Non – Immigrant Visas
Step 3: Documents supporting your visa application
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The Consular Officer will only consider documents brought along to the interview. Documents faxed, mailed or emailed to the Embassy in advance of the interview will not be accepted. Please note that you will need to qualify for your visa based on Immigration and Nationality Act provisions. Documentation is a secondary consideration only and being documentarily prepared does not guarantee visa issuance.
RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS:
During the interview, the Consular Officer may request additional documentation in support of your application. This may include, but is not limited to, documents supporting claims of employment, student status, place of residence, financial status, intended itinerary, purpose of travel, etc. It is suggested that applicants bring documentary evidence to the interview to support claims made on the application. If an applicant does not have the documentation requested by a Consular Officer, s/he may be asked to return at another date with the requested information. Therefore, you will save time by being prepared. Such information may include:
PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT:
A contract, signed by both parties, and a recent letter from your employer, on original letterhead. If you are self-employed, it is advisable to bring proof of your business registration.
PROOF OF FINANCES:
Applicants are advised to bring an itemized bank or investment statement going back at least 2 months reflecting that you have adequate funds to pay for your intended stay in the US. Students, for example, must be able to prove that they have adequate finances to pay for the entire program of study and living expenses. If you own any property or real estate, you may bring evidence of this.
Please note that bank letters that state that you have sufficient funds or letters from family members promising to cover expenses are not sufficient. Applicants are advised to bring the actual bank statements reflecting their account balances.
PROOF OF PRIOR TRAVEL/PREVIOUS US VISAS
Please bring any old passports showing international travel and/or previous US visas. If you were issued a US visa that is still valid but is in a passport that has been lost or stolen, please bring a copy of the police report.
PROOF OF TRAVEL PLANS
If you have made arrangements for your trip to the United States, please bring an itinerary or travel plan. This should NOT include purchased plane tickets, as we strongly urge that you not purchase tickets or make irrevocable travel plans before obtaining your visa.
PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP TO PRINCIPAL APPLICANT IF APPLYING FOR A DERIVATIVE VISA
To qualify for a dependent visa, applicants must bring civil documents to prove the relationship to the principal applicant. Spouses should present the original marriage certificate. Children should present their original birth certificate.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR THOSE TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18
An unabridged, original birth certificate must be presented. Also, if the child is appearing at the interview without both parents present, it is recommended that you bring a notarized letter from the parent who is not appearing which authorizes the child to travel. A copy of both parents’ passports or identity documents must also be provided. A guardian or custodian may alternatively bring court documents demonstrating that they have sole custody of the minor child.
STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISTORS
It is advisable to bring a letter from your current institution stating your level of study and detailing your program start date and anticipated date of completion. It is also recommended that you bring school transcripts showing your grades, and scores of any college entry exams that you may have taken.
F and M visa applicants are required to fill out the forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. You must also present your original I-20 form with the receipt (Form 797) showing that you have paid the SEVIS (I-901) Fee. (What is the SEVIS Fee?).
J visa applicants must fill out the forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. You must also present your original DS-2019 and proof that the SEVIS (I-901) fee has been paid, either by you or by your sponsoring agency. (What is the SEVIS Fee?)