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Home > Immigration > Visitor visa > Requirements for applicant
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Visitor Visa - List of required Documents for Visa Applicant
 

Based on the new process, applicable from Oct 3rd 2005, following is a list of documents, applicants needs to carry at the time of visa interview.

Documents must to carry for interview:

  • Completed Non-immigration Visa application form DS-156. Separate form for each applicant.
    [Form filing Guidelines-help | Sample Form DS-156 ]

    Note: Visa applicant in India need not to fill this form separately; if they have taken appointment through VFS, after Oct 3rd 2005. Since this information will be taken online by VFS while setting an appointment.
  • Completed form DS-157.
    Applicants(between age 15-and 55yrs) in India . taking appointment through VFS need to fill and provide DS157.
  • Application visa fee original receipt issued by HDFC bank.
  • Copy of interview appointment letter which you get at the time of setting appointment with VFS.
  • Each applicant, including children of any age, must possess an individual passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
  • Two photographs 2 and 2 inches square (50 mm square) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. To be used in the application Form.

    US consulates are very particular about the Photographs specification.

    Must follow these guidelines for photographs.

    Check out the Guidelines for Photographs required for US visa.

    Tip : Always keep some extra photos with you.

  • Demand draft or cash for visa issuance fee.

    For current visa fees rates, mode of payment, and other details visit

    Current Visa Fee page at Path2usa.com

  • If the applicant is below 14 yrs of age, Original Birth Certificate of this applicant (child) is required.
  • For parents visiting a child resident in the US:  
    • If child is an Indian citizen.

      a. Child's’s original birth certificate.

      b. Photocopy of all pages of child’s passport.
      c. Where the US visa of child has expired, photocopy of the renewed petition required.
      d. Where child is a legal permanent resident in USA, photocopy of the green card (front and back) is required.
    • If child is a U.S. citizen.
      a. Photocopy of bio-data page of US passport or photocopy of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate.

  • If it is a sponsored trip , all documents sent by your sponsor in USA (all original documents).

Other supporting documents

Since the basic criteria for Tourist/Visitor (B1/B2) visa is to demonstrate strong ties back in your home country and to convince the consular officer that applicant has some bindings back in India/home country and that he/she will come back after his visit.
The applicant must provide sufficient and convincing proofs and documents which supports his claim to return back and have no intention to stay in USA after the visa expires. To support this, one can provide the following documents, which can be helpful to convince the consular officer that he/she has strong ties to his/her country and is likely to return back.

    • Original property papers like house, shop or business ownership documents etc. which a person owns in India/home country. If no papers available make a notarized affidavit for the same.
    • Family bindings like unmarried children,old aged parents and other family responsibilities.
    • Original Bank statements/Passbook.
    • Fixed Deposit/ Share/mutual funds statement.
    • Tax returns statements if any.
    • If person is an employee, then show proof of employment and proof of leave grant from the office.
    • And any such document like an affidavit of assurance, that the
      visitor's intention is truly for visit and will be coming back, and have no intention to stay in US for a longer time.
  • Applicants who are not being sponsored by any one and want to visit USA on their own must present credible evidence to show that they have sufficient funds. Must carry necessary financial evidence like bank statement etc which shows their financial position and can convince the consular officer.
  • If its a business trip (B1 visa), a letter from employer requesting the Visa for the applicant addressed to consulate, indicating the purpose and length of the trip as well as the company's/ firm's intent to bear the costs of the entire trip, including lodging , food, medical and other expenses. Also provide the company's market and financial position with financial records, sources of funds, Tax papers and any News paper/press coverage or Advertisement brochures about the company.

    (Note: Carry all Originals for interview. Except the visa fee most of the other documents will be given back after the interview.)

Note:

Applicants should use the same passport to purchase their receipt ( Or pay fee) as they will use at the time of interview.
If your passport expires within the next 6 - 12 months It is advised to obtain a new passport prior to purchasing a receipt for a visa interview.

Samples

 

Next >> Scheduling an appointment

 

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