H-1B & H-4 Consular Processing Document Checklist

The following is a checklist utilized by the Chennai Consulate, however, you should strive to obtain as much of this information as possible even if your appointment is not in Chennai. This is not an exhaustive list, and you may take other documents with you if you have them, but the following are absolute essentials.  Remember to answer the Consular Officer’s questions honestly, confidently and succinctly.


For H-1B Visas

1. Original notice of approval (I-797), the H-1B petition along with an attorney-authenticated copy of the petition, the LCA and other supporting documents, DS-156/157 w/2 passport style pictures;
2. The originals of the applicant’s university degree certificate and mark sheets;
3. Letter from petitioning employer confirming employer’s intent to hire the applicant;
4. Originals of the applicant’s work experience letters;
5. Pay slips from current or most recent place of employment;
6. Current telephone numbers of the personnel managers at the applicant’s present and past jobs;
7. Provide written directions, utilizing common names and landmarks to the applicant’s present and past jobs;
8. Photographs of the inside and outside of the applicant’s current or most recent place of work;
9. Names and contact information of two co-workers from past jobs;
10. A complete resume (bio-data) and cover letter describing current job duties in detail;
11. Personal bank records for the last six months;
12. U.S. company information: photographs of the inside and outside of the company’s offices, prospectus, brochures, and annual report;
13. If the applicant is current working in the United States on an H-1B visa, also submit pay slips for the current calendar year and federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2) for all years in which the applicant was employed in the United States;
14. A complete set of photocopies of the above listed documents. The application will not be accepted without the originals and photocopies.

For H-4 Visas

1. Birth records of children;
2. Marriage registration certificate;
3. Original I-797 Notice of Approval;
4. Copy of principal’s H-1B petition, LCA and supporting documents;
5. Wedding invitation and wedding photos;
6. All 36 pages of the principal applicant’s passport (if not applying with principal applicant). If a copy of the passport is submitted, it should be a GOOD copy and the photo must be clearly identifiable;
7. A letter from the H-1B company confirming the continued employment of the applicant’s spouse;
8. Copy of the principal applicant’s work experience letters;
9. Copy of the principal applicant’s offer of employment with the U.S. company; and
10. If the principal applicant is currently working in the United States on a H-1B visa, then submit pay slips for the current calendar year and federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2s) for all the years in which he or she has been employed in the United States on the H-1B visa.