B-2 Visa Supporting Documents: Everything Immigration Lawyers Need to Know
- Adam Sharf (Pigeon) and Greg Siskind (Siskind Susser, PC)
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Table of Contents
Introduction to the B-2 Visa
The B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals traveling to the United States temporarily for tourism, vacations, medical treatment, visiting family and friends, or participating in social events. This category is one of the most commonly used visitor visa classifications and requires applicants to demonstrate that they intend to stay in the U.S. only temporarily and have strong ties to their home country0. B Overview Article.
When applying for a B-2 visa or requesting an extension of stay, every document matters. Missing a single piece of evidence can lead to denials or administrative delays. But with the right guidance, you can submit a strong application and avoid unnecessary complications.
This guide is here to help. We draw from Pigeon’s years of experience working with immigration law firms and insights from AILA’s Immigration Law Practice and Procedure Manual: A “Cookbook” of Essential Practice Materials—an invaluable resource for immigration professionals. We’ll walk you through the supporting documents needed for a B-2 visa application and a B-2 Change or Extension of Status (COS/EOS) application, and explain why additional evidence can strengthen your case.
Why Supporting Documents Are So Important
Supporting documents serve as critical evidence that an applicant meets the requirements for a B-2 visa. U.S. consular officers carefully assess each application to determine whether the applicant intends to return home after their trip and has a legitimate reason for entering the United States0. B Overview Article.
Supporting documents serve three key purposes:
Prove eligibility – Demonstrate that the applicant meets the legal requirements for a B-2 visa.
Validate intent and financial ability – Show that the applicant has the means to support their stay and intends to depart after their visit.
Provide extra assurance – Even optional documents can strengthen a case and address concerns that USCIS or a consular officer may raise.
How Pigeon Simplifies Document Collection
If you’re looking to streamline your supporting evidence collection process, check out Pigeon Documents, a platform built to do just that.
Keeping track of dozens of documents for a B-2 visa application can be overwhelming. That’s where Pigeon comes in. Our platform makes the document collection process easier for immigration law firms and their clients.
Here’s how Pigeon helps:
Document Checklists: Create flexible supporting document checklists and save them as templates for each case type.
Simple Client Uploads: Clients receive a custom-branded email or SMS with a secure link to upload files, and they never need to create an account.
Automated reminders: Clients receive reminder notifications to keep them on track.
Track, Manage, and Request Changes: Submissions are organized in a dashboard, with tools to request changes or provide feedback.
With Pigeon, you can save time, reduce errors, and provide a seamless experience for your clients.
Get started with Pigeon today—schedule a demo or start your free trial now!
The Supporting Documents You Need for a B-2 Visa
Applying for a B-2 Visa at a U.S. Consulate
Each U.S. consulate has specific requirements, but most B-2 visa applicants should prepare the following documents:
Mandatory Documents:
Completed DS-160 Form – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page.
Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
Visa Appointment Confirmation Page – From the consular online scheduling system.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt – Proof of non-refundable visa application fee.
Passport-Sized Photograph – Must meet U.S. Department of State specifications.
Proof of Nonimmigrant Intent (Requirement Under INA §214(b))
Proof of Foreign Residency – Lease, deed, or utility bill confirming a residence outside the U.S.
Evidence of Strong Ties to the Home Country
Employment verification letter.
Proof of property ownership.
Enrollment in school.
Family ties (birth or marriage certificates).
Return Travel Evidence – A round-trip airline ticket.
Documents Based on the Purpose of the Visit:
For Tourism or Family Visits – Letter of invitation, itinerary, and hotel reservations.
For Medical Treatment – Doctor’s diagnosis, appointment confirmations, and financial proof of coverage.
Proof of Financial Support
Bank statements (last 3-6 months).
Pay stubs and employment verification.
If sponsored, Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) and sponsor’s financial documents.
Applying for a B-2 Change or Extension of Status (COS/EOS) within the U.S.
If a B-2 visa holder is already in the U.S. and needs to extend their stay or change status, they must submit Form I-539 with USCIS. Supporting documents for these applications include:
General Forms & Fees:
Form I-539 – Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Biometrics Fee ($85 per applicant).
Filing Fee ($370).
Supporting Documentation:
Letter Explaining the Extension Request – Detailing the reason for staying longer and intent to leave after the extended period.
Proof of Financial Support – Bank statements, pay stubs, or an affidavit of support.
Return Travel Plans – Return flight ticket or other proof of departure.
Proof of Nonimmigrant Intent – Ties to the home country (employment verification, school enrollment, property ownership).
Additional Documentation Based on Status:
For Family Applicants – Marriage and birth certificates for dependent applicants.
For Medical Treatment Extensions – Updated diagnosis and proof of ongoing medical care.
Example B-2 Visa Applicant Checklist in Pigeon
With Pigeon, you can create flexible supporting document checklists and save them as templates for each case type. Already have existing document lists? No problem—we can upload them for you to create your custom Pigeon templates!
Make Document Collection Easy with Pigeon
Running an immigration practice is stressful enough without all the pains that come with collecting supporting documents from clients. With Pigeon, you can make this process easier for you, your paralegals and your clients.
Ready to see how Pigeon can simplify your document collection process? Click here to start your two-week free trial!
AILA’s Immigration Law Practice and Procedure Manual: A “Cookbook” of Essential Practice Materials
While this guide provides a thorough explanation of the supporting documents needed for I-130 petitions, AILA’s Immigration Law Practice and Procedure Manual: A “Cookbook” of Essential Practice Materials includes step-by-step workflows, sample letters, suggested forms and other resources to help immigration professionals manage cases with confidence. Purchase a copy of the full AILA Cookbook here.
Get started with Pigeon today—schedule a demo or start your free trial now!
