1. Choose the Right Visa Category: Key Forms & Documents Common First-Time Categories: Visitor (B-1/B-2): For tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment. Key Form: DS-160. Student (F-1/M-1): For academic or vocational study. Key Forms: DS-160, I-20 (from your school). Work (H-1B, L-1, etc.): For sponsored employment. Key Forms: DS-160, I-129 petition approval notice (I-797). The Golden Rule is very simple: do not apply for a visa that the visa requirements do not say yo