To obtain a US visa, applicants need to fulfill certain requirements related to bank balance and income proof. These requirements depend on the visa category, such as Student Visa (F-1), Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2), etc. This article details how much bank balance you should have to travel to America, the required documents, and when your salary or income is verified.
Bank Balance Depends on the Visa Category
It's essential to understand that the bank balance requirement in the US visa application process is based on the type of visa. Each visa category has its own conditions, and applicants must prove they can financially support themselves during their stay in America.
F-1 Student Visa: Balance Required for Higher Education
If a student applies for an F-1 Student Visa to study in America, they must demonstrate they possess sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses for one academic year.
Estimated Amount: Approximately ₹20 to ₹30 lakhs (around $25,000–$35,000)
How to Prove: Bank statements for the last 6 months, fixed deposits, mutual funds, or other financial documents.
If parents or sponsors are covering the expenses: Their income tax returns, salary slips, and a sponsorship letter are required.
This information is intended to assure the visa officer that the student will not face any financial difficulties during their studies in the US.
B-1/B-2 Visa: For Tourism and Family Visits
Individuals traveling to America for tourism or family visits need a B-1/B-2 visa. Within this category, applicants also need to show that they have enough funds for travel, hotel stays, and other expenses.
Estimated Amount: A bank balance of ₹3 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs
Salary Check: Not mandatory, but in some cases, the officer may request a salary slip or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.
Required Documents: Bank statements, travel plan, return ticket, hotel bookings, etc.
This amount is checked to ensure that the person will return to their home country after the trip and will not overstay in the US illegally.
Is Salary Verification Done?
Salary verification is not required for every visa category. In the F-1 Student Visa, when a relative is the sponsor, their salary slip and income tax return may be requested. Similarly, in the B-1/B-2 visa, the officer might ask for a salary slip or NOC for employed individuals, but it's not mandatory in every case.
Which Documents are Required?
Different documents might be requested in each visa interview, but these documents are generally helpful:
- Bank statement (at least 6 months old)
- Fixed deposit and savings account details
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Salary slip (where applicable)
- Sponsorship letter (if a relative is covering expenses)
- Proof of property or other assets (optional)
To obtain a US visa, not only documents but also proper planning and transparency are necessary. The visa officer aims to ensure that the applicant is traveling to America for travel, study, or other purposes and has the sufficient ability to support themselves financially. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the financial requirements of the relevant category and prepare the appropriate documents before applying for a visa.
