The procedure for opening a visa at the U.S. Embassy is radically different from the requirements for the Canadian or British embassies, where documents play a key role in getting a visa. The American visa officer makes the decision based on the data you entered into the DS-160 questionnaire, as well as the information you provide in person. These two points play an important role in the officer’s decision to issue a visa or not. Regardless, there is a list of mandatory documents and possibly some additional documents which may be required. From reading the information on the Internet you can find a lot of recommendations to not take documents to the interview. Some inaccurate information states that bringing documents is unnecessary and annoying for the visa officer. However, our experience shows the opposite! First, there are cases when the applicant is asked to show documents, and secondly, the official website of the U.S. Embassy recommends that you take accompanying documents with you to the interview.
So, the obligatory documents are:
- A valid passport
- Old passports
- One color photo
- Appointment information
- Confirmation of the completed DS-160 questionnaire
Additional documents:
- Documentation confirming the purpose of the trip - this includes guest invitations, business invitations, receipts for booked tours or cruises, event tickets, etc.
- proof of your permanent income: tax returns, bank statements, certificate from the place of work.
- links to the country of residence: marriage certificates, documents for movable property, business, etc.
- If you intend to travel with a minor child you need to provide a birth certificate and permission from a parent or guardian for the child to leave the country.
In fact, this list may not be exhaustive depending on the purpose of your trip.
Getting a visa to the U.S. can take you some time, so it is advisable to plan your trip and apply for a visa well in advance. Don’t forget that the consular fee for a B1/B2 visa is $160 and that a visa to the U.S. for Ukrainians is normally issued for 10 years with multiple entry.
