Documents Required for US Visa

Please make the appropriate selections for the visa type you want to see the required documents. As you make your selections, the document list below will be updated according to your selections.

Standard Application Documents

PassportThe applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to the US and must contain at least 1 blank page. There must be no damage such as tears or water marks on the passport.
If there has been a name change due to marriage, divorce, etc. after the visa application, a passport renewal process is required for the US visa.Old Passports and US VisasIf available, old passports and US visas must be declared.DS-160 Visa Application FormFor US non-immigrant visa types (tourist, visit, business, transit, education, work), the DS-160 visa application form must be filled out.
The online completed US DS-160 visa form barcoded approval page must be brought to the visa interview.DS-260 Visa Application FormFor US immigrant visa types (family reunification, employer-sponsored work, diversity), the DS-260 visa application form must be filled out.
At the visa interview, the online completed US DS-260 visa form barcoded approval page must be presented.Biometric PhotoA biometric photograph taken within the last 6 months must be submitted. A US visa photograph
in the dimensions and in compliance with the dress code prescribed by the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs can be submitted in printed or digital form, depending on the visa type.Appointment Confirmation and Instructions DocumentAfter making an appointment for a US visa, a printout of the appointment confirmation and instructions page sent to the applicant’s e-mail address must be taken.Identity cardThe applicant’s valid Turkish ID card must be brought to the visa application. For foreign nationals, the original birth certificate or the ID card of the country of citizenship must be presented.Form I-20The I-20 form, also known as a nonimmigrant student status eligibility certificate, obtained from an educational institution in the US must be submitted. The original US I-20 form
signed by a school official must be signed by the visa applicant.DS-2019 FormA DS-2019 form, also known as an eligibility certificate for exchange program status, must be submitted from the US Department of State-approved exchange sponsor institution.
Applicants who will participate in an internship exchange program in the US must submit the DS-7002 form in addition to the US DS-2019 form .Form I-129The original I-129 form received from the employer in the United States must be declared.
Depending on the type of US temporary work visa applied for, the documents that need to be sent to the sponsor in the US before the visa process can be viewed here .Form DS-156EA US trader/investor application form must be submitted, completed in detail and with up-to-date information.SEVIS Fee Payment ReceiptThe I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt must be presented, showing that the registration process for the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) has been completed. The SEVIS fee payment can be made
by choosing one of the appropriate payment methods, provided that the SEVIS identification number on the I-20 form is used .Press CardA photocopy of the applicant’s current press card must be submitted.TR Residence PermitA residence permit card of the Republic of Turkey must be presented to prove that the person is legally residing in Turkey.
In order to prove that he/she will return to Turkey at the end of the visa period , it is recommended that the residence permit of the Republic of Turkey be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to the USA for US visa procedures for foreigners.US Medical Evaluation ReportThe evaluation report of the doctor in the United States explaining the applicant’s medical condition and treatment needs must be declared.
The report content must be written in accordance with the US medical treatment visa application requirements.Türkiye Medical Diagnosis CertificateA diagnostic report prepared by a doctor in Turkey explaining the patient’s medical condition, need for treatment and whether the relevant treatment cannot be provided in Turkey must be submitted.Treatment Advance Payment DocumentAn original document showing that advance payment was made for treatment in the US, such as a doctor’s or hospital bill, must be submitted.Health ReportA health report from a health center approved by the Consular Section of the American Embassy must be submitted.
The applicant must make an appointment with the relevant clinic in advance and prepare certain documents for the American visa health report .Criminal RecordIt is necessary to obtain an archived criminal record from the country of residence and all countries where the applicant has resided for more than 1 year. In applications made from Turkey, a criminal record is requested for a US visa
depending on the age of the applicant and the countries where they have lived .G-28 FormIf visa procedures are carried out through a representative, the completed G-28 form (notification of participation as a lawyer or accredited representative) must be declared on behalf of the person or lawyer entitled to official representation.Visa of the Country to be TransitedIf transiting through the USA to a country that requires a visa, a valid visa obtained from the relevant country’s representative must be declared.Sailor’s walletThe applicant’s current and original seaman’s book is required.Identity register copyA copy of the full population record with QR code obtained from the Civil Registry Office or e-government must be submitted. The original population record and a photocopy for each family member accompanying the application are required.
Applicants born outside of Turkey must submit a birth certificate from the country of birth.Court RecordsApplicants who have been convicted of a crime in the past (even if the crime was later pardoned or the sentence was commuted to a fine) must submit originals, English translations and copies of court records.
Originals and copies of court records of any legal proceedings, such as name change, age correction, adoption, etc., must also be submitted on the day of the interview.Marriage CertificateFor married applicants, the original and two photocopies of the marriage certificate must be submitted. For marriages outside of Turkey, an English translation of the marriage certificate must be submitted.Proof of AssociationDocuments that prove the reality and continuity of the engagement or marriage status must be submitted. Documents such as photos taken together, letters, phone records, e-mail correspondence, greeting cards, and airline tickets are accepted.Military Service CertificateIf the applicant has completed his/her military service, the original and photocopy of the military service status document obtained via e-government must be submitted. If the applicant is exempt from military service, a copy of the exemption document must be submitted.Education DocumentsFor applicants who are continuing their education, a current student certificate and official transcript must be submitted. Those who have completed their education must submit their diplomas from the last school they graduated from.Vocational Qualification CertificatesDiplomas, certificates and expertise documents proving the applicant’s professional qualifications must be submitted. If applicable, documents and awards showing achievements in the field of study must also be submitted.Work Experience DocumentsDocuments proving the applicant’s work experience in the last 5 years must be submitted. Official letters from the institutions worked for and documents showing ongoing corporate activities can be submitted.ResumeThe applicant’s current CV must be submitted. The CV must include chronological information on education, experience and skills.Research PlanIndividuals who will participate in a research exchange program in the United States are required to submit detailed research plans.Financial Support DocumentsThe applicant must declare financial support documents in accordance with the articles of the US Immigration and Nationality Act regarding not being a financial burden to the public. Financial resources for the green card visa application
accepted by the embassy can be presented with different documents.

Supporting Application Documents

Travel Health InsuranceAlthough it is not among the mandatory application documents, it is recommended to have travel health insurance before traveling to the USA. A travel health insurance policy for
a US visa covering the duration of the trip can be declared among the supporting application documents to prove that the US trip is temporary.Transportation ReservationsAlthough it is not among the mandatory application documents, it is recommended to present it at the visa interview.
A flight reservation document for a US visa with a date and PNR code can be declared among the supporting application documents to prove that the US trip is planned and temporary.Accommodation ReservationsAlthough it is not among the mandatory visa documents, it is recommended to present it at the visa interview.
In order to prove that the US trip is planned and temporary, a dated and valid hotel reservation document for an American visa can be declared among the supporting documents.Visa Request PetitionAlthough it is not among the mandatory application documents for a US visa, it is recommended to be presented at the visa interview. The US visa application petition
can be declared among the supporting documents to help the consular officer evaluate the applicant’s purpose in going to the US .SGK Registration and Service RecordPrivate sector employees must submit a 4A service statement, while public personnel must submit a 4C service statement. The service statement must be obtained in a detailed form and with a barcode, close to the visa application date.Declaration of EmploymentA barcoded SGK employment entry document obtained via e-government must be submitted.Retirement CertificateThe barcoded SGK retirement document obtained via e-government must be declared.Pension Account StatementA personal account statement showing the last 6 months of account movements must be obtained from the bank branch where the pension is received. The account statement must be printed on the bank’s letterhead paper and declared with a wet signature and stamp.Personal Bank Account StatementThe original, signed and stamped personal bank statement showing the last 12 months of account movements must be submitted.
If there are large cash inflows close to the visa application date, a statement written by the bank official explaining the reason and source of the relevant money transfer must be submitted along with the bank statement for the US visa .Company Bank StatementA company bank statement showing the past 12 months of cash inflows and outflows must be submitted. The statement must be signed and stamped from the bank, and the original must be declared during the visa interview.Photocopies of License and Title Deed, if anyAdditional documents must be submitted that prove regular income, such as rental income, if any, or prove assets owned, such as vehicle registration or title deed.Official Institution Duty ID CardIf the applicant is a public servant, the original of the official institution ID card must be submitted.Visa InvitationA visa invitation letter written by a person or institution official who is a US citizen or has legal residence in the US must be submitted. A sample invitation for a US visa
can be reviewed to get information on the format and content of the invitation letter .Documents of the Inviting PersonDocuments proving the applicant’s status in the United States must be submitted by the person inviting the applicant to the United States. A copy of a US ID card, passport copy, or green card copy is acceptable. If the inviting person is covering the travel expenses, documents showing financial status and accommodation opportunities can also be submitted.

Documents That Parents Must Prepare

ConsentA consent document stating that parents have given permission for minors to travel to the US with only one of their parents or a third person must be presented. Although it is optional to present
the consent document during the US visa interview for infants and children , it is a document checked by border passport officers upon entry to the US.Parent’s US VisaIf the visa applicant is under 14 years of age, a valid US visa for the parent must be presented for exemption from attending the visa interview.

Documents that the company must prepare

Company Cover LetterA cover letter containing the applicant and company information in Turkey must be submitted.
The cover letter should explain the company’s eligibility for the US E1 visa status, and also convey the applicant’s professional skills and qualifications.Investment Cover LetterThe applicant must submit a cover letter that includes company information and investment features in the US.
The cover letter should explain in detail the company’s suitability for the US investor visa status, and also convey the applicant’s professional skills and qualifications.RotaThe company needs a business plan that explains the company’s profit and loss projections for the next 5 years and its current and future revenue generation potential. The business plan should explain that the company’s revenues will contribute to the United States economy.Company Ownership DocumentsDocuments showing that at least 50% of the company’s ownership belongs to a Turkish citizen or organization must be submitted. If the company has more than one owner; documents proving ownership such as the company establishment certificate, shares and trade registry gazette must be declared.Commercial Activity DocumentsDocumentation must be provided showing that at least 50% of international trade occurs between the United States and Turkey on an ongoing basis. Documents such as purchase and sale invoices, bank statements, shipping receipts, customs clearance receipts, and trade contracts are accepted.Investment DocumentsDocuments must be submitted that prove the applicant has already invested or is in the process of investing in the U.S. Documents such as lease or sales agreements, employment contracts, bank statements, current invoices and receipts are accepted.Letter from EmployerAn employer permission letter prepared on the workplace’s letterhead and signed in wet ink must be declared.
To get information about the format and content of the workplace permission letter, the employer petition sample for the US visa can be reviewed.Certificate of ActivityThe original certificate of activity must be declared to prove the field in which the company operates, its owners and its activity. The certificate of activity of the company obtained from the chamber of commerce or the affiliated professional chamber must be up-to-date.Trade Registry GazetteA photocopy of the official trade registry gazette of the workplace, in which the company name appears, must be submitted. Company owners must specifically declare the page on which they appear as partners in the official gazette.Tax CertificateAn up-to-date tax certificate with the tax base for the last year must be submitted.Signature CircularIn the company signature circular, a photocopy of the front page where the business name is mentioned and the section with the signatures of the persons whose signatures are on the visa application documents must be submitted.PayrollThe signed and stamped pay slip for the last 3 months must be declared. Private sector employees can get their pay slips directly from their employers, while public employees can get them via e-government.Company Personnel Payroll RecordsCurrent payroll records showing the total number of personnel working in the business owned must be submitted.Annual Profit-Loss RecordsCurrent records showing the company’s annual profit/loss values ​​and net values ​​must be declared.Seaman’s ContractThe applicant must submit a seaman’s contract between the visa applicant and the shipping company.
If the applicant is transiting through the US, they must also submit a letter from their employer stating that transit is required, along with the contract for a US crew visa .

Documents that a company in the USA must prepare

Commercial InvitationAn invitation letter sent by a US company or a US branch of a foreign company must be declared.
For business visa applications, the purpose of travel must be detailed in the US visa invitation received .Job Offer LetterA job offer letter from an employer in the USA, including company information, position and salary information, must be submitted.Fair Participation CertificateIf a person is traveling to the United States for commercial purposes and will attend the fair, a dated fair entrance card or certificate of participation must be presented.

Documents to be Prepared by the Sponsor

Visa Sponsorship PetitionThe sponsor of the applicant must submit a sponsorship letter addressed to the US foreign mission to which the application is made by the person sponsoring the applicant.
Detailed information on the format and content of the sponsorship letter can be found in the article Sponsorship Letter Sample for US Visa .Sponsor Financial DocumentsDepending on the sponsor’s employment status, all work or retirement documents and a current and balanced bank account statement must be declared.Documents Proving Relationship with SponsorDocuments such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate must be submitted to prove the visa applicant’s relationship with the sponsor.US Tax ReturnThe family member or fiancé in the United States must submit a tax return for the last year.W2 FormA family member or fiancé in the United States must submit a W2 form showing wages and tax deductions for the last year.US I-134 FormA US resident must submit an application to UCSIS and submit a Form I-134 (Financial Support Declaration).US Form I-864A Form I-864 (Financial Support Declaration) must be submitted to UCSIS by the family member residing in the United States.

Documents to be Obtained from the Educational Institution in the USA

Language School Acceptance CertificateAn acceptance document is required from the language education institution in the USA stating that the applicant has been accepted to the education program.
The acceptance document, which includes information such as the course program and language education dates, must be declared during the US language course visa interview.Education Acceptance LetterA document obtained from an educational institution in the United States showing that the student has been accepted to a secondary education, undergraduate, graduate or vocational education program is required.Change Sponsor Invitation LetterAn invitation letter from the exchange sponsor institution in the USA must be submitted. Those who will apply for an American au pair visa
after being accepted to the exchange program must submit an au pair contract from the sponsor institution; those who will receive a US work and travel visa must submit an employment contract.

Important Notes

Pay Attention to These

• For the US visa application, original copies of all documents must be presented at the consulate visa interview.
• All visa application documents must be declared in Turkish or English. In cases where documents such as birth certificates or civil registration records are obtained from abroad, non-English documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator. Notarization is not required for translated documents.
• Apart from the supporting visa documents listed above, any evidence of family, economic and social ties to the applicant’s home country can be presented at the visa interview.
• US Consular officers have the right to request additional documentation after the application if deemed necessary.