H-1B Visa Interview Documents Checklist

Following recent changes to the Interview Waiver Program, nearly all H-1B visa applicants—including first-timers and renewals—now must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy as part of the visa approval process.

Because of these changes, preparing your H-1B visa interview documents is more important than ever.

Let’s take a look at the H-1B visa interview documents you’ll want to bring to your appointment. We’ll cover both required documents and supporting documents that, while not required, can help strengthen your case.

Primary required documents for an H-1B visa interview

You are required to bring several documents to your H-1B visa interview. These documents prove your identity and visa eligibility. They also confirm your appointment date, time, and location. Forgetting even one document on this list can mean rescheduling your visa interview, being placed in administrative processing—or even worse, getting a denial.

Document Type	Document Requirements	Why You Need It	How/Where to Get It
Valid passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.	Primary form of identification	Issued by the passport authority in your home country
Form DS-160 Confirmation Page	Must feature a unique barcode, which confirms you’ve completed and submitted your nonimmigrant visa application	The officer uses the barcode to access your electronic file at the interview	Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, log in with your case number and invoice ID, and locate and print the confirmation page with the required barcode
Visa application fee receipt (if required to pay prior to interview)	Outlines payment details, including amount paid, applicant details, and a unique MRV receipt number	Acts as proof that you paid your visa application fee	Issued upon payment
Photographs	A color passport-style photograph that meets the visa photograph requirements	Used as a backup for visa processing in case your digital photo upload is insufficient	Take the photo yourself or visit a photographer/retailer that offers passport photography
Visa appointment confirmation	The official appointment confirmation letter you received from the National Visa Center (NVC)	Allows you to access the U.S. Consulate or Embassy at your scheduled interview time	Sent to your physical mail or email(If you’re unable to locate your letter, contact the NVC to request a duplicate copy)
Form I-797 Approval Notice	The official approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approving your H-1B petition	Confirms your petition approval and visa eligibility and contains your Petition Receipt Number, which is required to schedule an interview	Provided by your sponsoring employer (or their attorney) after USCIS approval

Supporting documents for an H-1B visa interview

Bringing the required documents to your H-1B visa interview is a must, but some consular officers may request supporting documents to better understand your eligibility.

“Supporting documents are helpful to bring to ‘fill in the gaps’ of what the primary documents cannot answer,” said Nicole Gunara, principal immigration lawyer at Manifest Law. “Since at the interview the officer is double-checking your qualifications for a visa, supporting documents can help an officer determine if you remain qualified or answer clarifying questions.”

Employment documents

Employment documents show that you have a real job and employer backing your H-1B petition. They help to verify your role, salary, and employment details—all key to H-1B eligibility.

Document Type	Document Requirements	Why You Need It	How/Where to Get It
H-1B petition packet	A complete copy of your H-1B petition (Form I-129) and certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)	The petition was submitted by your employer to USCIS and contains all information related to your petition	Request copies from your employer or attorney
Employment verification letter (EVL)	A formal letter from your employer confirming your role remains open to you and confirming items like job title, duties, and salary	Verifies key employment information	Request an EVL from your direct supervisor or employer’s HR department
Offer letter/employment contract	A copy of the formal offer letter or contract from your employer	Outlines the terms of your employment	Request from your employer’s HR department or direct supervisor
Recent pay stubs (if applicable, for H-1B renewals)	Your most recent pay stubs	Prove you’re currently employed and your H-1B status is valid	Request copies from your employer’s payroll or HR department

Academic and professional background documents

The H-1B visa is reserved for specialty occupations. To get approved, you need to have the education and training needed for your role. Your school and work records confirm you have the required degree and/or experience and can successfully do the job.

Document Type	Document Requirements	Why You Need It	How/Where to Get It
Diploma	A document that shows that you hold the required bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent)	Proves you meet the visa’s degree requirements	Request an official diploma from your university’s registrar’s office
Transcripts	Documents that outline all your completed coursework and associated grades	Provide details on your coursework and academic performance, proving you have the skills and background to qualify for a specialty occupation	Request official copies from your university’s registrar’s office
Credential evaluation	A report showing your foreign degree’s equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree	A credential evaluation is required if your degree is from a foreign university to prove you meet H-1B eligibility criteria	Obtain from an independent credentials evaluator or school official
Resume/CV	A comprehensive summary of your professional background, education, and skills	Helps the officer quickly verify the information on your petition	Create yourself or work with a professional resume writer

Additional Documents as Needed

Depending on your case, you may want to bring additional documents to your visa interview. These extra documents can strengthen your case, but they’re not usually mandatory.

Document Type	Document Requirements	Why You Need It	How/Where to Get It
Previous immigration/visa documents	All prior passports with U.S. visa stamps and visa-related documents, like I-20s (for F and M student visas), DS-2019s (for J exchange visitor visas), or past Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)	Provides a comprehensive history of your U.S. travel and immigration, which can help demonstrate compliance	Your personal immigration records
Documents for dependents (H-4 visas)	Valid passports, a marriage certificate (for a spouse), and/or a birth certificate (for a child)	Prove your relationship with dependents, verify their eligibility, and minimize potential delays in H-4 visa processing times	Request copies from the appropriate registration/records office in your home country

How to organize your documents for the consular officer

Organized paperwork makes for easier interviews. When the consular officer asks you for a document, you’ll be able to find it immediately. This makes it easier for them to conduct the interview and review your case.

As you’re preparing for your H-1B visa interview, keep these organization tips in mind:

Separate documents by category

Organize your documents by category (for example, required documents, employment, academic, and dependents). Then, use a filing folder with labeled tabs to keep each document category separate. This will allow you to easily locate specific documents during your interview.

Make a full set of copies

Bring at least one full set of photocopies of all of your documents. Having copies on hand is helpful in case you misplace a document prior to your interview. It will also ensure you have a copy for your records if an officer requests the original version of a document, such as Form I-797. (Just make sure to keep your original documents separate from the copies. You don’t want to lose the original of an important document, like a diploma or professional license.)

Keep your most important documents at the top of your folder

As mentioned, there are certain documents that you’re required to bring to your H-1B interview, while others are just recommended. As you’re assembling your filing folder, put the required documents at the very top. (For example, your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, and appointment letter.) Because they’re the most important, you also want them to be the most easily accessible.

How to secure an H-1B visa interview appointment

Once your documents are ready, the next step is actually scheduling your H-1B interview appointment.

To schedule your interview appointment, visit your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website. You can also schedule at UsTravelDocs.com.

If you’re in India, CheckVisaSlots.com can help streamline the H-1B visa interview scheduling process. CheckVisaSlots.com tracks visa appointment availability and cancellations in real-time. It also eliminates common self-monitoring challenges, like page view limits, lockouts, and availability delays—all of which can help you secure an appointment faster.

Organized H-1B Documents = Successful Interview

Knowing what documents you need—and organizing them ahead of time—sets you up for a successful H-1B interview. And once you’ve completed the interview, you’re that much closer to getting your H-1B visa.

Always double-check your U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website before your interview, as requirements can vary by location.

How Manifest Law Can Help

At Manifest Law, our experienced H-1B lawyers build visa strategies around your unique situation, taking into account your qualifications and experience to guide you on the smartest path forward. To learn more about how Manifest Law can help you secure H-1B status, request a consultation today.

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice on your specific situation.