Documentation Guide
Required Documents
In preparation for the Consular Section interview, applicants must collect the appropriate documentation related to the purpose of travel.
Important Notes:
- Additional documentation may be required. Please review the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.
- For in-person interviews, applicants must bring all required documents with them to the interview.
- If you are attending an appointment in person, you must bring original documents.
- Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until an approval is issued.
General Required Documents
For All Petition Types
Current Passport valid for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States.
Passport containing the most recently issued U.S. entry (if applicable).
Nonimmigrant petition Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Confirmation and Instructions page printed from this website.
One 5 x 5 cm (or 2" x 2") color photo taken within the last 6 months.
Accompanying family members, unless entering the United States for another purpose, should present a marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), as applicable.
Additional Required Documents
Depending on Petition Type
(B) VISITOR: BUSINESS, TOURISM, MEDICAL TREATMENT
For medical treatment:
- Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason treatment is needed in the United States.
- Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States stating the willingness to treat the diagnosed ailment, and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment.
- Proof that the patient's transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid.
Additional documents may include:
- Evidence of the purpose of your trip
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip
- Your ability to pay all the costs of your trip
- Evidence of your employment and/or family ties
(C) TRANSITING THE UNITED STATES
- Evidence to transit the United States while traveling onward to another country and the intention to depart the United States.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the United States.
- Evidence to show that the applicant has a residence abroad to which he/she intends to return.
(D) CREW MEMBER
- Letter/contract from employing company stating the length of work and if possible, places of entry into United States.
(F) ACADEMIC OR LANGUAGE STUDENT
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1 or M-1) Student Status.
- The Student and Exchange petition Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee receipt.
(H) TEMPORARY WORKER
- Receipt Number for your approved petition as it appears on Form I-129 or Notice of Action Form I-797 from Embassy's.
- Job offer from United States employer and a Certified Department of Labor approved application (applies to H1B1 petition applicants only).
(I) MEDIA AND JOURNALISTS
- Proof of employment
- A copy of the official Press-ID, if applicable
(J) EXCHANGE VISITOR
- Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019.
- Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 (for J-1 Trainee and Intern categories).
- The Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee receipt.
(L) INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE
- Receipt Number for your approved petition as it appears on Form I-129 or Notice of Action Form I-797 from Embassy's.
- Evidence of your employment with the company outside the United States.
- A letter from your employer describing your position and duties.
(M) VOCATIONAL STUDENT
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Vocational Studies.
- The Student and Exchange petition Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee receipt.
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