United States B-1/B-2 visitor visa checklist

Passport valid for travel

The official visitor visa instructions list a passport valid for travel as a required interview document.

DS-160 confirmation page

The applicant must complete the online nonimmigrant visa application and bring the confirmation page with the barcode/application ID.

Visa photo

A photo is required for the DS-160; if upload fails, a printed photo may be needed.

Application fee payment receipt

The receipt may be required when the local process asks applicants to pay before the interview.

Appointment confirmation

The appointment confirmation helps the applicant enter and move through the biometrics/interview flow where the local process requires it.

DS-160 preparation details

Before submitting DS-160, the applicant should have passport details, travel plan if available, prior U.S. visit dates, and recent international travel/work/education history ready.

Applies when: Applicant has not completed DS-160 yet.

Purpose of trip evidence

Additional documents may be requested to establish the purpose of the trip.

Applies when: Applicant is travelling for tourism, family visit, business, medical care, or another temporary purpose.

Invitation or host letter

For a family or host visit, this helps explain the travel story, address, dates, and relationship. Official guidance says an invitation letter is not required and does not replace the applicant's own qualification, but it can organize the case narrative.

Applies when: Purpose of visit is family visit or applicant will stay with a host.

Proof of relationship to host

For a family visit, this supports the relationship being described in DS-160 and interview answers.

Applies when: Purpose of visit is family visit or visiting a relative.

Host status and address proof

If visiting or staying with someone, host identity, U.S. address, and immigration/status proof can help keep the travel story consistent even when the applicant pays personally.

Applies when: Applicant is visiting family, relatives, or staying with a host.

Applicant funds or income proof

Additional documents may be requested to show how trip costs will be covered when the applicant pays personally.

Applies when: Applicant pays personally or partly pays for the trip.

Income tax or pension proof

This can support the applicant's financial picture when self-funded, retired, or asked to show ability to pay.

Applies when: Applicant pays personally, is retired, or needs to show ability to pay trip costs.

Sponsor or payer documents

If another person covers costs, supporting evidence about that person may help explain funding.

Applies when: Another person will cover some or all trip costs.

Employment, business, pension, or leave proof

Additional documents may help show work, retirement, or business ties and intent to depart after the temporary visit.

Applies when: Applicant wants to show ties to home or residence country.

Property, family, or residence ties proof

This can support the applicant's ties abroad or to the residence country when relevant to the case narrative.

Applies when: Applicant wants to show family, property, residence, or other ties outside the United States.

Previous passports or travel history

Prior passports and visas can help the applicant answer travel-history questions and support consistent interview preparation.

Applies when: Applicant has prior international travel or previous U.S. visas.

Medical treatment letter

Medical visitors may be asked for diagnosis, U.S. treatment letter, costs, and payment evidence.

Applies when: Purpose of visit is medical treatment.