What documents and money do I need?
The Department of State's required list is short — almost everything beyond it is supporting evidence an officer may ask for, not a second mandatory list. Work through these questions before you pack a folder.
Which documents are officially required?
A passport valid for travel, your DS-160 confirmation page, a fee payment receipt if you paid before your interview, and a printed photo only if your upload failed. Read the documents checklist
What supporting evidence might an officer ask for?
Evidence of the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart afterwards, and your ability to pay — such as evidence of employment and family ties. Read the documents checklist
Do I need an invitation letter or sponsor documents?
No — a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed, and it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa. Read the documents checklist
Who has to show the money for the trip — the visitor, or the child in the USA?
Start with the visitor's own ability to pay; if that does not cover all costs, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all of them. Read the parents visiting children guide
What should parents carry to the interview?
The required items, for each parent, plus genuine supporting evidence of the settled life at home and of who is paying for what. Read the parents visiting children guide
What should I NOT bring or rely on?
Never fabricated or arranged documents — misrepresentation is a permanent ineligibility — and do not rely on the volume of your file. Read the documents checklist
How much money in the bank is enough?
No official minimum amount is stated in the guides — what is assessed is your ability to pay all costs of your trip. A dedicated guide is in preparation.
Official sources
Guides on this page are verified against official sources before publication. Official starting point: U.S. Department of State — Visitor Visa.
General educational information, not individualized legal advice. Follow the official instructions for the embassy or consulate where you apply, and consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney for case-specific questions.
General information based on official sources — not a confirmation for your case. Always check the linked official page.