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Are you planning a trip to the United States to meet loved ones, explore iconic landmarks, or attend a business conference?
If so, you have probably come across the term “Form DS-160” in your visa application search. But what is this form and why is it important?
We will break down its purpose and explain everything you need to know before filling it out.
Need help with Form DS-160?
Bradford H. Bernstein
This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio
What Is Form DS-160?
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is a U.S. Department of State form used by nonimmigrant visa applicants to temporarily visit the United States.
Temporary visits can be for tourism, business, education, temporary employment, and more.
Who Can File DS-160?
Form DS-160 can be filed by people who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa in various categories, such as:
- Tourists, traveling for leisure or medical purposes on B-2 visas.
- Business visitors, traveling for negotiations and conferences on a B-1 visa.
- Students, attending academic or vocational programs on student visas like F-1 or M-1 visas.
- Exchange visitors, traveling to participate in educational and cultural programs on a J-1 visa.
- Temporary workers, employed in specialized fields or seasonal jobs on H-1B, H-2A, H-2B visas.
- Intra-company transferees, moving within the same company on an L-1 visa.
- Fiancés of U.S. citizens traveling to marry on a K-1 visa.
- Crew members working on aircraft and sea vessels on D visas.
- Transit travelers passing through the U.S. on a C-1 visa.
- Athletes, artists, and entertainers traveling on a P visa.
- Religious workers, traveling to perform religious duties or work for a nonprofit religious organization on an R-1 visa.
Form DS-160: The Process
Feeling stressed thinking about your Form DS-160? Here is a detailed guide that lists all the steps.
1. Access The Form
Visit the official U.S. Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
Choose the location where you intend to submit your visa application.
Enter the code shown to confirm you are a human and not an automated system. Make sure you enter the characters exactly as they are shown.
2. Create & Save Your Application
Click on the “Start an application” button.
Once you start a new application, you will see a unique ID number in the top-right corner of the screen.
Save the application ID and choose a security question and answer. You can use the ID later to retrieve, edit, or continue a saved Form DS-160.
3. Complete The Form
Fill out each section of the application:
- Personal information: Add your full name, date of birth, nationality, and marital status. Include passport number and Social Security/taxpayer ID number.
- Travel information: Specify your purpose of travel, intended dates, and duration of stay in the U.S.
- Travel companions: If you are traveling with a family member or friend, list their details. You don’t need to list colleagues if you are traveling for work.
- Previous U.S. travel: Provide details of any previous trips to the U.S. States whether you have ever been denied a U.S. visa or filed an immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Address and phone number: Supply your current address, phone number, and email, as well as your social media accounts from the last five years.
- Passport information: Provide your passport details and indicate if it has ever been lost or stolen. If so, list the required information.
- U.S. point of contact: Give the details of a person in the U.S. who can verify your identity. If you do not know anyone in the U.S., you can list the name of the organization you will be visiting or your first planned hotel.
- Relatives: Provide basic details about your parents and any family members in the U.S. If you’re married, include your spouse’s name, nationality, date of birth, and address.
- Work and education: Include your educational background, job and employment history from the last five years. List special skills and military or professional organizations where you have been a member.
- Security and background information: Answer 25 security and background questions with yes/no responses. Be careful, as inaccurate answers can negatively affect your application.
- Upload photo: Provide a recent digital photo that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
4. Review The Form
Check if all information is accurate and all sections are completed. Errors or inaccuracies can result in delays or visa denial.
5. Submit Form DS-160
Confirm your application location so that the application is sent to the correct U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Read the terms and conditions.
Press “Sign application” and submit your DS-160.
6. Print The Confirmation Page
Once you submit Form DS-160, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode.
Print it and bring it to your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
7. Schedule A Visa Interview
Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are applying.
Pay the applicable visa fee and schedule your interview.
8. Attend Your Visa Interview
For your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, bring:
- A printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page
- A valid passport
- Your visa fee receipt
- Any additional documents required for your visa type (invitation letters, employment letters, or financial support documents like Form I-134)
Form DS-160: Cost
There is no fee for submitting Form DS-160. However, you will need to pay a non-refundable visa application processing fee (also known as the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee) before scheduling a visa interview.
The processing fee varies based on the visa category:
- $185: For non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas like B-1/B-2, F-1, J-1, M-1, and D visas.
- $205: For petition-based nonimmigrant visas, such as H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1, R-1 and P visas.
Need Help With Form DS-160? Schedule A Consultation
With extensive experience in nonimmigrant visas and various immigration forms, the knowledgeable attorneys at Spar & Bernstein will:
- Help with visa category selection to ensure you are applying for the right visa.
- Complete and review Form DS-160 accurately to minimize delays and denials.
- Collect and prepare supporting documents as required by U.S. authorities.
- Handle visa issues like previous visa denials, incomplete forms, or administrative processing.
- Prepare you for your interview, helping with potential questions and interview best practices. (Read our detailed guide on how to prepare for a visa interview.)
Reach out to our knowledgeable immigration team to make the nonimmigrant visa process smooth and successful.
Need help with immigration forms?
Form DS-160: FAQs
If you have not found all the information you are looking for, check out common questions and answers about Form DS-160.
How long does it take to fill out Form DS-160?
It typically takes about 60-90 minutes to complete Form DS-160.
Can I save my DS-160 and finish it later?
Yes, you can save your DS-160 and come back to complete it later using your application ID and security question.
Can I edit my DS-160 after submission?
No, once submitted, you cannot edit your Form DS-160. If you made a mistake, you need to fill out a new DS-160 and bring the new confirmation page to your interview.
How long do I have to complete the DS-160 once I start?
You have 30 days to complete the form from the time you start. After that, the system will delete incomplete applications.
What should I do if I lose my DS-160 confirmation page?
If you lose your DS-160 confirmation page, go back to the CEAC website and select “Retrieve an application.” Use your application ID and security question to retrieve the confirmation page.
Do I need a separate DS-160 form for each family member?
Yes, there should be a separate Form DS-160 for each family member, including children.
Can I use a previous DS-160 for a new visa application?
No, if you are applying for a new visa, you must complete a new DS-160.
Do I need a lawyer for Form DS-160?
No, you do not need a lawyer for Form DS-160. However, if your case is complex or you are unsure about your application, consulting our experienced immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein can help ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes.
Can I check the status of my visa application after submitting my DS-160?
You can track your visa status on the CEAC website by entering your DS-160 confirmation number.
Do I need to bring a printed copy of the DS-160 form to the interview?
No, you only need to bring the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode to your interview.
Do I need to complete a new DS-160 if I reschedule my interview?
No, you can use the same DS-160 confirmation for a rescheduled interview, provided the information has not changed.
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