Although the required documentation is case-by-case, some are consistently requested. Here, we’ve included the most common documents that must be brought to H-1B interviews for every occupation.
Mandatory H-1B Visa Documents
Certain documents are necessary for everyone’s H-1B visa interview, regardless of the career path you’re on. Without them, you’ll be turned away and requested to schedule another interview when you have everything organized. This can be a time-consuming setback.
Prepare for your appointment by putting all of the following documents in a folder in this order:
● Your valid passport
● Any old passports that have expired
● The letter you received with the visa appointment confirmation that has the date, time, and location listed
● Your online US visa application confirmation (this is the DS-160 Form submission)
● The H-1B visa approval (your I-797 Form)
● A copy of the H-1B Labor Conditions Approval (LCA)
● The offer of employment letter from your sponsor or a letter from the client if you’re working at a client location
● Agreements from any middle vendors you’ll be working with
● Your most recent resume and/or curriculum vitae
● The original educational certificates demonstrating your degree status
When you already have a job with the company sponsoring you, there are a few other mandatory documents you’ll need to bring. Take anything that proves that you’re currently employed there, such as a verification of your position letter from the employer, the most recent pay stubs for the past three months, and your W-2 tax forms, if applicable.
If you have had previous visas, bring all documentation related to those, as well. You’ll need a copy of your visa and copies of previous approval notices. The F1 visa, copy of your I-20, your OPT EAD card, and tax forms are necessary if you were a student.
Suggested Documentation for Your Stamping Interview
Millions of visa-seekers before you have paved the way to help you reduce mistakes and delays. Through their interviews, we’ve compiled a list of supporting documents that are not mandatory but are frequently asked for during the visa stamping interview.
The more supporting evidence you have, the less likely you’ll be sent away with an RFE (request for evidence) delaying your visa stamping. These documents aren’t essential, but they’re highly suggested:
● A copy of the I-129 Form completed by your sponsor
● A letter explaining your current job and the relevant experience it provides you
● Any project details you’re currently working on
● The previous six months of bank statements that prove you’ve been working for a particular company
● Documentation that proves your employer is real, such as photos, tax details, brochures, etc.
● Sealed, official transcripts from your university
● Your social security card and state ID from the US, if applicable
● Proof of US residence such as utility bills, if applicable
● A copy of your I-20s if you studied in the US
Before you attend your interview, bring a copy of all your documentation to your immigration attorney. They’ll let you know if you’re missing any crucial information. Remember, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Preparing for Your Biometrics Appointment
Part of the process of verifying your identity includes a biometrics screening. This is performed at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) or the Visa Application Center (VAC).
The most important thing you’ll bring is you! Your biometrics are unique, and they’ll be used to identify you in the future. In addition, you’ll also need the DS-160 confirmation page, your original passport, and the US visa appointment confirmation with the OFC or Biometrics Appointment details.
Here, your fingerprints and an official photo of you will be documented, as well as other biometric screenings.
Bringing Your Spouse and Dependents
The H-1B visa is sought after by those seeking to bring their family with them when they head overseas to work. Your spouse and dependents can come with you on an H4 visa, but they must come with you to the visa stamping interview and have their own documentation.
Ensure each family member has these documents with them when they attend the interview:
● A valid passport
● Any old passports
● A copy of the H-1B spousal/parent visa approval notice
● The original marriage certificate (spouse) and birth certificate (children)
● Photos of the wedding ceremony if you are newly married
● Documentation with the spouse’s name on it
● The spouse’s current employment letter
Your immigration attorney can make suggestions regarding any other documentation that could be beneficial to bring.
What’s Next?
You’ve done the hard part already. Your petition was selected from hundreds of thousands of applicants. But the visa stamping interview is a vital part of the process, and you want it to go smoothly.
Visa2US has helped thousands of people like you get their visas approved. Let us guide you and prepare you for your visa stamping interview and save you the stress and expensive delays that come with being unprepared. Our professional staff is available 24/7 to walk you through every step of the way.
