Free tool · Updated October 31, 2026
US visa documents checklist: what to bring to your interview
Every US visa applicant brings a passport valid six months beyond the stay (unless exempt), the DS-160 confirmation page, the fee receipt if paid before the interview, and a photo only if the DS-160 upload failed. Students add the I-20 and the SEVIS fee receipt, exchange visitors the DS-2019, and H-1B workers the petition receipt number. Pick your visa below for your full list, then print it.
Pick your visa to build your checklist. Every visa's list is also below.
Papers ready? Practice the interview out loud
Checklist by visa
B1/B2 visa documents
Required
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USUnless your country is exempt by agreement.Visitor Visa, travel.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receiptIf you pay before the interview.Visitor Visa, travel.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
May be asked
- Evidence of the purpose of your tripVisitor Visa, travel.state.gov
- Evidence of your intent to leave the US after the tripProof of your job or family ties at home may be enough.Visitor Visa, travel.state.gov
- Evidence you can pay all costs of the tripVisitor Visa, travel.state.gov
Good to know
- You don't need an invitation letter or Affidavit of Support. If you bring one, it isn't a factor in the decision.Visitor Visa, travel.state.gov
F-1 visa documents
Required
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USUnless your country is exempt by agreement.Student Visa, travel.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receiptIf you pay before the interview.Student Visa, travel.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
- Form I-20, signed by you and your schoolThe original. An officer may accept a copy only in limited cases.Students and the Form I-20, Study in the States (DHS)
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment confirmationPrint it any time at fmjfee.com. It's separate from the visa fee.Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee, Study in the States (DHS)
May be asked
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates from schools you attendedStudent Visa, travel.state.gov
- Standardized test scores required by your US schoolStudent Visa, travel.state.gov
- Evidence you intend to leave the US when your program endsStudent Visa, travel.state.gov
- Evidence of how you'll pay all education, living and travel costsSuch as bank statements or scholarship letters. Study in the States says to bring your financial evidence when you apply.Financial Ability, Study in the States (DHS)
F-2 visa documents
Required
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USUnless your country is exempt by agreement.Student Visa, travel.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receiptIf you pay before the interview.Student Visa, travel.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
- Your own F-2 Form I-20, in your nameAn F-2 visa can't be issued on the student's I-20.9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
May be asked
- Relationship documents, such as your marriage certificate or a child's birth certificateNonimmigrant Visas: Applying for the Visa, US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom
- Evidence of how the family's costs are coveredStudent Visa, travel.state.gov
Good to know
- F-2 dependents don't pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. The F-1 student does.Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee, Study in the States (DHS)
H-1B visa documents
Required
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USUnless your country is exempt by agreement.Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receiptIf you pay before the interview.Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
- Petition receipt number, from Form I-129 or Form I-797Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
May be asked
- A copy of your Form I-797 approval noticeThe US Embassy in the UK requires it for H applicants. Others may not.Nonimmigrant Visas: Applying for the Visa, US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom
- Job papers some embassies list: a current employment letter, recent pay slips, the Labor Condition Application, degree certificatesThe US Embassy in the Bahamas lists these for third-country applicants.Third Country Nationals, US Embassy in the Bahamas
Good to know
- Unlike most applicants, H-1B and L applicants don't need to show they intend to return home.Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
H-4 visa documents
Required
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USUnless your country is exempt by agreement.Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receiptIf you pay before the interview.Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
- The H-1B worker's petition receipt number, from Form I-129 or Form I-797Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov
May be asked
- Relationship documents, such as your marriage certificate or a child's birth certificateNonimmigrant Visas: Applying for the Visa, US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom
- A copy of the H-1B worker's Form I-797Nonimmigrant Visas: Applying for the Visa, US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom
- If joining later: proof the H-1B worker is in status9 FAM 402.10, Temporary Workers and Trainees, fam.state.gov
J-1 visa documents
Required
- Passport9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receipt9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
- Form DS-2019 from your program sponsorYour SEVIS record must be in Initial or Active status.9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
- SEVIS I-901 fee receiptJ-2 family members don't pay it, and some government-sponsored programs are exempt.9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
May be asked
- Evidence you can pay for the program and your living costs9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
- Evidence of your plans to leave the US when the program ends9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov
K-1 visa documents
Required
- DS-160 confirmation page9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
- Valid passport9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
- Birth certificate9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
- Police certificates, if you're 16 or olderFrom your country of nationality and other places you've lived.9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
- Proof any prior marriage ended (divorce, death certificate or annulment)If it wasn't already sent with the petition.9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
- Medical exam report from a panel physician9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
Good to know
- Form I-864 can't be required for a K-1.9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov
C-1 transit visa documents
Required
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USUnless your country is exempt by agreement.Transit Visa, travel.state.gov
- DS-160 confirmation pageOne per person. The page with your application ID is enough, not the whole form.DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov
- Visa application fee receiptIf you pay before the interview.Transit Visa, travel.state.gov
- One printed photo, only if your DS-160 photo upload failedAn X in the photo box on the confirmation page means it failed. Taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background.Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov
May be asked
- Your onward ticket, or other proof of how you'll reach your destination9 FAM 402.4, Transit Visas, fam.state.gov
How it works
- Pick your visa, then anything that fits: renewing, a sponsor paying, or a child under 14.
- Required items are what the State Department or its manual lists for that visa. May be asked items are evidence an officer or embassy may request.
- Tick items off, then print or save the list as a PDF. Check your own embassy's page too, since it can add items.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are required for a US visa interview?
A passport valid six months beyond your stay unless your country is exempt, the DS-160 confirmation page, the fee receipt if you paid before the interview, and a photo only if the DS-160 upload failed. Students add the I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt, and H-1B workers the petition receipt number. (travel.state.gov, travel.state.gov, travel.state.gov)
Do I need an invitation letter for a B1/B2 visa?
No. The State Department says a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support isn't needed, and if you bring one, it isn't one of the factors used to decide. (travel.state.gov)
Do I need the original I-20?
Yes. Study in the States says you're expected to have the original I-20 at your interview, and the officer may accept a copy only in limited circumstances. (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
Do children under 14 need a visa interview?
Generally yes. Since October 1, 2025, the State Department says nonimmigrant visa applicants generally need an in-person interview, including children under 14. Each child needs their own DS-160. (travel.state.gov)
Should I bring bank statements?
For a visitor visa, the officer may ask for evidence you can pay for the trip. Students should bring their financial evidence: Study in the States says to have it when applying for the visa. Hand papers over only when asked. (travel.state.gov, studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
Related guides
Sources 16 pages
Every answer in this tool comes from these pages.
- Visitor Visa, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- Student Visa, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- Temporary Worker Visas, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- Transit Visa, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- Photo Requirements, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- Interview Waiver Update, September 18, 2025, travel.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee, Study in the States (DHS), checked October 30, 2026
- Students and the Form I-20, Study in the States (DHS), checked October 30, 2026
- Financial Ability, Study in the States (DHS), checked October 30, 2026
- 9 FAM 402.5, Students and Exchange Visitors, fam.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- 9 FAM 402.10, Temporary Workers and Trainees, fam.state.gov, checked October 28, 2026
- 9 FAM 402.4, Transit Visas, fam.state.gov, checked October 30, 2026
- 9 FAM 502.7, Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K), fam.state.gov, checked October 28, 2026
- Nonimmigrant Visas: Applying for the Visa, US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom, checked October 30, 2026
- Third Country Nationals, US Embassy in the Bahamas, checked October 30, 2026
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This tool explains what State Department and US embassy pages say. It isn't legal advice. For questions about your own case, talk to an immigration attorney. Visaful is not affiliated with the U.S. government or the Department of State.
