[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 speak to our team for tailored advice based on your travel purpose. 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. Learn how to fix DS-160 rejection issues if you've made a mistake. • Visa Fee Payment Receipt Proof of payment for the applicable visa fee. • US Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter Confirmation of your scheduled interview at the US embassy or consulate. • 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. Now let’s look at what’s needed specifically by visa type. 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 E.g., travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or a letter of invitation from family/friends in the US. • Evidence of Ties to Home Country Strong documentation showing you intend to return home: employment letters, property ownership, family responsibilities, or business operations. • Financial Proof Recent bank statements (3–6 months), income tax returns, payslips, or sponsorship letters. • Cover Letter (Optional but Helpful) A short letter explaining your travel purpose, trip dates, and who will fund your trip. Every case is unique, and embassies may occasionally request documents not listed above. To avoid surprises, we recommend checking with our visa experts before you apply. 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. You must sign and date this. • SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt Mandatory for F-1/M-1 visa applicants. • Academic Records Transcripts, diplomas, standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, etc.) • Financial Proof for Tuition & Living Expenses Bank statements, affidavits of support, sponsor letters, scholarship letters, or education loans. • Interview Preparation Documents Be ready to explain why you chose the US, your course of study, and post-study plans. For more insights on how to handle delays, read our full guide on Administrative Processing (221g). US Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) Document Checklist The document requirements for US work visas vary based on your specific visa category, but most include: • Form I-797 Approval Notice USCIS-issued approval of your petition (for H-1B, L-1, etc.). • Job Offer Letter From your US employer, stating your job title, salary, and responsibilities. • Employment Support Documents Employer’s support letter describing why you're needed in the US. • Educational and Professional Qualifications Degrees, certifications, resumes, and relevant licenses. • Previous Visa Stamps (if applicable) Especially important if you've worked or studied in the US before. • Pay Slips and Tax Records (if currently employed in the US) These demonstrate compliance with previous visa terms. Note: L-1 visa applicants (intra-company transfers) will also need documents showing the relationship between the foreign and US company branches. For help submitting H-1B and L-1 applications from Singapore or other countries, Outbound Visa provides tailored assistance to individuals and employers. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even with the correct documents, applicants often make preventable errors that result in delays: • Submitting unclear or low-resolution scans • Bringing outdated bank statements • Forgetting the visa photo or submitting a photo with glasses • Leaving blank fields on the DS-160 form • Not disclosing previous visa rejections or overstays If you’re unsure, our visa specialists at Outbound Visa can double-check your document pack before your interview. How Outbound Visa Helps You Avoid Delays At Outbound Visa, we understand how high the stakes are for visa applications. Our global clients—from Singapore to Indonesia to the UAE—come to us for: • End-to-end application guidance • Error-proofing of your DS-160 and supporting documents • Interview preparation tailored to your case • Support for tricky reapplications, including DS-160 corrections and 221(g) hold-ups Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reapplying after a rejection, our team is here to help you submit your documents with confidence. Final Thoughts Document preparation isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of your 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’re here to help you avoid common mistakes, meet tight deadlines, and increase your odds of success. Disclaimer: Embassy and visa rules can change quickly. Please always refer to the latest requirements on the official site. Outbound Note: Embassies often request more documents than officially listed. For example, student applicants may need financial sponsorship proof. To avoid last-minute issues, talk to our team before applying—we’ll help clarify the hidden requirements most applicants overlook.