How to apply

Step 3 — Documents supporting your visa application

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The consular officer will only consider documents brought along to the interview.  Documents faxed or mailed to the Consulate General in advance of the application will not be considered.

REQUIRED:

Self-addressed, stamped envelope

Every visa applicant must bring an A5 size envelope (appr. 16cm x 23 cm) to the visa application interview.  The applicant must write the delivery address in the Netherlands on the envelope and place on sufficient postage to send 0-5 kilos by registered mail within The Netherlands (see the Dutch mail website for postal rates).  This enables the Consulate to return your passport to you by registered mail as soon as your visa has been issued.  For each application a separate envelope is required.  It is unfortunately not possible to wait for the visa or to pick it up in person. For a sample of a properly addressed envelope, click here.

RECOMMENDED:

Supporting Documentation

During the interview, the Consular Officer may request additional documentation in support of your application. This may include, but is not limited to, documents supporting claims of employment, student status, place of residence, financial status, intended itinerary, purpose of travel, etc. It is suggested that applicants bring documentary evidence to the interview to support claims made on the application. If an applicant does not have documentation requested by the Consular Officer, s/he may be asked to return at another date with the requested information.  Therefore, you will save time by being prepared.  Such information may include:

Proof of Employment

A contract, signed by both parties, and a recent letter from your employer, on original letterhead, stating:

• how long you have been employed by the company, and
• in what capacity, and
• an indication of your basic monthly salary, and
• how long you will be away from work, and
• when you are expected to be back at work.

If you are traveling on business, your letter should detail the nature of your business, including U.S. companies or offices you will visit. If you are self-employed, it is advisable to bring proof of your business registration.

Proof of Finances

Applicants are advised to bring an itemized bank or investment statement going back at least two months reflecting that you have adequate funds to pay for their intended stay in the U.S. Students, for example, should be able to prove that they have adequate finances to pay for their entire program of study and living expenses. If you own property or real estate, you may bring evidence of this.

Please note that bank letters that state that you have sufficient funds or letters from family members promising to cover your expenses are not sufficient. Applicants are advised to bring bank statements that reflect their account balances.

Proof of Previous Travel/U.S. visas

Please bring any old passports showing international travel and/or previous U.S. visas. If you were issued a U.S. visa that is still valid but is in a passport that has been lost or stolen, please bring a copy of the police report.

Proof of Travel Plans

If you have made arrangements for your trip to the United States, please bring an itinerary or travel plan. This should not include purchased plane tickets, as we strongly urge that you not purchase tickets or make irrevocable travel plans before obtaining a visa.

Proof of Relationship to Principal Applicant, if applying for a derivative visa

To qualify for a dependent visa, applicants must bring civil documents to prove relationship to the principal applicant, i.e. spouses: original marriage certificate, children: original birth certificate.

If you are a student, scholar, exchange visitor, pensioner, child (or applying for a child), or unemployed spouse, please read on…

Students, Scholars, and Exchange Visitors

It is advisable to bring a letter from your current institution stating your level of study and detailing your program start date and anticipated end date.  School transcripts showing your grades in your current program are also recommended.

If you are traveling to the U.S. to study or to take part in an exchange visitor program, you will also be required to bring the following documents:  form DS-158, proof that you have paid the extra SEVIS fee (print the confirmation sheet—form I-901), and either an I-20 form (for all F and M student visa applicants) or the DS-2019 form (J visa applicants).

Pensioners

Evidence of pension, property ownership, health insurance (to cover healthcare expenses in the U.S.), and finances is suggested.

Unemployed Spouses

Proof of your husband/wife's employment is suggested.

Children (Under 18)

An unabridged birth certificate

Also, if one parent is not present at the visa interview, it is recommended that you bring a notarized letter from that parent authorizing travel, along with copies of both parents' passports or identity documents.  Alternatively, you may wish to bring court documents demonstrating that the applying parent has sole custody of the minor child.