DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Guide

Table of Contents

Comprehensive Guide to Completing the DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Introduction

The DS-160 form is the U.S. Department of State’s online nonimmigrant visa application form, used for submitting a visa application for temporary travel to the United States. Completing the DS-160 is the first step in the visa application process. This guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions for filling out the DS-160 form, including information on various visa types, required documentation, and a comprehensive FAQ section.

Step 1: Sign In

When you begin the process, you’ll see a login screen to start filling out the DS-160 form. If you already have an account, enter your login information. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create a new one.

Step 2: Upload or Retrieve an Application

You have two options: upload a previously saved application or retrieve a previously submitted application. This is helpful if you have started filling out the form and want to complete it later.

Step 3: Personal Information

Personal Information 1

Surname: Enter your last name as it appears on your passport.
Given Names: Enter your first and middle names as they appear on your passport.
Full Name in Native Alphabet: Enter your full name in your native alphabet if applicable.
Have you ever used other names (i.e., maiden, religious, professional, alias)? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Do you have a telecode that represents your name? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Sex: Select your gender.
Marital Status: Select your marital status.
Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
Place of Birth: Enter the city and country where you were born.

Personal Information 2

Nationality: Select your nationality.
Do you hold or have you held any other nationality? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Are you a permanent resident of a country/region other than your country/region of origin (nationality) indicated above? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
National Identification Number: Enter your national ID number if applicable.
U.S. Social Security Number: Enter your U.S. Social Security Number if applicable.
U.S. Taxpayer ID Number: Enter your U.S. Taxpayer ID Number if applicable.

Step 4: Travel Information

Travel Information

Purpose of Trip to the U.S.: Select the primary purpose of your trip.
Specify: Provide more details about the purpose of your trip.
Intended Date of Arrival: Enter the date you plan to arrive in the U.S.
Intended Length of Stay: Enter how long you plan to stay in the U.S.
Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.: Enter the full address of your stay.
Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip: Select who will be paying for your trip.

Travel Companions Information

Are there other persons traveling with you? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Provide details of your travel companions if applicable.

Step 5: U.S. Point of Contact Information

Contact Person Name in the U.S.: Enter the full name of your contact in the U.S.
Organization Name: Enter the name of the organization if applicable.
Relationship to You: Select the relationship to your contact.
U.S. Contact Address: Enter the full address of your U.S. contact.
Phone Number: Enter the phone number of your U.S. contact.
Email Address: Enter the email address of your U.S. contact.

Step 6: Family Information

Family Information: Relatives

Father’s Full Name and Date of Birth: Enter your father’s full name and date of birth.
Is your father in the U.S.? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Mother’s Full Name and Date of Birth: Enter your mother’s full name and date of birth.
Is your mother in the U.S.? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Family Information: Spouse

Spouse’s Full Name: Enter your spouse’s full name.
Spouse’s Date of Birth: Enter your spouse’s date of birth.
Spouse’s Nationality: Enter your spouse’s nationality.
Spouse’s Place of Birth: Enter the place of birth of your spouse.
Spouse’s Address: Enter your spouse’s address.

Step 7: Work/Education/Training Information

Present Work/Education/Training Information

Primary Occupation: Select your primary occupation.
Present Employer or School Name: Enter the name of your employer or school.
Address: Enter the full address of your employer or school.
Monthly Salary in Local Currency: Enter your monthly salary in your local currency.
Briefly Describe your Duties: Provide a brief description of your job duties.

Previous Work/Education/Training Information

Were you previously employed? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Provide details of your previous employment if applicable.

Step 8: Additional Information

Security and Background: Part 1

Do you have any communicable diseases of public health significance? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Are you or have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Security and Background: Part 2

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other similar action? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Security and Background: Part 3

Have you ever been involved in, or do you seek to engage in, money laundering? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Have you ever committed or conspired to commit a human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Security and Background: Part 4

Are you the spouse, son, or daughter of an individual who has committed or conspired to commit a human trafficking offense? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Have you ever knowingly aided, abetted, assisted, or colluded with an individual who has committed or conspired to commit a severe human trafficking offense? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Security and Background: Part 5

Have you ever engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Have you, while serving as a government official, been responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Step 9: Upload Photo

You will need to upload a digital photo that meets the required quality standards. Make sure your photo adheres to these standards to avoid rejection.

Step 10: Review Your Application

Before submitting your application, you will have the opportunity to review all the information you have entered to ensure it is correct. Make any necessary corrections at this stage.

Step 11: Sign and Submit

After reviewing, you will electronically sign and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which you must bring to your visa interview.

Detailed FAQ Section

Below are some frequently asked questions about completing the DS-160 form and the nonimmigrant visa application process:

1. What is the DS-160?

The DS-160 is the U.S. Department of State’s online nonimmigrant visa application form, used for temporary travel to the United States.

2. How do I access the DS-160?

You can access the DS-160 through the Consular Electronic Application Center website.

3. What documents do I need while filling out the DS-160?

You will need your passport, travel itinerary, information about your previous U.S. visits, and details about your current and past education and work history.

4. Can I fill out the DS-160 in my native language?

No, all answers must be in English, using English characters only, except when asked to provide your full name in your native alphabet.

5. Are all questions on the DS-160 mandatory?

Most questions are mandatory. You can leave optional questions blank or answer “Does Not Apply” when appropriate.

6. What should I do if there are errors in my submitted DS-160?

If there are errors in your submitted DS-160, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you submitted your application for guidance on correcting it.

7. What should I bring to the visa interview?

You must bring the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode, along with other supporting documents such as your passport and photo.

8. How can I save and continue my DS-160 later?

You can save your application and continue it later. After starting your DS-160, you will receive a unique application ID and security question to retrieve your application.

9. Can I reuse information from a previous DS-160?

Yes, you can reuse information from a previously submitted DS-160 by saving it to your hard drive or disk for future use.

10. What should I do if I cannot upload a photo to the DS-160?

If you cannot upload a photo, submit a printed photo along with the DS-160 confirmation page to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are applying.