What documents do you need for a US visa?
Every US visa applicant needs a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, a fee receipt, the appointment confirmation and a compliant photo, plus supporting evidence.
Updated
Required for every applicant
| Document | What it needs to show |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US, unless your country has a bilateral exemption. |
| DS-160 confirmation page | The printed page with the barcode from your submitted online application. |
| Fee receipt | Proof you paid the application fee, $185 for B1/B2 and other non-petition-based categories. |
| Appointment confirmation | Your biometrics and interview details from the post's scheduling system. |
| Photograph | Colour photo taken in the last six months, plain white background, no glasses. |
Documents that support your application
Supporting documents show the officer that your trip makes sense and that you will go home afterwards. Bring originals where you can.
- Proof of funds: recent bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor's letter with their own financial evidence.
- Employment or study evidence: an employer letter confirming your role and approved leave, or enrolment proof from your school.
- Travel itinerary and accommodation: your dates, flights and where you will stay.
- Ties to your home country: property or lease documents, family responsibilities, or an ongoing course.
- Invitation letter (not required): travel.state.gov says a letter of invitation is not needed for a visitor visa and is not one of the factors used to decide your application, so focus on the documents above instead.
What the officer can still ask for
travel.state.gov says additional documents may be requested to establish whether you qualify, for example evidence of the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the US afterwards, and your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
Requirements also vary by category. A student visa needs a Form I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt, and a petition-based work visa needs the approval notice. Check your local embassy website for its own list.
Important: Never present a fabricated or altered document. Misrepresentation can make you permanently ineligible for a US visa, not just refused for this trip.
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Confirm the current list on travel.state.gov and your local embassy website before your appointment. Meeting every requirement does not guarantee a visa or entry to the US.
US visa documents - FAQ
Bring your passport, the printed DS-160 confirmation page, your fee receipt if you paid before the interview, your appointment confirmation and a printed photo if the upload failed. Add supporting evidence of the purpose of your trip, your plan to leave the US afterwards and your ability to pay, such as bank statements and an employer letter.
There is no published minimum. The consular officer may ask for evidence that you can pay all the costs of your trip, so bring recent statements that show regular income and enough money for flights, accommodation and daily spending. If someone else pays, bring proof of their finances too.
Since 1 October 2025 almost every applicant, including children under 14 and people over 79, must attend an in-person interview, with narrow exceptions for some renewals and diplomatic visas. Applicants should book in their country of nationality or residence. Your photo must be taken within the last six months, on a white background, without glasses.
At least six months beyond the date you plan to leave the US, unless your country has an agreement with the US that exempts you from the six-month rule. Each person who needs a visa, including family members listed in the same passport, must submit their own application. Check travel.state.gov for your nationality.
No. The US State Department says a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed for a visitor visa and is not one of the factors used to decide. You qualify on your own ties to your home country, such as your job, family and finances. You may bring one, but it will not replace that evidence.