On this page
- The consular officer's power to require documents
- What every applicant needs
- Supporting documents for B-1/B-2, organised by the legal criteria
- How much money do I need in my bank account?
- Translating documents
- Assembling documents with Visa Connext
- Frequently asked questions
- Official sources used on this page
The consular officer's power to require documents
22 CFR 41.105(a) lets the officer require documents “considered necessary to establish the alien's eligibility” and requires the officer to consider all evidence presented. Where a required document cannot be obtained without actual hardship, as distinct from normal delay and inconvenience, the officer may accept other evidence.
The same regulation requires photos to the State Department's specifications and a police certificate where the officer has reason to believe a police or criminal record exists; 41.105(b) requires fingerprints when the officer asks.
What every applicant needs
A valid passport, plus any old passport with a US visa · the barcoded DS-160 confirmation page · the digital photo uploaded with the DS-160 (square JPEG, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels, no more than 240 kB) · the appointment confirmation · Form I-20 for F-1 or M-1 visas and Form DS-2019 for J-1 visas.
Supporting documents for B-1/B-2, organised by the legal criteria
22 CFR 41.31(a) sets three points a B-1/B-2 applicant must satisfy the officer of, and 41.31(b) defines the purposes of travel. Supporting documents should be organised around these points. The table shows examples Visa Connext uses when assembling documents; it is not a list the law requires. Each applicant's actual list depends on occupation, finances and purpose of travel.
| Point under 22 CFR 41.31 | Examples of evidence |
|---|---|
| Intent to leave the US at the end of the stay | Employment letter stating position, length of service and approved leave · company registration and evidence of trading for business owners · proof of enrolment for students · evidence of family responsibilities in Thailand |
| Permission to enter another country at the end of the stay | A Thai passport for Thai nationals · a long-term Thai visa or work permit for foreign residents of Thailand |
| Adequate financial arrangements | Bank statements showing regular income · evidence of income such as a salary certificate or tax return · a sponsor's letter and financial evidence, if someone else is paying |
| Purpose of the trip (41.31(b)) | Itinerary · invitation to a meeting or conference · appointment letter or treatment plan for medical travel · invitation from relatives or friends in the US |
How much money do I need in my bank account?
US immigration law and 22 CFR 41.31 set no minimum. The regulation's words are “Adequate financial arrangements have been made to enable the alien to carry out the purpose of the visit”, so the test is adequacy against the cost of the trip described, not a fixed figure.
Financial evidence carries weight when it is consistent with the applicant's income and occupation, because under the INA 214(b) presumption the officer looks at the applicant's overall situation and ties to Thailand. A large balance with no explainable source does little to show financial standing; statements showing regular income show both the ability to pay and employment status at once.
Translating documents
DS-160 answers must be in English, but 22 CFR 41.105 says nothing about translating supporting documents. Thai-language documents such as employment letters or company certificates should have an English version or translation so that the officer can read the facts within a short interview. Visa Connext translates the documents applicants need.
Assembling documents with Visa Connext
Visa Connext builds a document list for each applicant from their facts, checks every document against the DS-160 answers, organises them around the points the officer assesses, and translates what is needed. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need in the bank for a US visa?
The law sets no minimum. 22 CFR 41.31(a) requires B-1/B-2 applicants to have made adequate financial arrangements for the purpose of the visit, so adequacy is judged against the cost of the trip and the applicant's income.
Source: 22 CFR 41.31(a)
What documents do I need for a US visa?
Every applicant needs a passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, a digital photo and the appointment confirmation, plus an I-20 or DS-2019 for student and exchange visas. The officer may require other supporting documents under 22 CFR 41.105, such as evidence of employment, finances and purpose of travel.
Source: 22 CFR 41.105 · 22 CFR 41.103
Do documents need to be translated into English?
22 CFR 41.105 says nothing about translation, but the DS-160 must be answered in English and Thai supporting documents should have translations so the officer can read the facts at the interview.
Source: 22 CFR 41.105 · DS-160 FAQs
Do I need a police certificate?
Only where the consular officer has reason to believe a police or criminal record exists, under 22 CFR 41.105(a). Applicants without a record do not need one.
Source: 22 CFR 41.105(a)
What if I cannot obtain a document?
Under 22 CFR 41.105(a) the officer may accept other evidence where the document cannot be obtained without actual hardship, as distinct from normal delay and inconvenience.
Source: 22 CFR 41.105(a)
What size is a US visa photo?
A square JPEG of 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels, no more than 240 kB, taken within 6 months, white background, no eyeglasses.
Source: Digital Image Requirements
Official sources used on this page
- 22 CFR 41.105 — Supporting documents and fingerprinting
last amended 88 FR 13696 (6 Mar 2023) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.31 — Temporary visitors for business or pleasure
last amended 85 FR 4225 (24 Jan 2020) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.103 — Filing an application and Form DS-160
last amended 73 FR 23068 · checked 30 Oct 2026 - 8 U.S.C. 1184(b) — INA section 214(b)
U.S. Code text via Cornell LII · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Digital Image Requirements
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions
checked 30 Oct 2026