Documents & DS-160
Fewer papers than you think. More precision than you expect.
A US visa is not decided on a file of documents. It is decided on your DS-160 and your answers at the interview, with documents there to back them up.
The DS-160
The form the officer reads first.
The DS-160 is the online application every traveller completes. The officer reads it before and during your interview, so every answer has to match your documents and what you say.
It covers five years of your life, including:
- Passports, past visas and travel history
- Addresses, phone numbers, emails and social media handles
- Work, business, income and education
- Parents, spouse and any relatives in the US
- Your trip, your US address and who is paying
Every applicant
What everyone carries.
Passport
Valid for at least six months beyond your stay, plus all old passports.
DS-160 confirmation
The confirmation page with its barcode.
Appointment letter
Your biometrics and interview confirmation.
Fee receipt
Proof that the visa application fee is paid.
Your profile
Supporting documents depend on who you are.
Officers rarely ask for everything, but you should have the right papers ready for your situation. Your personal list is shared once your file opens.
Salaried
Shared once your file opens
Self-employed or business owner
Shared once your file opens
Retired
Shared once your file opens
Student
Shared once your file opens
Homemaker
Shared once your file opens
Children and minors
Shared once your file opens
Not needed
What the US does not ask for.
- No cover letter
- No flight or hotel bookings, and don’t buy them before the visa
- No travel insurance for the application
- No invitation letter required. It can be carried, but it does not decide the case
Planning a US trip? Start with a free first read.
Tell us your purpose, dates and who is travelling. We will tell you honestly what to expect before you pay anything.