Applying for a US visa involves a lot of paperwork. You need to make sure you have the right documents. It’s the key to success! If you miss anything important, your application might become delayed or denied. Let’s tell you the documents required for US visas for vacation, studying, working, or other purposes so you can apply with confidence.

What Documents Are Required for a US Visa?

Before we go into the details of each specific visa, let’s start with the basic documents required for US visas:

1. A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned stay.
2. A completed DS-160 visa application form. You’ll fill this out online before your interview.
3. A confirmation of your visa appointment. This confirms the time and date of your interview.
4. Proof of the visa application fee payment. You’ll need to show that you’ve paid the required fee.
5. Passport-sized photos that meet US visa photo guidelines.
6. Proof of financial support. This shows you can support yourself during your stay in the US.
7. Evidence that you’ll return to your home country. This can be a job letter, property documents, or family ties.
8. Medical and vaccination records, depending on the visa type.

What Documents Do You Need for a US Visa Appointment?

When you go to your US visa appointment, you need to bring certain documents to ensure that your application is processed smoothly. Here are the documents required for US visa interview:

• Your valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• A printed confirmation of your visa appointment, which you receive after scheduling your interview.
• The DS-160 confirmation page, which you get after completing the DS-160 form online.
• A visa application fee receipt to prove you have paid the necessary fee.
• Passport-sized photos that meet the US visa photo requirements.
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 if you’re applying for a student or exchange visa.
• Supporting documents such as your financial records, proof of home country ties, and any documents for the visa category you are applying for (e.g., a job offer letter for a work visa or an invitation letter for a tourist visa).

Pro Tip: Make sure to double-check the requirements for your specific visa type, as different categories might ask for additional documents.

Documents Required for US Tourist Visas (B-2)

If you want to visit the US for tourism or to see family, here’s what you’ll need besides basic documents:

• Your travel itinerary, including flight and hotel details.
• If someone in the US is sponsoring your visit, an affidavit of support.
• A letter from a doctor if you are traveling for medical reasons.

Documents Required for US Business Visas (B-1)

For business trips (attending meetings or conferences), besides basic documents, you need:

• An invitation letter from the company in the US that’s inviting you to attend the event.
• Details of the business event, such as a conference schedule or meeting details.
• A letter from your employer to confirm that your trip is for business purposes.

Documents Required for US Student Visas (F-1, M-1)

If you’re planning to study in the US, you’ll need these extra documents required for US visas:

• Form I-20 (your eligibility certificate for nonimmigrant student status) from your school.
• The SEVIS fee receipt, which proves you’ve paid for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
• Your academic records, including transcripts and diplomas.
• Proof of English proficiency, like TOEFL or IELTS scores, if required by your school.

Documents Required for US Exchange Visitor Visas (J-1)

If you’re coming to the US as part of an exchange program, you’ll need these extra documents:

• Form DS-2019 (your eligibility certificate for exchange visitor status).
• Proof that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while you’re in the US.
• A letter of invitation from the organization that’s sponsoring your program in the US.

Documents Required for US Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1)

For people who are going to work in the US, there are different types of work visas, and each has its own set of requirements:

• A Labor Condition Application (LCA) filed by your employer if you’re applying for an H-1B visa.
• A job offer letter from your employer detailing your position and duties.
• Proof of your qualifications, such as diplomas, degrees, or professional certifications.
• If you have extraordinary skills, such as being an athlete or artist, you’ll need to provide evidence of your achievements.

Documents Required for US Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1)

If you’re engaged to a US citizen and want to marry and live in the US, you need these documents required for US visas:

• Evidence such as photos, emails, call records, or other communications between you and your fiancé.
• A petition (Form I-129F) from your US citizen fiancé to start the visa process.
• Evidence that you intend to marry within 90 days of entering the US, such as wedding plans.

Documents Required for US Immigrant Visas (Family-based or Employment-based)

If you want to live permanently in the US, either through family or a job:

Family-Based

• A petition for alien relatives (Form I-130) filed by your US citizen or permanent resident relative.
• Documents showing your relationship to the petitioner, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.

Employment-Based

• Evidence that the employer has made a good-faith effort to hire a US worker and could not find one. (Labor Certification)
• Form I-140, which is an immigrant petition for alien workers, filed by your employer.
• Letters, pay stubs, and employment records from the employer.

Note: A medical exam and vaccination records may be required, depending on your age and visa category.

Documents Required for US Investor Visas (EB-5)

If you plan to invest a significant amount of money in a US business:

• Documents showing that you’ve invested or are in the process of investing at least $1 million (or $500,000 in a targeted employment area) into a US business.
• A business plan in great detail to show how your investment will create jobs for US workers.
• Documentation to prove that the funds you’re investing are legally obtained.

Documents Required for US Refugee/Asylum Visas

If you’re seeking asylum or refugee status in the US, you will need:

• A Form I-589 to apply for asylum in the US.
• Evidence of persecution you faced in your home country, such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements.
• Proof of your identity, such as a passport or national identity card.

Documents Required for US Transit Visas (C-1)

If you’re traveling through the US to another destination, you’ll need:

• A confirmed itinerary showing your travel plans and the final destination.
• Proof that you will be leaving the US after a short stay and traveling to another country.
• A valid passport and a US visa for your final destination, if required.

Documents Required for US Temporary Worker Visas (H-2A, H-2B)

If you’re applying for a temporary worker visa, there are two subcategories: H-2A for agricultural workers and H-2B for non-agricultural workers. Here are the documents required for US visas for each type:

H-2A (Agricultural Workers)

• Proof of the job offer from a US employer in the agricultural sector.
• A copy of the Labor Certification issued by the US Department of Labor.
• Evidence of the employer’s need for temporary agricultural workers, such as harvest schedules or planting cycles.

H-2B (Non-Agricultural Workers)

• A job offer letter from your US employer in a non-agricultural field.
• A Labor Condition Application (LCA) from your employer.
• Proof that there are no qualified US workers available for the job.

Documents Required for US Diplomatic Visas (A, G, and NATO Visas)

If you’re a diplomat, government official, or part of an international organization, you’ll need a diplomatic visa. Here are the documents required for US visas:

A Visas (for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials)

• A valid passport.
• A visa application form signed by the appropriate government or organization.
• Proof of your diplomatic status, such as a letter from the government you represent.

G Visas (for Representatives of International Organizations)

• A valid passport.
• A G visa application form approved by your international organization.
• An official letter from your organization confirming your employment.

NATO Visas (for Representatives of NATO and Its Staff)

• A valid passport.
• An official letter from NATO or the affiliated organization you work for.
• Documentation proving your affiliation with NATO and the purpose of your travel.

Let’s Bottom Line It

You need to understand the documents required for US visas for a smooth visa process. While the basic documents are required for almost every visa, the specific documents can change depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. So, you need to gather everything you need and make sure your documents are complete and up-to-date.

If you’re unsure about anything or need help for expert advice, document checklists, and interview prep, visit visalibrary.com.