What supporting evidence will you need to collate & submit for your US visa application?

If you are not eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply through the US Department of State at the US Embassy or Consulate for the appropriate US visa. For many work and family visa types, you will first require an approved USCIS petition before you can proceed to the visa application stage.

Making an American visa application will require you to collate and submit documentation to evidence you are both admissible and eligible under the relevant visa requirements. While there are some types of documents that all applicants have to provide to the US Embassy or Consulate, other forms of documentary evidence will be determined by the visa you are applying for and your wider circumstances. You will need to check the requirements of the visa category you are applying under and compile the documentation as required for that particular immigration route. For example, work visas typically require more extensive supporting documents than visitor visas.

As there is no definitive or exhaustive list of supporting documents, it is advisable to take professional guidance on your case to ensure you understand what is required of your application and that the documents you submit will help to put forward the strongest case for you.

Section A: How to apply for an American visa

When making an American visa application you first need to know whether you are applying for a temporary stay or permanent residence. Nonimmigrant visas cover temporary stays such as tourism, study, study exchange or work. Immigrant visas are for those moving permanently to the United States, usually based on a family relationship or employment sponsorship. Each category has different requirements, forms and fees, so choosing the correct route is the first and most important step.

Review the official visa categories to identify which applies to your circumstances. Common nonimmigrant visas include the B1/B2 visitor visa, F-1 student visa, and H-1B work visa. For immigrant visas, most applicants apply through a family or employer petition approved by USCIS before the consular process can begin.

Applicants for nonimmigrant visas complete the DS-160 form, while immigrant visa applicants complete the DS-260. These forms are completed and submitted online. You must ensure all answers are accurate and consistent with your supporting documents. Once submitted, print the confirmation page with barcode, as it is required for the interview.

Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee relevant to your visa type. As of August 2025, most nonimmigrant visas are $185, petition-based categories such as H, L, O, P, Q and R are $205, and E visas are $315. Immigrant visa applicants are subject to different fee schedules managed by the National Visa Center. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Waiting times vary by location, and it is advisable to book early. Some categories, such as certain renewals, may be eligible for interview waivers, but this depends on local consular policy.

Collect the documents required for your visa type, including your passport, application confirmation page, photo and any specific supporting evidence.

Arrive at the embassy or consulate with all required documentation. The consular officer will ask questions to assess your eligibility and the credibility of your application. Be prepared to explain your purpose of travel, financial circumstances, and ties to your home country. Answer questions clearly and honestly.

After the interview, your application may be approved, refused, or placed into administrative processing for further checks. If approved, your passport will be retained and returned with the visa attached. Processing times vary, so factor this into your travel planning.

A visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry, but admission is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Carry copies of your supporting documents when travelling, as CBP officers may ask for them on arrival.

Section B: US visa document requirements

A key element of your US visa application will be the supporting documents that you file alongside the application form. These documents should be used to evidence your eligibility and tp prove that you meet the relevant visa requirements. The specific documents to provide will depend on factors such as the visa category you are applying under, and could include:

a. DS-160 or DS-260 application form

For nonimmigrant visas, this is the DS-160 application form you have to complete to start your visa application. Once you have submitted the form, you will need to print off the confirmation sheet and take this to your visa interview. Immigrant visa applicants complete the DS-260 through the National Visa Center.

b. Application payment receipt

You will need to pay the applicable application fee before you can proceed to book your visa appointment. As of August 2025, the fee is $185 for most nonimmigrant visas, $205 for petition-based categories such as H, L, O, P, Q and R, and $315 for E visa applicants. You should print off the receipt and bring this to your visa interview as proof of payment.

c. Valid passport

Your passport must be valid and in most cases must have a minimum of six months validity beyond your planned stay in the US. The passport should also have a blank page for the visa to be affixed.

d. Photograph

When you complete the DS-160 you will also have to upload a photograph of yourself, compliant with the US visa photo requirements. It is recommended to take a printed copy of the photograph with you to the visa appointment, just in case. The official requirement is a 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) color photograph taken within the last six months.

e. Social media disclosure

Applicants are required to provide their social media identifiers for the preceding five years as part of the DS-160 or DS-260 application form. You do not need to bring a separate log of your social media activity to the interview.

1. Temporary visa supporting documents

As a general guide you should consider the following documents to evidence the information in your American visa application form:

a. Personal & identification documents

This could include, as applicable, birth or adoption certificate, marriage / civil partnership / divorce certificate, family photographs as proof of family ties to your country of residence or connection to those you will be visiting or staying within the US.

b. Work/employment documents

Depending on your working status, this could include a letter from your employer in your country of residence, income details and company registration details if you are self-employed, or pension documentation if retired.

c. Sponsorship documents

If you intend to be sponsored by a US resident during your stay, you will need to provide documentary evidence to support this such as a completed Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, confirming they are able to support you financially during your time in the US.

d. Property documents

The adjudicator will be looking for assurance you will leave the US before your visa expiry. This can be evidenced with documentary proof of ‘sufficient ties’ to your country of residence in the form of assets such as property.

e. Certified translations

Original documents that are not in English will need to be translated and certified by a competent translator.

f. Travel itinerary

The adjudicator will be looking to understand your plans while in the US. Provide a full itinerary with details of intended dates for arrival and departure, accommodation and planned activity during your stay.

g. Previous US immigration documents

Provide documents evidencing prior travel or entry into the US such as any old passports.

2. US work visa supporting documents

Work visas ordinarily demand extensive evidence of eligibility. Depending on the work visa type you apply for, you may have to submit some of the following documents:

• Documents supporting your relevant qualifications and certifications, such as original degree certificate
• Evidence of your job offer/employment in the US, such as a letter from your employer detailing your position, nature of the stay and itinerary for business purposes, itinerary, or your contract of employment
• Your resume
• Letter(s) from previous employer(s)
• Endorsement of your professional ability and standing (O-1 visa)
• Business case (E-2 visa)

Again, it is recommended to take advice to ensure you submit documents relevant to the visa category you are applying under.

Section C: US visa interview

The visa interview is a critical part of the application process. You should expect to be questioned on your evidence submission and on the details given in your application form. The consular officer will use the interview to clarify any queries and to satisfy themselves of your eligibility and credibility as a visa applicant. The interview is also your opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the visa category you are applying under.

1. Preparing for your interview

Applicants are strongly advised to prepare thoroughly for their visa interview. You should review all information submitted on the DS-160 or DS-260, along with your supporting documents, to ensure you are fully familiar with the details. You may be asked about your personal background, your reasons for travel, your financial situation, your employment, or your family circumstances. If you are applying for a work visa, you should be prepared to discuss your job offer and your qualifications. For study visas, you may be asked about your chosen course and future plans after graduation.

If during the interview you are asked a question and you are not certain of the answer, do not guess, lie or fabricate. It is always best to be honest and tell the adjudicator you do not know, and then provide as much information as you are certain of. Consular officers are trained to detect inconsistencies and misrepresentation can lead to refusal and long-term consequences for future travel.

2. Required documents to bring

Your interview letter will advise which documents you must bring. These generally include:

• Confirmation page of the application form DS-160 (with barcode), or DS-260 for immigrant visas
• Appointment confirmation page
• Your current, valid passport or other travel document
• One 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) color photograph from the last six months
• Evidence of your status in the United Kingdom if you are not a U.K or EU passport holder
• Evidence of previously issued US visas, if applicable
• Evidence of your intended business activities in the United States such as a letter from your employer if attending a business meeting
• If you have ever been arrested, cautioned or convicted, supporting documentation
• If you have a medical condition impacting your eligibility for a visa, supporting documentation if requested
• If you have been denied entry into, deported or removed from the US, supporting documentation

It may be advantageous to your application to take additional documents beyond those specifically listed, to pre-empt potential requests from the officer. Take professional advice on your circumstances to understand what adjudicators are typically requesting. For example, you may want to bring evidence of your intent to leave the US by the end of your visa, proof of your employment or studies at home, or bank statements to demonstrate that you have funds sufficient to cover all expenses while in the United States.

3. During the interview

Interviews are usually short, often less than five minutes, but you should answer all questions clearly and directly. The officer may take notes while you speak. Only the officer will decide the outcome of your application and their decision is final. You may also be fingerprinted and undergo security checks at the appointment. Consular officers do not expect rehearsed answers but will expect accuracy and consistency.

4. After the interview

Following your interview, the officer will either approve, refuse or place your application into administrative processing. If approved, your passport will usually be retained temporarily for visa stamping. Administrative processing can delay issuance and may require further checks or additional documents. Once the visa is issued, you will receive your passport back with the visa page affixed. You should check the visa details carefully, including your name, date of birth, visa type and validity period, before you travel. Any errors must be corrected before you use the visa.

5. Practical tips for applicants

Applicants should aim to arrive early at the embassy or consulate to allow time for security screening and check-in procedures.

It is advisable to dress in professional or smart attire, as this creates a positive impression with the consular officer.

You should only take the required documents and items permitted under the consulate’s security rules, as bringing restricted items can cause delays or prevent entry.

When answering questions, applicants should respond concisely and avoid providing unnecessary detail unless specifically asked by the officer.

It is also important to remain calm and respectful throughout the process, even if the interview feels brief or moves quickly.

Section D: Common reasons for US visa application refusals

Visa refusals are not unusual and can arise for many different reasons. Understanding why applications are refused can help applicants prepare more effectively and avoid common mistakes. The most frequent refusals occur when the consular officer is not satisfied that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the visa category requested. Some refusals are temporary and can be overcome with further evidence, while others are permanent or result in long-term restrictions on entry.

1. Failure to show strong ties to home country

The majority of temporary visa refusals fall under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This provision requires applicants for most nonimmigrant visas to demonstrate that they will leave the United States at the end of their authorized stay. Ties can include employment, family, property ownership or other obligations in the home country. If the officer is not convinced that the applicant intends to return, the application will be refused. Evidence of strong ties is particularly important for visitor, student and exchange visas.

2. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

Applications are often refused where required documents are missing, incomplete or inconsistent with information given on the DS-160 or DS-260 form. Examples include failing to provide financial statements, submitting photographs that do not meet specifications, or discrepancies between dates on the application and supporting documents. Consular officers rely heavily on consistency and accuracy, and even minor errors can raise credibility concerns.

3. Immigration history and overstays

A history of overstaying previous visas, working without authorisation, or breaching US immigration conditions can result in refusal. The officer will review the applicant’s travel history, including entries and exits recorded in old passports or on the I-94 system. Even short overstays can have consequences, while longer periods of unlawful presence can trigger statutory bars on re-entry of three or ten years.

4. Misrepresentation or fraud

Providing false information or submitting fraudulent documents is a serious ground for refusal. Misrepresentation can include lying about the purpose of travel, failing to disclose previous refusals or immigration violations, or presenting falsified financial or employment evidence. A finding of misrepresentation can make an applicant permanently inadmissible to the United States without the possibility of a waiver in many cases.

5. Security and medical concerns

Applications may also be refused where the applicant is considered a security risk or falls within one of the health-related grounds of inadmissibility. This can include a history of criminal convictions, suspected links to terrorism, or certain communicable diseases. Applicants with medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health, or that may require extensive healthcare support in the US, may be refused unless they can show adequate medical insurance or treatment arrangements.

6. Administrative refusals under section 221(g)

In some cases, an application is refused temporarily under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This usually means the consular officer requires further documentation or that additional security checks are pending. Although recorded as a refusal, it does not necessarily mean the application is over. Applicants may be asked to submit more evidence within a given timeframe, after which the case will be reconsidered.

7. Failure to pay fees or follow process

Refusals also occur where applicants have not paid the correct fee, failed to attend the scheduled interview, or attempted to apply under the wrong visa category. Following the correct process is critical to ensure that the application is accepted for review.

8. Practical guidance for applicants

Applicants should make sure that all forms are accurate, complete and consistent with the supporting documents they provide. Even small discrepancies can raise credibility issues and lead to refusal.

It is also important to gather and present clear evidence of strong ties to the home country. This could include employment contracts, property deeds or proof of family responsibilities, all of which help to demonstrate the intention to return after the authorized stay in the United States.

Full disclosure of all previous US travel history and visa outcomes is essential. Omitting a past refusal or overstaying record can be considered misrepresentation, which carries serious long-term consequences.

Applicants must never submit false or misleading information. Providing fraudulent documents or making untrue statements can result in a permanent finding of inadmissibility.

Finally, if a case is refused under section 221(g), applicants should be prepared to respond quickly to any request for additional information or documents. Prompt compliance gives the best chance of having the application reconsidered and approved once the missing evidence is supplied.

Section E: Processing times and validity

Applicants need to plan carefully around how long their visa application will take to be processed and how long a visa will remain valid once it has been issued. Processing times are not uniform. They differ by visa type, by the workload of individual embassies or consulates, and by the circumstances of the applicant. Visa validity also varies, as the United States applies reciprocity rules with different countries and tailors the duration of visas accordingly.

1. Factors that influence processing

The category of visa is one of the main drivers of processing time. Visitor visas are usually handled faster than petition-based work visas, which require prior approval from USCIS before the embassy or consulate can move forward. Workload at the specific embassy or consulate is another key factor. Some posts face high volumes and longer interview queues, while others may have more availability. An applicant’s record can also extend processing, particularly if there are previous refusals, long travel histories or triggers for security checks. These variables mean there is no single timeframe that applies to all applicants.

2. Checking official wait times

The Department of State publishes estimated visa appointment and processing times on its website. These figures are updated regularly and are a useful guide for applicants when planning. They are only estimates and should not be treated as guarantees. Each application is reviewed individually, and delays can occur if additional evidence is requested or if the case is referred for administrative processing. Applicants should build in extra time before travel to avoid problems.

3. Validity of nonimmigrant visas

Nonimmigrant visas are issued with a validity period during which they can be used to request entry at a US port of entry. The length of validity depends on the visa category and reciprocity rules with the applicant’s nationality. For example, some countries’ nationals are eligible for visitor visas valid for up to ten years, while others are issued shorter periods. Work and study visas are usually issued to cover the specific petition or program dates. Importantly, visa validity is not the same as the period of stay. The authorized stay is determined by Customs and Border Protection at the time of entry and may be shorter than the visa’s validity.

4. Validity of immigrant visas

Immigrant visas function differently. Once granted, they are typically valid for six months from the date of the applicant’s medical examination. The visa must be used within this period to enter the United States. On arrival, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident and the immigrant visa cannot be reused. The green card that follows is evidence of permanent residence.

5. Guidance for applicants

Applicants should apply early and avoid leaving visa arrangements until the last moment. Embassy wait times are unpredictable and can increase sharply due to seasonal demand or global events. It is advisable to monitor the Department of State wait time tool but also to allow a buffer in case processing is delayed. Care should also be taken not to confuse visa validity with the period of stay. A visa may remain valid for years, but each trip is limited to the stay authorized by Customs and Border Protection at entry. Failure to observe this distinction can result in overstaying and future visa problems.

Section F: Need assistance?

NNU Immigration are specialist US attorneys with particular expertise and experience in supporting entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and their employees and visa holder dependants on all aspects of US immigration applications. Contact us if you have a question about an American visa application.

Section G: FAQs

Do all applicants need to attend a US visa interview?

Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. Some may qualify for an interview waiver, particularly where they are renewing a visa in the same category, but this depends on local consular policy.

Can a visa be issued without all supporting documents?

No. If required documents are missing or incomplete the officer will either refuse the application or issue a temporary refusal under section 221(g) asking for further evidence. It is always better to provide complete and consistent documentation at the outset.

How long will it take to get my visa after the interview?

Processing after the interview usually takes a few working days if the case is straightforward. Some applications are delayed by administrative processing or security checks, which can extend the timeframe by weeks or months. Applicants should plan travel only after their passport and visa have been returned.

What happens if my visa is refused under section 214(b)?

A refusal under section 214(b) means the officer was not satisfied that you demonstrated strong ties to your home country. There is no formal appeal, but you can reapply if your circumstances change or if you have stronger evidence to show you meet the requirements.

Does a visa guarantee entry to the United States?

No. A visa only allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. Customs and Border Protection officers make the final decision on whether you can enter, how long you may stay and under what conditions.

What should I do if there is an error on my visa?

If you notice an error on your visa, such as a mistake in your name or date of birth, you should contact the embassy or consulate that issued it immediately. Travelling with an incorrect visa can cause delays or refusal at the port of entry.

How soon before travel should I apply for a US visa?

It is advisable to apply as early as possible, ideally several months before your planned trip. Appointment wait times can be long and delays are common if additional checks are required. Leaving an application too late increases the risk that the visa will not be issued in time.

Section H: Glossary