Documents Required for H1B Visa Stamping

Once you receive the H1 approval petition original documents( I797 and from I129) from your H1 sponsoring employer you are ready for your H1 visa stamp. Following is a list of required documents for H1 visa stamping purpose.

Most of the mandaroty requirements as stated here are same for H1B visa applicants for visa stamping. Supporting documents may vary depending on which US consulate you are appearing for the visa interview.
Here the information is for H1B stamping in India.

• Requirements for US Consulate Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
• Requirements for US Consulate Mumbai.

Applicants applying at the U.S Embassy New Delhi, US consulate Chennai or Kolkata need to carry the following documents at the time of the interview

Mandatory Documents

• Valid original passport. You are recommended to have passport valid for at least six months beyond your interview date.
• One photograph as per specification.
• CEAC Barcode printout.
• Valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt. (Embassy copy)
• Original interview appointment letter.
• Original Notice of Action-I797.
• Blanket L1 applicants must carry the original I-129 and a copy of the Notice of Action I-797.

Non BEP H & L Applicants applying at the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad should Drop off required documents four working days prior to your appointment at the VFS center in Hyderabad. Please visit the website : http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/advance_doc_submission2.html for information on the required documents.

Additional Supporting Documents required at the time of interview?

Principal Applicant

• For applicant applying with a blanket petition, a demand draft for Rs 24000/- favouring “US Embassy, New Delhi” or “U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai (or Chennai or Kolkata, or Hyderabad)” as applicable towards FPD fee. DDs drawn on co-operative banks are not accepted.
• The original Notice of Action (Form I-797).
• Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129), and recent letter from employer that describes your proposed duties and intention to hire you.
• Letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills.
• Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
• Relevant diplomas or certificates, e.g. computer certification.
• If currently working on an H-1B visa, you may want to carry your pay slips for the current calendar year and your Federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2) for all the years in which you have been employed in the United States.
• First time applicants may consider carrying the following documents:
  • Pay slips from current or most recent place of employment
  • Names and current phone numbers of the personnel managers at your present and previous positions; and
  • Resume or CV.

Spouse / Dependent Children

• Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt ( only for applicants scheduled at U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai).
• The original Notice of Action Form I-797 of the Principal Applicant.
• Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129) of the Principal Applicant
• Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately).
• Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.
• Original Birth certificate (for each child).

Following is applicable for Applicant for Work visa at Mumbai consulate only

Applicants applying at the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai need to submit their Application Packet to VFS Application Centre - Mumbai, Ahmedabad or Pune a minimum of 3 working days prior to the scheduled appointment date and carry the Additional Supporting Documents at the time of the interview

Application packet to be submitted to VFS

• Copy of the first and last page of your current valid passport. If you have any observations on your passport please submit a copy of the observation page also. You are recommended to have passport valid for travel for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the U.S.
• One photograph as per specification
• DS160 Confirmation Barcode printout.
• Original, valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt. (Embassy copy)
• Original interview appointment letter.
• Copy of the Notice of action (Form I-797).
• Copy of the previous Notice of Action (I-797) also required, if the current Notice of Action has not started (applicable for the Returning Workers only).
• In case of Blanket L visa applicants, three copies of the Form I-129s and one copy of the Form I-797 need to be submitted.
• Dependents need to submit a copy of the principal applicant’s Petition (Form I – 797 and Form I -129 as applicable) and visa copy.
• Visa renewal applicants will have to submit a copy of the previous expired US visa stamped on their passport.

Additional Supporting Documents required at the time of interview

Principal Applicant

• Copy of interview appointment letter, DS-160 Confirmation Barcode printout and Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (Applicant’s Copy).
• For applicant applying with a blanket petition, a demand draft for Rs 24000/- favouring “US Embassy, New Delhi” or “American Consulate General, Mumbai (or Chennai or Kolkata, or Hyderabad)” as applicable towards FPD fee. DDs drawn on co-operative banks are not accepted.
• The original Notice of Action (Form I-797).
• Original Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797, and recent letter from employer that describes your proposed duties and intention to hire you.
• Letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills.
• Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
• Relevant diplomas or certificates, e.g. computer certification.
• If currently working on an H-1B visa, you may want to carry your pay slips for the current calendar year and your Federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2) for all the years in which you have been employed in the United States.
• First time applicants may consider carrying the following documents:
• Pay slips from current or most recent place of employment
• Names and current phone numbers of the personnel managers at your present and previous positions; and
• Resume or CV.

Spouse / Dependent Children

• Copy of interview appointment letter, DS-160 Confirmation Barcode printout and Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (Applicant’s Copy).
• The original Notice of Action Form I-797 of the Principal Applicant.
• Original Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797) of the Principal Applicant, and letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel.
• Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately).
• Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.
• Original Birth certificate (for each child).