever is stated here...
hello,
Mine B1 was rejected today and after how many days i can apply again and would it be a problem if i go second time and the counsalar asks why the first time it was rejected and why should i take the decession against the other consular who rejected your form
It is important to understand the reasons why VISA was rejected. If you are denied VISA twice, you may not be able to apply up to two years. So clearly understand why was VISA rejected, and address those reasons. Due diligent documentation to support evidence in answers to various possible questions is very important.
I understand the reason why it got rejected.My confusion is what will be my reason/answer if she asks why it was rejected and what's new in the application to approve this time.
She gave me one white sheet with the some reason and checked the 2 reasons except which is related to F1 visa.
In case you do understand the reason, why would you re-apply for thr VISA as potential of rejection is higher especially if there is no substantial change in the status of your application.
what would be the substantial change you mean? will it be fair enough after reapplying 1 month after and any suggestions for getting it approved second time.
@sri When applying for a non-immigrant visa the visa officer is trained to assume that each applicant has immigration intent. It is up to the applicant to answer questions and provide supplementary evidence to prove that there is no immigration intent.
IF you got denied it means that the situation you are in,meaning your ties to the country, living arrangements, employment and income situation among much more things, disqualifies you for a US visa. So what Hubchief was saying is that until your situation changes applying again would make no sense because there is high probability that you will again be denied.
I am sorry everything seems to be bad news but I have to be frank and not give any misleading information.
Can some one tell what would be the considerable changes to keep in the ds-160 form and what to answer the consulate for the Q.what's new in your application.
Its mandatory for me to get the B1 visa for me at this moment to attend our vendor meetings
@Hub Chief
I truly love the articles you have posted and all the useful information.
My question is ........ I have my client in Virginia,USA and I am working with him since 4 years now.He said, he can sponsor me on 1 year work visa and will not be displacing US worker. His lawyer will file petition for my Job and my visa in USA consulate and then they will send my documents to my consulate. This process will take approx 2 months. So I would like to know that, its really possible for me to get USA visa and what Visa will be that ? H2b or its called I-551 ?
Early response will be helpful, Respected sir/madam.
Thanks,
Nizar
nizar_urfriend@hotmail.com
Hi, I was wondering, which documents should I bring to the consulate to prove that I have no intent of immigrating to the US and that I have strong ties to my country when I'm a full time uni student residing in my country only as a permanent resident( my parents also pay for all my expenses over here, since my field of study is not the easiest for keeping a job)? I'd like to visit my fiance ( who's going to pay for my trip and stuff) and especially his parents, so they get to know me, but I dont plan on staying there for more than a week, since I have to go back to school and I have some doctor's appointments scheduled right after my planned return from the US? Thank you for help
A work visa is h1b visa.it would depend upon several factors if a VISA would be provided or not. Again I am sharing only the experience in documentation that one should do. But it is not a guarantee that due diligent documentation would assure VISA.
The guidelines as per publicaly available info suggests we should carry as much documentation and related material as much we can to prove our ties.
Hi! This site is very helpful. I would like to ask some questions. Am applying for B1 visa, my fiance will be supporting me so he prepared a I-134 documents for me and all the arts events that is going to happen in DC for the 3 months that I will be there. How much money should I have in the bank since he will be supporting me? can you at least give me the approximate amount. I was employed for 12 years in a foundation but now am unemployed will that be an issue? will it help if I promise to buy a return ticket as well? Will it also a big issue if I do not have so much ties to my country? like I do not own a property. Will the bank account and sufficient amount of money in the bank sufficient ties? Pls help! Thank you so much!
my husband is in algeria i am in usa i want to go live in algeria with him because he loves his country and i do too and i love him too i want him to see my country and go back with him but he was was denied visitor visa . i want him here so i dont have to go back alone . does anyone know how he can get visitor visa ?? he was denoied before saying he didnt have enough ties to his home country . he does not want to live in america but we dont know how to prove he has ties. he took his bank acct , he had a business there and all his family . Thank u
Really useful information,thanks.
Hi I have been in China from four months and doing PhD. My country of origin is Bangladesh and I serving there as an Assistant Professor in a Govt. University. I have been invited to present a paper in USA July this year. Can I apply US B1 VISA from China? Is there any stay requirement like one year to get the VISA? Thanks
ernold mystery 2 years ago
Great information - I can't believe how complex the US visa system is (my sister's just applying to work out there for a year). I don't know if it's still accurate, but I found a list of nearly 30 different kinds of visa!
http://www.globalvisas.com/us_immigration/us_visa_
Should it be that complex??