[Must-Have] US Visa Document Checklist (Tourist, Student, Work Visas)

Applying for a US visa is often a critical step—whether you're heading to the United States for a vacation, study program, or job opportunity. The key to a smooth application process? Submitting the right documents, accurately and completely. Missing or incomplete paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays or rejections. In this article, we'll walk you through the essential documents required for US tourist (B-2), student (F-1/M-1), and work (H-1B, L-1, etc.) visas. We'll also include guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls and make your application as strong as possible. As always, embassy and visa rules can change quickly. Please always refer to the latest requirements on the official site or consult a visa professional. Who Should Use This Checklist? This guide is for individuals applying for: • US Tourist Visas (B-2) – for holidays, family visits, and medical travel • US Student Visas (F-1/M-1) – for academic and vocational studies • US Work Visas (H, L, O, etc.) – for employment, internal transfers, or specialty occupations If you're unsure which visa you need, you can check our full guide on how to apply for a US visa or speak to our team for tailored advice. General US Visa Requirements (All Categories) Before diving into specific visa types, here are the baseline documents almost every applicant must prepare: • Valid Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. • DS-160 Confirmation Page – a submitted and confirmed DS-160 form is required for all nonimmigrant visas. If you’ve made errors, see our guide on DS-160 mistakes to avoid. • Visa Fee Payment Receipt – proof of payment for the applicable visa fee. • US Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter – confirmation of your scheduled interview. For help, check our step-by-step guide on booking a US visa appointment. • 1 Recent Photograph – must meet strict US visa photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses). These apply to all B-2, F-1/M-1, and H/L visa categories. US Tourist Visa (B-2) Document Checklist The B-2 visa is for short-term stays for tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. Additional documents typically required: • Proof of Travel Purpose – travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or a letter of invitation. • Evidence of Ties to Home Country – employment letters, property ownership, or family responsibilities. • Financial Proof – bank statements (3–6 months), income tax returns, payslips, or sponsorship letters. • Cover Letter (Optional) – explaining your travel purpose, trip dates, and funding source. Note: The officer may not request to see your additional documents at the interview. However, you should still be prepared to provide proof if asked. US Student Visa (F-1 / M-1) Document Checklist For those accepted by a US school, college, or vocational institute. Key documents include: • Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) – issued by your US school after acceptance. • SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt – mandatory for F-1/M-1 applicants. • Academic Records – transcripts, diplomas, test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, etc.). • Financial Proof – to cover tuition & living expenses (bank statements, affidavits, scholarships, education loans). • Interview Preparation – be ready to explain why you chose the US, your course, and future plans. If delays occur after your interview, see our guide on administrative processing (221g). US Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) Document Checklist Requirements vary, but most include: • Form I-797 Approval Notice – USCIS approval of your petition. • Job Offer Letter – with job title, salary, and responsibilities. • Employment Support Letter – from your US employer, explaining your role. • Educational and Professional Qualifications – degrees, certifications, resumes. • Previous Visa Stamps (if any) – especially if you’ve worked or studied in the US before. • Pay Slips and Tax Records – if currently employed in the US. For L-1 visa applicants, you’ll also need proof of the relationship between the foreign and US company branches. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even with the correct documents, applicants often make preventable errors that result in delays: • Submitting unclear scans • Bringing outdated bank statements • Forgetting the visa photo • Leaving blank fields on the DS-160 form • Not disclosing past rejections If you’re unsure, our team at Outbound Visa can review your checklist before your interview. How Outbound Visa Helps You Avoid Delays At Outbound Visa, we provide: • End-to-end application guidance • DS-160 and document error-proofing • Interview preparation tailored to your case • Support for tricky reapplications, including 221(g) cases Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reapplying after a rejection, we help you submit documents with confidence. Final Thoughts Document preparation isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of your US visa application. Submitting the right paperwork, with clarity and consistency, can drastically increase your chances of approval. Still unsure? Contact Outbound Visa and let us review your case. We’ll help you avoid mistakes, meet deadlines, and improve your odds of success.