Applying for a US Visa: The Checklist of Required Documents

Applying for a visa to the United States can be a daunting task. There are many different types of visas, and the application process differs depending on the type of visa you are applying for. In this blog post, we will provide a checklist of required documents for the most common type of US visa: the nonimmigrant visa. 

The following is a list of required documents for the nonimmigrant visa application: 

1. Passport 

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit a separate application.

2. Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Form DS-160 confirmation page – All applicants must complete and submit their own DS-160 form. The form may be completed online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Be sure to print out the confirmation page to bring to your interview. 

3. Photograph 

You will upload your digital photograph as part of completing the online DS-160 form. If you experience technical difficulties in completing the form, you may bring one printed photograph following these specific requirements: Format – JPEG digital format only Size – Must be at least 1200 pixels on the longest side with 300 dpi resolutionSubject headings – A recent passport-style photograph Face – Must show full face, front view with eyes open Hairline – Top of shoulders up Background – Must be plain light background without shadows Posture – Must have natural posture; clothes should not detract.

4. Application Fee payment receipt, 

 if you are required to pay one – Review our directory of nonimmigrant categories (https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/fees.html)  to find out if an application fee is required for your nonimmigrant category 

5. Support documents, as described below 

– Evidence demonstrating financial ability during your stay in the United States (employer letter, bank statements from past year, tax returns from past year) 

– Letter from employer specifying your position, salary and how long you have been employed there 

– Evidence demonstrating strong ties to your home country (monthly mortgage or rental payments; ownership of property; evidence of immediate family members residing permanently in home country)   

6. Any other documentation that may be requested during your interview  

For example, if you plan to study during your time in the United States, you will need to provide evidence that you have been accepted into a US university or college as well as proof that you have sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses while studying here. Additional information about evidence that may be requested during your interview can be found on our website (https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/_requireme nts-documentation/_evidence-supporting-.html).

 7. SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 form, if applicable   

8. Certificate(s) of Eligibility For Exchange Visitor (J-1) status (if applicable) 

9. Interested Sponsor Declaration For Exchange Visitor 

(J1) status(s) (Form DS–2019), if applicable  Please note that this list is not exhaustive and additional documentation may be requested during your interview appointment. We encourage applicants to bring any other documentation that might help demonstrate their eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

This concludes our list of required documents for applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States . We hope that this blog post has been helpful in outlining what you will need to gather before beginning your visa application process . Good luck!