Applying for a USA B-2 visa because of travel history

I am a citizen of a West European country who has been in the US before (although only technically, I've crossed the Canadian-US border at Niagara Falls to see the US side of the falls for a few hours and crossed back into Canada afterwards), but because of a trip to North Korea a few years ago (which was done after entering the US on an ESTA and was obviously done for touristic reasons), I'm not allowed to make use of the ESTA system anymore and have to apply for a visa.

I'm planning (if COVID permits) to travel to the US in 2022 to visit a friend where I'll be staying (a US citizen), combined with some road tripping and sightseeing. When I look up information about applying for a B-2 visa, I'd need documents like:

Proof of ties to my home country
Proof of financial means
A letter from my employer stating I have been allowed leave and am expected to return to work
An invitation letter from my friend stating I can stay over
Proof of travel history
Etc. etc.

These documents are clearly all targeted at people living in countries with a high risk of overstaying. I wonder if, in my situation, I also have to do all the effort of obtaining these documents. I mean, if I'm able to afford a trip to China and North Korea, it sounds obvious to me I should also be able to afford a trip to the US.

To be honest, it's a bit silly I have to apply for a visa in the first place, but I guess it's the law so I'll just do it. I wonder however if I need to bother my employer and friend with writing such letters.

Pictures about "Applying for a USA B-2 visa because of travel history"

Applying for a USA B-2 visa because of travel history - Contemporary suspension bridge above blue bay

Applying for a USA B-2 visa because of travel history - Bridge over River in City

Applying for a USA B-2 visa because of travel history - Grey Concrete Ruins Under Blue White Day Time

Is travel history important for USA visa?

Travel history is not an essential or required document/condition for obtaining a visa, but if you made a good travel history, then it can increase your chance of visa approval.

How do I prove ties to home country B2 visa?

To substantiate your professional roots in your home country, you can use the following evidence:

Statement from employer specifying your job duties, length of employment, and salary.

Letter written by employer giving you permission to take paid time off.

Pay stubs, or other documentation proving your income.

Why would a B2 visa be rejected?

B-2 Visa Denials Based on Criminal RecordIf you have a criminal record, or history of espionage or any links with terrorist groups, there is a strong chance your request for a U.S. visa (of any sort) will be denied. (See What Crimes Make Immigrants Inadmissible to the U.S.?)

Is it hard to get a B2 visa for USA?

Qualifying for a B-1 or B-2 Visa Although the application process for a visitor visa is fairly simple, successfully obtaining it is harder than you might expect. The U.S. State Department, via its consulates around the world, denies a surprising number of visitor visa applications.

Does Travel History Matter When Applying For Visas?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Brett Sayles, Tim Gouw, Pixabay, Pixabay