Supporting Documents for Your USA B1/B2 Visa Application

When applying for a U.S. B1/B2 visa, having the right supporting documents can significantly influence the outcome. They provide a tangible narrative of your intentions, financial stability, and strong ties for US visa.

This article answers the question “What to bring to B1/B2 visa interview?” and offers insightful tips on how to structure your documents to increase your chances of a successful US visa interview.

Table of contents

• Mandatory Documents and Supporting Documents: The Difference
• Mandatory Documents for Obtaining a USA B1/B2 Visa: Checklist
• USA Visa Photo Requirements
• Get Your USA Visa Photo Online
• USA Visa Photo App for iOS or Android
• Recommended Supporting Documents to Strengthen Your Application:
  • Proofs or travel purpose
  • Financial documents
  • Employment or business proofs
  • Proof of ties to home country
  • Previous travel history
  • Supporting documents for B1/B2 visa for parents
• Presenting Your Supporting Documents at the USA Visa Interview: Dos and Don'ts

Mandatory Documents and Supporting Documents: The Difference

When applying for a B1/B2 visa to the USA, it's important to understand that there are two types of documents you'll need: mandatory and supporting ones.

Mandatory documents are crucial and must be submitted during your visa interview. Not having any of these could lead to your application being declined.

B1 B2 visa interview supporting documents aren't required, but including them can greatly enhance your application by showing your plans to return to your home country and your ability to afford your stay.

In short, the mandatory documents are necessary for processing, while the supporting ones can strengthen your case for a temporary visit and show your intent to return.

Mandatory Documents for Obtaining a USA B1/B2 Visa: Checklist

Below is a comprehensive list of documents for B1/B2 visa that are mandatory:

• Current passport, which must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended U.S. departure date.
• Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form). Complete it online, and make sure to print the confirmation page for the interview.
• Visa application payment receipt.
• A recent 2×2 photo that meets U.S. visa requirements.

USA Visa Photo Requirements

When applying for a U.S. visa, it's crucial that your photo meets specific guidelines — non-compliance could lead to your visa being denied. Here are the photo requirements:

• Must be taken within the last six months for a current reflection of your appearance.
• Should be a color photo free from harsh shadows or reflections.
• The background must be plain white.
• The size of the physical photo should be 2 by 2 inches (51×51 mm).
• For online submissions, the photo should have a resolution of at least 600 × 600 pixels and no more than 1200 × 1200 pixels.
• Digital file size should not exceed 240 KB.
• Display a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
• Your face should cover 50 to 69% of the photo area, with the head size falling between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm to 35 mm).
• You cannot wear glasses in the photo.
• Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, as long as the face is fully visible.

Here is the example:

Get Your USA Visa Photo Online

Simplify your USA visa application by using an online service like Visafoto for your photo needs. You can get a professional-grade photo suitable for your application without needing to visit a photo studio.

Take a photo of yourself in natural light and upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will adjust the background, resolution, photo color, and crop it to meet the size requirements. With years of expertise in processing visa photos since 2013, Visafoto is well-versed in the standards for documents globally.

You'll receive a digital file for online submissions as well as a version ready for printing. If you're not satisfied with the results, free replacements are offered, and should your photo be declined by officials, a full refund is provided.

Here's an example of the original photo:

You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo for electronic applications and a template ready for printing.

USA Visa Photo App for iOS or Android

For a quick and convenient way to create your USA visa photo, try the 7ID App by Visafoto! This easy-to-use tool helps you generate ID, passport, and visa photos right from your phone.

Using 7ID is simple: just upload your image, select the type of document and the country, and the app will automatically adjust the photo to meet official standards, including size, format, background color, and facial positioning. You'll receive a digital version and a print-ready template suitable for standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

Our support team is available around the clock to assist you.

Recommended Supporting Documents to Strengthen Your Application:

What are the supporting documents for US visa B1 B2? — Here's a list of documents that may help demonstrate your economic and social connections to your home country:

Proofs or travel purpose

These include:

• Invitation letters. If you're visiting family or friends, include a letter from them describing your relationship and the reason for your visit. But keep in mind that not all invitations will be beneficial for you. For example, it is not recommended for unmarried individuals to visit acquaintances of the opposite gender: you might be suspected of having intentions other than tourism.
• Conference or event details. If traveling for business, include confirmations or invites for conferences, meetings, or similar events.
• Travel itinerary. Provide a detailed plan of your activities in the U.S., including dates and locations you plan to visit.

Financial documents

These are financial evidences for US visa. They usually include:

• Bank statements from the past three to six months showing sufficient funds for your travel and stay. The US visit visa bank statement requirements are as follows: while there is no specific amount, a general guideline is to have between $5,000 and $10,000 in your account. The larger your balance, the more attractive your application will be.
• Pay slips: Recent payslips from your job to prove you have a stable income.
• Tax returns: Present your most recent tax returns as a sign of financial reliability.

Employment or business proofs

These are:

• Employment letter for US B1/B2 visa. It is a letter from your employer detailing your job title, salary, length of employment, and approved leave. The US visa employment letter requirements are:
  • The letter should be printed on official company letterhead that includes the company's name, address, and contact information.
  • The letter must be dated within the last three months to ensure that it reflects your current employment status.
• Business documents: If self-employed, include your business registration and ownership papers.
• Proof of business transactions: Contracts or agreements that indicate active business dealings to justify your travel needs.

Proof of ties to home country

These documents to prove ties to home country include the following:

• Property documents, like ownership deeds or rental agreements for properties in your home country.
• Proofs of family ties for US visa: Proof of immediate family living in your home country, such as birth or marriage certificates.
• Community obligations: Any documents showing community ties or social duties that require your return.

Previous travel history

Tourists who have previously visited the United States may attach documents confirming their past travel to their application. These are:

• Copies of previous visas for the U.S. or other countries to show adherence to immigration regulations.
• Entry/Exit records: passport pages with stamps from your past trips to verify your travel history.
• Past travel plans: Records from previous journeys that demonstrate compliance with visa rules.

Supporting documents for B1/B2 visa for parents

If you're planning to visit the U.S. with a child under 14, you'll need to include several specific documents with your main application:

• Copy of the parent's valid visa. Include this if one has already been issued.
• Provide documents that clearly outline the reason for your visit and your travel plans.
• Notarized authorization: If the child is traveling with only one parent or another adult, a notarized consent letter (and a copy) from the non-accompanying parent(s) is required.

While children under 14 do not need to undergo fingerprinting, it is important to note that the Consulate may request an interview with one or both parents in certain situations. The presence of the child at such interviews is not necessary.

Presenting Your Supporting Documents at the USA Visa Interview: Dos and Don'ts

The upcominginterview is crucial, and presenting your supporting documents for US visa B1/B2 properly can make a big difference. Here's a helpful list of things to remember, covering both what you should do and what you should avoid:

• Arrange your paperwork logically, grouping them by types such as financial proof, evidence of employment for US visa, evidence of ties to your home country, and your travel itinerary to make it easier for the officer to review quickly.
• Make sure to bring original documents instead of copies, as originals are often preferred and can add to your credibility during the interview.
• Be ready to explain the purpose of each document briefly. For instance, if you present bank statements, know how they show your financial stability.
• Only present documents that are directly relevant to your application to avoid overwhelming the officer with unnecessary information.
• Get familiar with your documents so you can confidently discuss them during the interview.
• Prepare to answer questions about your documents and travel plans confidently and without confusion.
• Make sure your visa photo adheres to all U.S. specifications (like size and background) and is printed properly. For that, use Visafoto and 7ID tools.
• Never submit fake or misleading documents. Doing so can have serious repercussions, including the refusal of your visa.
• Don't bring too many documents that aren't directly relevant, as this can confuse the consular officer and detract from the more important aspects of your application.
• Don't forget to bring any essential documents with you, alongside your supporting documents.

Here you can find detailed guidelines on the most common USA visa interview questions and answers.

Good luck with your USA B1/B2 Visa application!