One of the less commonly known aspects of the visa application process revolves around finances. Many people know that there are fees associated with the application, and the hiring of any specialized assistance throughout the process, but it is not commonly known by anyone not going through the application process that interviewers will want to know your financial stability. For example, just having the money required for the visa application fee will not be enough. If you go to an interview at your local U.S. Embassy, the interviewer will want to know the exact details of your trip (such as an employer sponsoring your visa, or visiting family members, etc.) and how you plan to pay for everything required. You will have to take into account the current exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and your local currency (which are constantly changing), and have details written out for things like housing, food, transportation, etc. If you are obtaining a visa for work purposes, that will factor into the equation, which means they will have to know what your pay will be, and whether you will be paid hourly or on a salary basis. For this process to go smoothly, you will need to have any applicable letters of recommendation as well as your latest few bank statements. This entire practice is related to the government official trying to determine whether you will be an asset or liability to the U.S. Government once you arrive. Knowing this, you should try to make yourself seem like as much of an asset as possible. If you have any questions, or would like some help getting you or a loved one’s financial information in order, be sure to get in contact with a qualified immigration attorney immediately.