Applying for a U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa is an important step if you are planning to travel to the United States for business meetings, conferences, tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. The process involves multiple stages, but the most crucial one is the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.

At Atlys, we help thousands of people every year successfully apply for their U.S. tourist visas. We understand that the process can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide. While having the right documents is essential, it is equally important to understand the interview process, supporting evidence, and security guidelines.

This guide will walk you through the documents required and the additional guidelines that every Indian applicant should know before attending their B1/B2 visa interview.

You can apply for the US tourist visa on Atlys, and secure your appointment slot.

Quick Summary: U.S. B1/B2 Visa Interview Documents for India

• Mandatory Documents
  Carry your valid passport, old passports, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation letter, MRV fee receipt, and a recent U.S. visa-compliant photograph.

• Supporting Documents
  Prepare financial proofs, such as bank statements and tax returns, as well as employment or business documents, and evidence of strong ties to India, including family records or property papers.
  

  Here’s how you can craft the perfect cover letter for your US tourist visa.

• Purpose of Visit Proof
  For business trips, keep invitation letters or conference details ready. For tourism or family visits, prepare your travel itinerary or an invitation from relatives in the U.S.

• Additional Guidelines
  Bring previous passports to show travel history. Be ready with extra documents if the officer requests them. Remember that the process is interview-based, so your answers matter as much as your papers.

• Security Rules
  Do not carry electronics, big bags, or prohibited items to the embassy. Only take your document folder and essentials.

1. Mandatory Documents for the Visa Interview

The following documents are required for every applicant:

• Valid Passport

  • Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

  • Carry all old or expired passports if available, as they help establish your travel history.

• DS-160 Confirmation Page

  • Print the confirmation page with the barcode after submitting your DS-160 form online.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to fill out a DS-160 form for a B1 and B2 Visa.

• Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter

  • Proof that you have scheduled your visa interview through the official U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website.
    

• Visa Application Fee Receipt (MRV Fee)

  • Proof of payment for the non-refundable visa application fee.
    

• Recent Photograph

  • One U.S. visa-compliant passport-size photo (2x2 inches, white background, neutral expression, no spectacles).

  • Even if you uploaded a digital photo with the DS-160 form, carry a printed copy in case the upload does not meet requirements. You can use the Atlys visa photo maker to get the perfect photo.

2. Supporting Documents to Strengthen Your Case

While the mandatory documents are non-negotiable, supporting documents can help demonstrate your financial stability, purpose of visit, and strong ties to India.

Proof of Financial Stability

• Bank statements for the last six months showing sufficient funds

• Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the past two to three years

• Property ownership documents, fixed deposits, or investment proofs

Proof of Employment or Business

• Employment verification letter from your employer stating designation, salary, and approved leave dates

• Salary slips for the past three to six months

• For business owners: company registration certificate, tax filings, or business financial statements

Proof of Purpose of Visit

• For B1 (business visa): Invitation letters from U.S. companies, conference registration, or meeting schedules

• For B2 (tourist or family visit): Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or invitation letters from family or friends in the U.S.

Proof of Strong Ties to India

• Family documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates of children

• Evidence of ongoing employment or education

• Property ownership documents or lease agreements

3. Additional Guidelines for Indian Applicants

Apart from the mandatory and supporting documents, there are other important things to keep in mind when preparing for your interview.

• Previous Passports
  While not officially listed as mandatory, it is highly advisable to carry all previous passports, including expired ones. They provide proof of your past travel history, which can help strengthen your application.
  

• Additional Documents May Be Requested
  After scheduling your interview, you will receive detailed instructions from the embassy or consulate. However, during the interview, the visa officer may ask for documents not included in the initial checklist. If this happens, you will be given a letter with instructions on how to submit the requested documents after the interview.
  

• Understand the Interview Process
  The U.S. nonimmigrant visa process is primarily interview-based, not purely document-based. The consular officer will want to hear directly from you about your travel plans, previous international travel, employment, and family situation. Be prepared to answer confidently and consistently. Supporting documents should only be shown when requested.
  

• Personal Items and Security Rules
  Security at U.S. consulates and embassies is strict. To avoid delays, bring as few personal items as possible. Prohibited items include:

  • Large bags, liquids, lighters, and matches

  • Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras

  • Any electronic devices
    There are no storage facilities available at the embassy or consulate. Bring only a small folder or pouch with your documents and passport. Also, avoid taking photos of the embassy or consulate premises, even from outside, as this can lead to your interview being postponed or cancelled.

Here is a handy reference list to prepare for your US B1/B2 visa interview in India:

1. Current passport (valid at least six months beyond your U.S. trip)

2. Old/expired passports

3. DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)

4. Visa appointment confirmation letter

5. Visa application fee receipt (MRV)

6. Recent U.S. visa-compliant photograph

7. Bank statements, tax returns, and property documents

8. Employment verification letter and salary slips OR business documents

9. Invitation letter and/or travel itinerary (depending on purpose of visit)

10. Proof of family and professional ties to India

A successful U.S. B1/B2 visa interview is about much more than simply carrying the right set of documents. The consular officer is looking for clarity of intent, evidence of financial stability, and strong ties to India that show you are a genuine visitor who will return after your trip. This is why preparation plays such a big role in the outcome of your visa application.

When your documents are well-organised, your answers are consistent, and your purpose of travel is clear, you present yourself as a confident and credible applicant. Remember, the interview is not meant to intimidate you; it is an opportunity for you to explain your travel plans, showcase your ties to home, and demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements for a visitor visa.

By keeping both the mandatory requirements and the additional guidelines in mind, you can walk into your U.S. visa interview with clarity and confidence. Thousands of Indian travellers successfully obtain their B1/B2 visas each year, and with careful preparation, there is every reason to believe you will too. Approach the process with honesty, be ready to answer questions directly, and let your documents support your story.

With the right preparation, your U.S. B1/B2 visa interview can be a smooth and successful step toward your next journey, whether it’s for business meetings, conferences, or creating lasting memories with loved ones in the United States.