When applying for a US Visitor Visa, one of the essential documents to include in the application package is a bank statement. It shows that the visa applicant has sufficient funds to support their stay in the United States. Visitors must prove that they are not intending to work in the US and have the financial capacity to cover their trip, including accommodations, meals, and travel expenses.

The amount of bank statement required varies depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and purpose of the visit. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets a minimum amount for both the B-1 and B-2 visa categories.

Minimum Required Amounts

• B-1 Visa: A minimum of $160 per day of the intended stay in the US
• B-2 Visa: A minimum of $50 to $60 per day of the intended stay in the US

For example, if the applicant intends to visit the US for ten days, the minimum required amount for a B-1 visa would be $1,600, and for a B-2 visa would be $500 to $600.

Factors That Affect the Required Amount

The minimum required amount can vary based on several factors. The following are some examples:

• Duration of Stay: The longer the stay, the higher the minimum required amount will be.
• Purpose of Visit: The amount required for a business trip may differ from that of a vacation.
• Geographical Location: Expenses in metropolitan cities like New York City and San Francisco may be higher than those in smaller towns.

Acceptable Sources of Income and Assets

The embassy accepts different sources of income and assets that can be used to meet the minimum required amounts, including:

• Salary
• Business earnings
• Investments
• Property rentals
• Savings account
• Fixed deposits
• Provident funds
• Pensions
• Real estate holdings

Tips for Presenting a Bank Statement

• Ensure that the bank statement includes transactions for the past six months, leading up to the visa application.
• Remove any irrelevant information like trips to the ATM or unrelated income.
• The bank statement must represent the applicant’s financial status accurately.
• Submit the original bank statement, and, if possible, have it certified by the bank.

Getting a Bank Statement

If the visitor does not have a bank account, they can obtain a bank statement by depositing the required amount into a current or savings account. Alternatively, the applicant can get a sponsor who will act as a financial guarantor and provide a letter of financial support.

Key Takeaways

• Visitors need to provide a bank statement when applying for a US Visitor Visa.
• The amount of bank statement required varies depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and purpose of the visit.
• The minimum required amounts are $160 per day for the B-1 Visa and $50 to $60 per day for the B-2 Visa.
• Different sources of income and assets can be used to meet the minimum required amounts.
• The bank statement should accurately represent the applicant’s financial status.
• If the visitor does not have a bank account, a sponsor’s letter of financial support may be used.

FAQs

What if I can’t meet the minimum required amount with my bank account?

If a bank statement does not meet the minimum required amount, the applicant may provide additional financial documentation or provide a financial guarantor’s letter of support.

How do I calculate my required amount for a visa application?

Multiply the intended stay by the minimum required amount for the specific visa category. For example, for a ten-day B-2 visa, you will require a minimum of $500 to $600.

How recent should the bank statement be?

The bank statement should show transactions six months before the visa application.