Documents for B1/B2 visa: Do you need sponsorship?

For a B1/B2 visa interview, prospective visitors from India need to prepare specific documents. While an invitation or sponsorship letter and financial documents like bank statements are not mandatory, they can strengthen the application. Here’s a breakdown:

Required Documents:

1. Mandatory Documents:

o DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printout of the completed online form.

o Appointment Confirmation Letter: Confirmation of your visa interview appointment.

o Passport: Current passport with at least six months validity and any old passports.

o Photograph: A recent passport-size photo meeting U.S. visa requirements.

2. Supporting Documents:

o Proof of Purpose:

 Business meetings: Invitation letter from the U.S. company and details of the meeting.

 Tourism: Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or planned activities.

o Financial Proof:

 Bank statements (last 3–6 months), income tax returns, or pay slips to demonstrate the ability to cover travel costs.

o Ties to India:

 Employment letter, property ownership documents, family ties, or other evidence proving the intent to return to India.

3. Optional but Helpful:

o Invitation Letter: From a U.S. host or business contact explaining the purpose of the visit.

o Sponsor Documents (if applicable): Sponsor’s bank statements, proof of U.S. residency, or relationship to the applicant.

Key Considerations:

• While bank statements and sponsorship letters are not mandatory, consular officers often consider financial stability and ties to your home country to assess the likelihood of returning after the visit.

• A strong invitation letter can clarify the purpose of the visit, especially for family or business reasons.

Steps for the Sponsor (if applicable):

• If the U.S.-based sponsor is supporting the trip, they may provide:

o A letter of invitation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit.

o Financial documents (if sponsoring the trip), such as Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support).

Important Note:

Providing accurate and honest information is crucial, as discrepancies can lead to visa denial. The applicant must convincingly demonstrate strong ties to India and the intent to leave the U.S. after their visit.