How Much Money in the Bank is Needed to Obtain a United States Visa? An expert clarifies myths about the financial subject

A myth collapses and leaves TikTok users interested in processing their visas baffled: lawyer Gregorio Martínez debunks a message that has been spread for years: “For the United States, the money you have in your account has no influence.”

Martínez’s answer was given to the question posed in an information room: How much influence does the money you have in the bank have on obtaining a visa? He claims this has no impact and adds: “That was misinformation from the past.”

Martínez, a lawyer specialized in immigration, also points out, according to El Tiempo: “You go to the embassy, ​​they ask you (the consular officials) three questions and you leave there without any documents having been checked.”

However, he says that despite experience, the person goes out to spread things that are not true.

Where does disinformation come from?

Thinking that a large amount of money must be available is wrong.

The agent “will assess the applicant’s ability to finance his travel and residence in the United States. This is the part that often causes confusion,” says El Tiempo.

In the Colombian media they indicate that “the aim is to ensure that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to cover his expenses during his stay in the United States. The amount required varies depending on the purpose and duration of the trip.”

If the applicant has a sponsor in the United States who agrees to finance his or her stay, he or she may need documentation to support this commitment.

Basic questions and answers for applying for a United States tourist visa

Be honest during the consular interview

In mid-February 2023, El Universo published: In the interview, the consular officer wants to verify that the applicant is only traveling temporarily and will not stay to live or work in the United States.

It is advisable to note on the DS-160 form all income you receive in the country of origin as well as those properties, businesses and other factors that convince officials that you should return.

Neither the US embassy, ​​its consulates nor its officials require a specific amount of money to be in the bank, Vive USA published. “And they almost never ask for receipts or account statements.”

On that site they advise: Put real financial information on your DS-160 application and be honest with officials about your income.

Although they almost never ask for supporting copies of your bank accounts, El Universo reported eight months ago, “it is advisable that you bring the papers with you at the time of the interview.”

How much money do you need to have in your account to process the United States visa for the first time?

What does it take to process a tourist visa

(JO)