The H-2B Visa Holder's Guidebook
Important Documents
Documents for Consulate Appointment
Before making an appointment check the website of the U.S. Consulate in your home country for any additional documentation that may be required.
- Valid passport - Be sure it will not expire while you are in United States
- Completed DS-160 form
- A copy of the Form I-797 Notice of Approval
- The I-797 is issued by USCIS when the employer's H-2B Petition has been approved
- You cannot make a visa appointment if the H-2B Petition has not been approved by USCIS. Stay in contact with your U.S. employer or visa agency for updates on the status of the H-2B Petition
Documents while in U.S.A.
In addition to your passport, it is important for each H-2B visa holder to keep the following documents in a safe place:
- I-94 card
- The I-94 will be given to you on your flight to the United States
- This document contains a unique 11 digit number, which is used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to track your stay in the U.S.
- Make photocopies of the front and back and staple the original in your passport
- USCIS has more information about how to replace a lost or stolen I-94 card
- If you extend your H-2B visa, you will be issued a new I-94 card with new dates and visa sponsor, but the same 11 digit number
- Social Security card
- You will need a Social Security card to get paid
- Make sure to get a receipt after applying so you can begin work and prove that your application is being processed
- Do not carry with you
- Payslips
- You will receive one after each pay period
- These will be required by USCIS for an H-2B extension
- Allow you to prove you are working legally for the employer listed on your visa
- Employment agreement
- Before you leave your home country you should have a written document signed by your employer stating your job title, job responsibilities and rate of pay