Documents Required for US B1 Visa Biometrics

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 11, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

If you’ve applied for a US B1 Visa (for business purposes), your next step after submitting your application is the biometrics appointment. This process is crucial as it involves collecting your fingerprints and taking your photograph—essential steps before your visa interview.

But here’s the big question: What documents should you carry to your biometrics appointment?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the essentials you need to bring for your US B1 visa biometrics appointment, so you’re fully prepared and can sail through the process without any hiccups.

1. Passport

Your passport is the most important document for your biometrics appointment.

• Original Passport
  You must carry your valid, unexpired passport to the biometrics center. Ensure that the passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
• All old passports
  If applicable, carry any old passports that contain previous US visas or travel history. This helps provide the full picture of your travel background to US authorities.

Pro Tip: Keep your passport in a protective cover to avoid any damage during travel.

2. DS-160 Confirmation Page

The DS-160 form is your nonimmigrant visa application. After you’ve completed the online form, you would have received a confirmation page with a barcode.

• Printed DS-160 confirmation page
  You need to bring this page with you to your biometrics appointment. The barcode is what the US authorities will scan to retrieve your application details.

Note: Without this page, they won’t be able to process your biometrics, so it’s critical you have this printed.

3. Appointment Confirmation

When you scheduled your biometrics appointment, you would have received an appointment confirmation via email. This is your official proof that you have been scheduled for the biometrics process.

• Appointment confirmation letter
  Print out this confirmation letter or email and bring it with you to the appointment. It should include the time, date, and location of your appointment.

Tip: Double-check the address and time mentioned in the confirmation to avoid showing up at the wrong place or at the wrong time.

4. Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt

While the biometrics itself doesn’t require a separate fee, you do need proof that you have paid the visa application fee. This is usually done during the submission of your DS-160 form.

• Payment confirmation
  Bring the printed copy of the payment receipt that shows your visa application fee has been successfully paid.

Pro Tip: In most cases, this will be an electronic receipt, so ensure you have it downloaded and printed before your appointment.

5. Any Additional Supporting Documents (If Requested)

Though it’s not typical, you may have been asked to bring specific supporting documents related to your B1 visa application. This could include:

• Invitation letter from the business you’re visiting in the US.
• Company authorization letter or purpose of travel details.

If you received such a request, make sure you carry those additional documents to your biometrics appointment as well.

Tip: It’s always safer to carry more documents than less. If in doubt, take them with you!

What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment?

Now that you’ve got your documents in order, here’s a quick look at what to expect during your biometrics appointment:

• You’ll have your fingerprints taken electronically.
• A photograph of you will be taken (so no hats or sunglasses, please!).
• The entire process typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
• You won’t be asked any in-depth visa interview questions—those will come later during your main visa interview at the consulate.

Final Thoughts

Going for your biometrics appointment is a key part of your US B1 visa application process. Ensuring you have all the right documents in hand will make the process seamless and stress-free.

Pro Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to your appointment to account for any potential delays or security checks. Also, double-check your documents the night before to avoid last-minute panic!

Good luck with your biometrics, and may your B1 visa process be smooth sailing!