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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

The DS-160 form, or Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is a critical step in the U.S. visa process. While the form collects extensive information about your travel plans, background, and purpose of visit, supporting documents play a crucial role in verifying the details you provide. Submitting complete and accurate documentation strengthens your application and helps avoid delays or denials.

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our founding attorney, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience, including more than a decade of helping individuals and families throughout Illinois. She’s here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you gather the proper supporting documents for your DS-160 submission with confidence and ease. Here’s how.

Supporting Documents

Understanding Why Supporting Documents Are Important

The DS-160 form is comprehensive but essentially a declaration of your information. Supporting documents serve as evidence to substantiate your claims and ensure the consular officer has confidence in your application. These documents demonstrate your eligibility for the visa and your intent to comply with U.S. immigration laws, such as returning to your home country after your visit.

Key Categories of Supporting Documents

The documents you’ll need vary depending on your visa type, including tourist, work, student, or family-based.

Here’s a breakdown of standard categories and what to include:

Identity and Passport Information

  • Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
  • Previous visas: Include copies of past U.S. visas to demonstrate your travel history.
  • Passport photos: Ensure these meet U.S. visa photo requirements, including size and background specifications.

Purpose of Travel

  • Invitation letter: Include a letter from your U.S.-based host or employer for business or family visits.
  • Travel itinerary: Provide a detailed trip plan that includes flight bookings, hotel reservations, or event confirmations.
  • Conference or event details: Include registration confirmations or event schedules for business travelers or attendees.

Proof of Ties to Your Home Country

One of the most essential parts of a visa application is demonstrating solid ties to your home country.

This helps prove your intent to return after your visit and may include the following:

  • Employment verification: A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and leave approval.
  • Property ownership documents: Deeds, leases, or mortgage statements.
  • Family ties: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other familial connections documents.

Financial Support

You must prove that you can financially support yourself while in the U.S., which may require producing:

  • Bank statements: Provide at least three months of recent bank statements showing sufficient funds.
  • Pay stubs: Include pay stubs from your current job as evidence of steady income.
  • Sponsorship letter: If someone else supports your trip, provide a notarized sponsorship letter and their financial documents.

Educational or Work Documents (For Students and Workers)

  • I-20 or DS-2019 form: For F-1 or J-1 visa applicants, include these forms issued by your U.S. school or program sponsor.
  • Employment contract: For work visas, include a signed contract or offer letter specifying your job title, salary, and duration of employment.
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas: For students, these prove your educational background.

What Happens if You’re Missing Documents?

Missing key documents can delay your application or lead to denial.

If you’re unsure what documents you need or how to prepare them, our experienced immigration attorneys can help. Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation and ensure your DS-160 application is as strong as possible. By ensuring your documents are complete, consistent, and aligned with your visa category, you’ll be well-prepared for your counselor interview and increase your chances of a successful application.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes.