If you’re preparing for your US B1/B2 visa interview in 2025, the first thing you’ll want to get right is your documents. Without the proper paperwork, your interview can get delayed—or worse, rejected.
So, what are the must-have documents? At the very least, you’ll need:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity left).
- DS-160 confirmation page (the online visa application form).
- Visa appointment confirmation letter.
- MRV fee receipt (proof you paid the visa fee).
But that’s not all. To strengthen your case, you should also prepare financial documents (like bank statements and tax returns), purpose-specific documents (such as a business invitation letter for B1 or a travel itinerary for B2), and supporting documents that show your ties to your home country (property papers, family records, or travel history).
In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete list of documents required for US visa interview B1 B2, explain why each one matters, share tips on how to organize them, and point out common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap so you can walk into your interview confidently and well-prepared.
But here is the hard part: finding a U.S. employer who is willing and able to sponsor your H-1B visa. In other words, finding an H-1B visa jobs in the USA can be challenging.
Many companies either don’t offer H-1B visa sponsorship or are not familiar with the legal process involved. Even the ones that do are often overwhelmed by the limited number of H-1B visas available each year. On top of that, job seekers are often left confused about which companies to apply to, how to present themselves, and how to avoid scams or false promises.
Having the right legal and strategic guidance makes all the difference. You don’t just need a job—you need one with a legitimate H-1B sponsor, backed by a strong application and a clear understanding of the process.
At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we have helped thousands of professionals in this journey successfully. From identifying the right employers to filing your petition correctly, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Before you start applying for jobs, it is important to understand how the H-1B visa actually works. Let’s read further:
What is a B1/B2 Visa?
Let’s quickly clear the basics before we dive into the paperwork.
- B1 Visa → For short-term business trips (meetings, conferences, training, contract negotiations).
- B2 Visa → For tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, or short leisure travel.
Most travelers apply for a combined B1/B2 visa. So when you hear “B1 B2 visa USA”, think of it as a visitor visa that lets you enter the U.S. for both business and leisure.
Who Qualifies for an H-1B?
To qualify, you generally need:
- A job offer from a U.S. employer for a position in a specialty occupation
- A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent experience) related to that job
- Proof that your role meets the criteria of a “specialty occupation”
So if you are a software developer with a computer science degree, or a financial analyst with a business degree, you are on the right track.
Key facts about B1/B2 visa validity and stay:
- B1/B2 visa meaning: A non-immigrant visa for temporary visits.
- Visa validity: Many applicants receive a 10 year visa USA (multiple entry).
- Visitor visa duration USA: Each entry usually allows a stay of up to 6 months, though the officer at the port of entry decides the final duration.
- Can I work in USA on visitor visa? → No. You cannot work in the U.S. on a B1 or B2 visa. (This is one of the most common misconceptions.)
So, the B1/B2 visa offers great flexibility for travel — but the key is convincing the consular officer that you’re visiting temporarily and will return home. And that’s where your documents play a crucial role.
The Complete List of Documents Required for US Visa Interview B1 B2 (2025)
Here’s the direct checklist you should prepare before your interview:
| Category | Required Documents | Why It Matters |
| Mandatory | – Valid Passport (6+ months beyond intended stay) – DS-160 Confirmation Page – Visa Appointment Letter – MRV Fee Receipt | These are non-negotiable. Without them, your interview can’t happen. |
| Financial Proof | – Latest 6–12 months bank statements – Income Tax Returns (ITR) – Salary slips / Employer letter | Shows you can afford the trip and won’t overstay. |
| Purpose-Specific | – Business invitation letter (for B1) – Travel itinerary, hotel bookings (for B2) – Medical documents (if seeking treatment) | Justifies why you need the visa. |
| Additional Support | – Previous passports with travel history – Property documents – Family documents (marriage/birth certificates) | Strengthens your ties to your home country. |
Mandatory Documents (Must-Haves)
Consular officers want to be sure you can afford your stay. Depending on your profile:
- Salaried Applicants:
- Recent salary slips (last 3–6 months).
- Employer letter confirming your position, salary, and leave approval.
- Self-Employed/Business Owners:
- Business registration/license.
- Company bank statements.
- Tax returns (ITR).
- Retired Applicants:
- Pension slips.
- Fixed deposit statements or investment proofs.
Pro Tip: Bring originals plus photocopies. Don’t just carry one or two bank statements; take 6–12 months to show stability.
Financial Supporting Documents
These are the foundation documents for every applicant:
- Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Carry old passports too, if available.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page – The online visa form you filled; print the page with the barcode.
- Visa Appointment Letter – Proof that you booked an interview slot at the U.S. embassy/consulate.
- MRV Fee Receipt – The payment slip showing you’ve paid the visa application fee.
Tip: Keep these four together on top of your file. Without them, the officer won’t even start your interview.
Purpose-Specific Documents
Depending on whether you’re applying for a B1 visa (business visa USA) or a B2 tourist visa, you’ll need extra documents.
For B1 Visa (Business):
- Invitation letter from a U.S. company or partner.
- Conference registration confirmation.
- Training/workshop details.
- Letter from your Indian employer explaining the purpose of your U.S. trip.
For B2 Visa (Tourism/Medical/Family Visit):
- Travel itinerary (planned dates, flights, hotels).
- Medical reports + doctor’s letter if seeking treatment.
- Invitation letter from relatives in the U.S. (optional, but useful).
Remember: The goal is to show why you’re going and why you’ll return home.
Additional Supporting Documents
These aren’t always mandatory, but they strengthen your case:
- Travel history (previous passports with visas to Schengen, UK, Canada, etc.).
- Property documents (land, house, apartment ownership — shows strong ties).
- Family ties (marriage certificate, kids’ school records).
- Educational documents (if attending a short-term training).
Think of these as “bonus points” that build trust.
How to Organize Your Documents for the Interview
A neat, organized folder makes a good impression and saves you from panic during the interview.
- Use a transparent folder with labeled dividers.
- Keep mandatory documents on top.
- Originals + photocopies side by side.
- Don’t overload with irrelevant papers — only carry what matters.
A friend of mine once stuffed 100+ pages of unnecessary financial records in his file. The officer never looked at them — just asked for his passport, DS-160, and employer letter. Keep it relevant, not bulky.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to print your DS-160 confirmation.
- Carrying expired or soon-to-expire passports.
- Submitting only 1–2 months of financial records.
- Thinking “an invitation letter guarantees approval” (it doesn’t).
- Mixing up B1 and B2 requirements — they overlap, but some documents differ.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your US B1/B2 visa interview can feel overwhelming — but once you know the exact documents required for US visa interview B1 B2, it becomes manageable.
Here’s the takeaway:
- Carry your mandatory documents without fail.
- Add financial proofs and purpose-specific papers to strengthen your application.
- Organize everything neatly, and approach your interview with confidence.
The advantages of B1 B2 US visa are huge: a single visa can let you explore opportunities, enjoy leisure trips, or attend family events in America — sometimes with a validity of up to 10 years. Imagine the freedom of having a US 10 year visa that allows multiple entries and the ability to visit not just the U.S., but even other countries that accept U.S. visa holders (like Mexico or some Caribbean destinations).
So, gather your documents, practice your interview answers, and walk in confidently. With preparation, you’ll be one step closer to holding that coveted B1/B2 visa stamp in your passport.
Safe travels and good luck!
1. How much bank balance is required for a US B2 visa?
There’s no official fixed amount, but a safe rule is to show enough to cover your trip + return ticket. For a 2–3 week holiday, ₹3–5 lakhs (~$4,000–$6,000) in savings is usually considered sufficient.
2. How to increase chances of getting a B1 B2 visa?
- Be honest during your interview.
- Show strong ties to your home country (job, property, family).
- Present organized, clear documents.
- Don’t over-explain; answer what’s asked confidently.
3. What is the minimum bank balance for B2 visa?
Again, no “minimum” is officially required. But for a comfortable tourist stay, showing at least ₹2–3 lakhs (~$2,500–$3,500) in liquid funds is advisable.
4. How to dress for a B1 visa interview?
Business casual works best. Think neat, simple, professional — shirts, trousers, sarees, or salwar suits. Avoid flashy jewelry or casual wear. First impressions count.
5. What documents are required for immigration check?
At U.S. immigration (port of entry), officers may ask for:
- Passport with valid visa.
- Return ticket.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel/host invitation).
- Purpose of visit explanation (invitation letter, itinerary).
