For an H-1B visa stamping appointment, applicants must bring a valid passport, the original Form I-797 approval notice, and a completed DS-160 form confirmation page. Supporting documents such as the H-1B petition, employment verification letter, recent pay stubs, and academic credentials demonstrating qualifications for the specialty occupation are essential. It is also important to have proof of the applicant's ties to their home country and any previous U.S. visas or immigration records.
What Documents Are Needed for an H-1B Visa Stamping Appointment?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DS-160 Confirmation Page Barcode | The DS-160 confirmation page barcode is a critical document required for an H-1B visa stamping appointment, as it verifies the completed online visa application form submitted to the U.S. Department of State. Consular officers scan this barcode to access applicant information, making it essential to present the printed DS-160 confirmation page alongside other supporting documents for a successful visa interview process. |
| 2 | H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797B) | The H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797B) is a crucial document required for an H-1B visa stamping appointment, serving as official proof that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the visa petition. This form must be presented at the U.S. embassy or consulate to verify the petition approval and allow the visa officer to proceed with the stamping process. |
| 3 | LCA (Labor Condition Application) ETA-9035E | The Labor Condition Application (LCA) ETA-9035E is a critical document required for H-1B visa stamping appointments, certifying the employer's compliance with U.S. Department of Labor wage and working condition standards. Applicants must present the certified LCA along with the Form I-797 Approval Notice and a valid passport to demonstrate eligibility and visa petition approval. |
| 4 | Client Letter (End-client Worksite Verification) | The Client Letter for an H-1B visa stamping appointment must include detailed end-client worksite verification, specifying the nature of the employment, job duties, duration of the project, and the exact location of work at the end-client site. This document serves as crucial evidence to confirm the petitioner's business relationship with the client and substantiates the beneficiary's work assignment outside the petitioning employer's premises. |
| 5 | Petitioner's Support Letter | The petitioner's support letter for an H-1B visa stamping appointment must include detailed job offer information, proof of the petitioner's business legitimacy, and confirmation of the beneficiary's role and qualifications. This letter is a critical document that substantiates the employer-employee relationship and validates the H-1B petition during the consular interview process. |
| 6 | H-1B Employment Itinerary | The H-1B Employment Itinerary must list all intended work locations, dates, and employers, providing USCIS clear evidence of employment terms and travel plans. Accurate, detailed itineraries support visa stamping by demonstrating compliance with H-1B regulations and helping consular officers verify job-site legitimacy. |
| 7 | Recent Pay Slips (Proof of Ongoing Employment) | Recent pay slips are essential for an H-1B visa stamping appointment as they serve as proof of ongoing employment with the sponsoring employer. These documents demonstrate current salary payments, verifying that the visa holder is actively working under the terms of the approved H-1B petition. |
| 8 | I-129 Petition Copy (Complete Submission) | The I-129 Petition Copy (Complete Submission) is a crucial document required for an H-1B visa stamping appointment, as it verifies the approval of the employer's petition filed with USCIS. This complete copy includes the original petition, supporting evidence, and the USCIS approval notice, ensuring the consular officer can confirm the applicant's eligibility under the H-1B classification. |
| 9 | Vendor Agreement (for Third-party Worksites) | The H-1B visa stamping appointment requires submitting a Vendor Agreement when the beneficiary is assigned to a third-party worksite, detailing the contractual relationship between the employer and the vendor. This document validates the work arrangement and ensures compliance with Department of Labor regulations for third-party placements under H-1B employment. |
| 10 | Employee Work Badge/Access Card | An H-1B visa stamping appointment requires presenting an employee work badge or access card as proof of current employment authorization and workplace affiliation. This document, alongside the passport, I-797 approval notice, and employment verification letter, helps consular officers validate the applicant's job status and legitimacy. |
Overview of H-1B Visa Stamping Process
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States. |
| H-1B Visa Approval Notice (Form I-797) | Official approval notice issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirming visa petition approval. |
| DS-160 Confirmation Page | Completed DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form confirmation page. |
| Visa Appointment Confirmation | Receipt or confirmation of the scheduled visa interview appointment at the U.S. consulate or embassy. |
| Employment Offer Letter | Letter from the U.S. employer detailing the job offer, salary, and employment terms. |
| Educational and Professional Credentials | Degrees, transcripts, and any professional licenses relevant to the H-1B specialty occupation. |
| Pay Stubs and Tax Returns | Recent pay stubs and tax documents demonstrating current employment status if applicable. |
| Photographs | Passport-sized photographs meeting the U.S. visa photograph specifications. |
The H-1B visa stamping process involves scheduling a consular interview where Your documents are verified. Preparing all required documents in advance ensures a smoother interview experience and increases the chances of visa issuance.
Essential Documents Required for H-1B Visa Stamping
Essential documents required for an H-1B visa stamping appointment include the original Form I-797 Approval Notice, a valid passport, and the completed DS-160 confirmation page. You must also present the H-1B visa application fee receipt and recent passport-sized photographs meeting consulate specifications. Proof of your employment, such as the original H-1B petition and an employment verification letter, is necessary to complete the process.
DS-160 Form: Completing and Submitting
The DS-160 form is a crucial part of your H-1B visa stamping appointment and must be accurately completed online. Submitting the DS-160 generates a confirmation page required for the visa interview.
- Complete the DS-160 Form Online - Access the official U.S. Department of State website to fill out the DS-160 application with accurate personal and travel information.
- Review for Accuracy - Carefully check all details on the DS-160 form to avoid errors that could delay your visa processing.
- Print the Confirmation Page - After submission, print the DS-160 confirmation page, as it is mandatory to bring to your H-1B visa stamping appointment.
Passport and Photograph Specifications
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States. Photograph specifications are strict and must meet the US visa photo requirements for your H-1B visa stamping appointment.
- Passport validity - Your passport should have a minimum of six months validity beyond the date you plan to enter the US to ensure eligibility.
- Photograph size - The photograph must be 2x2 inches in dimension, clear, and full-face against a white or off-white background.
- Photograph quality - The image should be in color, taken within the last six months, and show a neutral facial expression without glasses or head coverings unless for religious purposes.
Employment Verification and Offer Letter
For an H-1B visa stamping appointment, Employment Verification documents are essential to prove your current work status and job role. These typically include recent pay stubs, an employment verification letter from your employer, and your latest tax returns or W-2 forms.
Your Offer Letter plays a crucial role by confirming the terms of your employment, including job title, salary, and start date. Ensure the letter is on company letterhead, signed, and clearly states your position and employment duration.
H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797) Guidelines
The H-1B Approval Notice, also known as Form I-797, is a crucial document required for your visa stamping appointment. This form serves as official proof of petition approval by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Carrying the original I-797 and a copy ensures smooth processing and avoids unnecessary delays during the appointment.
Supporting Financial and Tax Documents
Supporting financial and tax documents are essential for a successful H-1B visa stamping appointment. These documents demonstrate the applicant's financial stability and compliance with U.S. tax regulations.
Key financial documents include recent pay stubs, bank statements, and the employer's letter confirming salary details. Tax documents such as the applicant's Form W-2, recent tax returns, and the employer's tax filings help verify income and employment legitimacy. Presenting these documents clearly supports the H-1B petition and strengthens the visa application.
Previous Visa and Travel History Documentation
What previous visa and travel history documents are required for an H-1B visa stamping appointment?
Applicants must provide all prior passport copies containing previous visas and entry/exit stamps. Detailed travel history demonstrates compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and supports the visa approval process.
Scheduling and Confirming Visa Stamping Appointment
Scheduling your H-1B visa stamping appointment requires careful preparation of necessary documents. Essential paperwork typically includes the H-1B visa approval notice (Form I-797), a valid passport, and the DS-160 confirmation page.
Confirming your visa stamping appointment often involves accessing the embassy or consulate's online scheduling system. You must provide your personal details and upload supporting documents to secure the appointment confirmation.
What Documents Are Needed for an H-1B Visa Stamping Appointment? Infographic
