The H-1B visa is highly competitive every year due to global demand and annual visa limits. For that reason, it’s key to have all your H-1B visa documents properly filed by the applicable deadlines. Read our guide to find a H-1B document checklist for all the relevant steps of the H-1B process, including the interview stage, stamping, extensions, renewal, and biometrics.
Not sure which documents you need?
H-1B Visa Interview Documents Checklist
Below are the documents required for your H-1B visa interview:
- Valid passport
- Color passport-style photographs taken in the last six months
- I-797 H-1B approval notice
- Copy of the I-129 petition application that was submitted by the employer
- Copy of work offer letter confirming job role, responsibilities, and salary offered, and that the position is open to them once they arrive in the United States.
- Education and work experience credentials, such as a University Diploma and CV.
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- Documentation of legal residency
Verify with your immigration attorney that you have all the H-1B visa interview documents prepared before your appointment. This will ensure the highest chances of approval and avoid unnecessary delays.
Required Documents for H-1B Dependents
H-1B applicants will need to bring the following documents if they intend to apply on behalf of their spouse and dependent children:
- The original notice of action form I-797 of the H-1B applicant
- The original Form I-129 of the H-1B applicant
- A photocopy of a valid visa of the principal applicant, if applying separately.
- An original marriage certificate
- Supporting evidence of your marriage. While not always required, it is recommended to bring additional evidence, such as
- Joint bank accounts
- A copy of a joint bank account statement or a property deed/lease with both names.
- A small selection of wedding photos
- Original birth certificates of dependent children
Important:
Check with your U.S. consulate to determine what documents are needed, as the list will vary from country to country.
H-1B Stamping Documents Checklist
This stamping process checklist includes the minimum documents required for H-1B stamping:
- Passport: Your current valid passport as well as old passports, if any. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
- U.S. Visa Application (Form DS-160) Confirmation Page: This is the confirmation page of the online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter: Confirmation of your visa interview appointment.
- Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph that meets U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Visa Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the H-1B visa application fee.
- I-797 Form: The original or a copy of the approved H1B petition, known as Form I-797, Notice of Action. If you have changed employers, a copy of all previous I-797 forms may also be required.
- Labor Condition Application (LCA): A copy of the LCA, which is approved by the Department of Labor and filed by your employer.
- Letter of Employment: A letter from your U.S. employer confirming your job offer and detailing the terms and conditions of your employment.
- Work Experience Letters and Resume: Documents detailing your professional background, such as your resume, letters from previous employers, and any other relevant work experience documents.
- Educational Documents: Originals and copies of your academic qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, transcripts, certificates, and any other relevant qualifications.
- Proof of Your Status in Your Home Country: This could include proof of property, family, or other ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return after your H-1B visa expires.
- Financial Evidence: Proof of your financial stability, which could include bank statements, pay stubs, and other relevant financial documents.
As of September 2025, the U.S. Department of State has implemented a significant policy update preventing H-1B applicants from “third-country stamping.” This means that H-1B holders need to schedule their visa renewal interviews in their country of nationality or residence.
Extra H-1B Documents to Ensure H-1B Visa Stamping Success
Depending on your case, the embassy may require the following. However, it is best to bring them when going for your H-1B visa stamping if possible:
- A letter from your current employer that extends your employment. This letter serves as a strong indicator of your continued professional engagement and the ongoing need for your services in the U.S. It reassures the embassy that your employment situation remains stable and legitimate.
- A copy of your resume is also advisable. Your resume comprehensively outlines your professional journey, including your educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. This detailed summary helps visa officers quickly understand your qualifications and the trajectory that has led to your current H-1B employment opportunity.
- A description of your sponsoring employer can be highly beneficial. This should include information about the company’s operations, its standing in the industry, and why the company requires your specific skill set. Such a description can help contextualize your role within the company and demonstrate the legitimacy of your employment. Including details about the company’s size, market position, and financial health can also add to the credibility of your H-1B visa application.
Special Documents for H-1B Visa Stamping in India
If you’re getting your visa stamped in India, you’ll need a few additional documents:
- Client Letter: A letter from the client you will be working for in the U.S.
- Work Order: Copies of the work order from your employer.
- LCA (Labor Condition Application): Copy of the certified LCA tied to your H-1B petition.
These documents are crucial for the H1B visa stamping process, ensuring that your application adheres to U.S. consular requirements in India.
Can You do H-1B Visa Stamping in Canada?
Visa holders can stamp their H1B visa in Canada, although it’s important to be aware that the procedures and requirements may differ from those in your home country. Before planning for H-1B visa stamping in Canada, it’s advisable to check the latest guidelines from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada, as eligibility criteria and processes can change.
Read how we got an H-1B approval for our client, a geologist, in 20 days!
Required H-1B Visa Documents Checklist
Our required H-1B visa documents checklist highlights the documents needed for each stage of the H-1B process:
Stage One: H-1B Registration Documents For Employers
- Basic Employer Information
- Legal Business Name
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Company Address
- Company Contact Person (Name, Title, Phone, and Email)
- Company’s Immigration Attorney (if applicable)
- Applicant information
- Full name (as per passport)
- Employee’s date of birth
- Passport number
- Country of birth and citizenship
- Educational qualifications, including whether the employee has a master’s or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education
- USCIS Registration Fee Payment Receipt
Find out key H-1B lottery dates, times, and deadlines.
Stage Two: H-1B Petition Filing Documents (Filed by Employer After Selection in Lottery)
- Labor Condition Application (LCA): This H-1B document is certified by the Department of Labor and filed by the employer. The LCA confirms that the employer will pay the prevailing wage for the job in the specific geographic location and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed.
- Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: This form is filed by the U.S. employer to petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an H-1B visa for the employee.
- Form I-907 (if using Premium Processing)
- Supporting documents provided by the sponsoring organization
- Offer of Employment Letter – Include a detailed job description
- Company Support Letter -Outlining job duties, salary, and compliance with LCA requirements
- Company Tax Returns or Financial Statements
- Employer’s Federal Tax ID (EIN) and Proof of Business Existence (e.g., business license or incorporation documents)
- Supporting Documents for the H-1B Petition provided by the beneficiary
- Passport: A valid passport is essential. It should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the United States.
- Offer of Employment Letter: A letter from the U.S. employer detailing the terms and conditions of the employment.
- Resume: A key H-1B document providing a comprehensive record of your employment history, educational background, skills, publications, and qualifications.
- Proof of Previous Work Experience: This includes letters from previous employers, job descriptions, and other evidence of work experience relevant to the H-1B position.
- Educational background documents: Evidence of the beneficiary’s education credentials, such as a diploma and transcripts
- If the beneficiary has met all of the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not yet been awarded, you may submit a copy of the beneficiary’s final transcript or a letter from the registrar confirming that the beneficiary has met all of the degree requirements
- Appropriate Translations: If the original diploma or transcript is not in English, provide a certified translation of the documents. USCIS requires that the translation be done by a third party; it cannot be done by the applicant or the petitioner.
- Academic Equivalency Evaluation: For foreign academic degrees, an official evaluation will most likely be required.
Stage Three: Visa Application and Consular Processing documents (Filed by Beneficiary)
- Form DS-160: The DS-160 is an online non-immigrant visa application form submitted by the applicant (beneficiary) and is required for individuals applying for the H-1B visa. It is submitted electronically to the U.S. Department of State before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
- After submission, the applicant will receive a DS-160 confirmation page, which is a required document for scheduling the visa interview.
- H-1B Visa Appointment Confirmation and Payment Receipt
Stage Four: Post-Petition and Travel Documents
- Receipt Number of the H-1B Petition: This is provided by USCIS once the H-1B petition is filed by the employer.
- Visa Interview Appointment Letter: Confirming the date and time of your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Form I-797, Approval Notice (from USCIS after petition approval)
- H-1B Visa Stamp (in passport after approval)
Learn about different options for how to Immigrate to the USA.
Additional H-1B Documents to Ensure Filing Success
When filing for an H-1B visa, certain documents, while not mandatory, can significantly increase the chances of acceptance:
- A detailed project plan or a letter of work engagement from the U.S. employer provides clarity about the nature, duration, and scope of the work to be undertaken. This can help establish the legitimacy of the employment and the necessity of your specific skill set.
- Evidence of specialized training or unique qualifications that are pertinent to the job role can also be influential. These documents underline why you are the ideal candidate for the position and why a U.S. resident could not fill the role.
- Letters of recommendation from previous employers or industry professionals attesting to your skills, work ethic, and contributions in your field can provide a persuasive argument for your case. These additional documents collectively build a robust profile, reinforcing the application’s credibility and thereby increasing the likelihood of its acceptance.
Once You’ve Received a Selection Notice
In preparing an H-1B petition, it is essential to include:
- A copy of the official selection notice is included.
- The beneficiary’s passport or travel document is used in Registration. Any discrepancy or variance must be explained in the H-1B filing, such as a company legal name change or renewal of the passport or travel document.
Moreover, it is crucial to understand that only the employer listed on the notice is authorized to file the petition on behalf of the beneficiary.
President Trump has signed a new proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. This change could impact employers and foreign workers planning to apply, but exclusions apply. Read our full article for more details
Biometrics Appointment Documents for H-1B Visa
Documents may vary depending on the U.S. Consulate, but typically include:
- U.S. Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter
- H-1B approval notice
- Valid Passport
- DS-160 Confirmation page.
- If your passport has recently expired, carry the most recent expired passport for additional verification (optional)
Documents Required for H-1B Transfer
The H-1B transfer process also requires specific documents for both the new employer and employee.
From the New Employer:
- Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- H-1B Transfer Petition (Form I-129)
- Job Description & Supporting Evidence
- Proof of Financial Stability and Organizational Info
From the Employee:
- Current H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797)
- Passport & Visa Information
- Educational Credentials (Degrees, Transcripts)
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Pay stubs from the current employer to prove ongoing H-1B status.
H-1B Extension Checklist for Remaining in the U.S
When your H-1B status is about to expire, you need an extension so you can remain in the United States for an additional three years. You must provide your employer with documents that they can use to file the I-129 application. This checklist outlines the paperwork needed for an H-1B extension for foreign workers:
- Copy of passport with the original H-1B visa (if any)
- The I-797 approval notice issued by the USCIS
- I-94 Arrival/Departure form with a departure date that has not yet expired
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Evidence of employment demonstrated by one of the following:
- 3 previous paychecks;
- a leave of absence letter; or
- a letter from the employer
- University Bachelor’s or advanced degree Diploma
- University transcript
- Academic evaluation
- Letters of recommendation from prior employers
Documents Required for H-1B Renewal For Foreign Workers (For International Travel)
Even if your H-1b extension is approved, you cannot leave the United States and return if the stamp in your passport has expired. Furthermore, a new Department of State policy requires nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. This means you cannot travel to Mexico, Canada, or other embassies outside your country of nationality or residence to schedule your stamping and interview.
You will need to bring the following documents for a Renewal
- Your Original Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Interview Appointment Letter
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt
- Passport-Style Photos: Bring two recent photos that meet the State Department’s requirements.
- Original Form I-797 Approval Notice
- A recent, original letter from your employer confirming your job title, salary, and continued employment.
- Your pay stubs from the last three months.
- Most Recent W-2 Form.
- Copy of the full H-1B Petition (Form I-129) and Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- Updated Résumé/CV.
- Copies of your degrees and academic records.
Key Takeaway
The H-1B visa process involves multiple stages, from registration and petition filing for the employer to interview, stamping, and extensions for employees. Each stage requires specific documents that must be carefully compiled to avoid delays or denials.
How VisaNation Can Help
The H-1B visa may seem like the most accessible visa, but there are still many requirements and steps to go through before you can start working. Making a mistake on just one of your H-1B visa documents can delay or result in the denial of your visa.
This can cost you and your employer both time and money. To avoid this, the best thing to do is to have a qualified H-1B attorney handle your case.
One missing document could cost you an H-1B approval. Read why our clients trust us to file their H-1Bs!
