Form DS-160 Questions & Answers
How to Complete Form DS-160 (2019)
Personal Information 1
Q: What should I enter for my surname in Form DS-160?
A: Enter your surname as it appears in your passport. This is your last name or family name. If your surname consists of multiple names, include all of them.
Q: How do I enter my given names in Form DS-160?
A: Enter your given name as it appears in your passport, including both your first and middle names. Ensure the spelling and order match exactly as in your passport.
Q: What do I do if my native language uses a non-Latin alphabet for my full name?
A: Select “does not apply” if your native language utilizes a non-Latin alphabet. You do not need to enter your name in native alphabet.
Q: Should I list other names I have used in the past?
A: If you have used other names (e.g., maiden name, religious name, professional name, aliases), select ‘Yes’ and list them. Enter any variations of your name from different documents.
Q: What if I have a telecode for my name?
A: If your native language does not use the alphabet, you should list the telecode representing your name here.
Q: How should I enter my sex and marital status?
A: These fields are self-explanatory. Choose the appropriate options that match your current status.
Q: How should I enter my date of birth?
A: Enter your date of birth in the order of ‘day, month, year,’ matching the date in your passport.
Q: What should I list as my place of birth?
A: Enter the city (village/town), state/province, and country of your birth. Use the current name of the city (e.g., use “Ho Chi Minh City” instead of “Saigon”).
Q: What if the state or province of birth does not apply to me?
A: Check “does not apply” if the state/province field is not applicable to you.
Q: How should I list my country of birth?
A: Use the current name of your birth country.
Personal Information 2
Q: What do I enter for Country/Region of Origin (Nationality)?
A: This is your citizenship country, which may differ from your birth country. Enter your nationality accordingly.
Q: Should I list any other nationalities I have held?
A: Answer “yes” or “no.” If “yes,” provide details about each nationality you have held.
Q: What should I do if I hold a passport from another nationality?
A: Answer “yes” or “no.” If “yes,” provide the passport number for that nationality.
Q: Do I need to list my national identification number?
A: If your country has such a number, list it here. For countries without it, select “does not apply.”
Q: Should I provide my U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)?
A: If you have ever been issued a U.S. SSN, enter it here. If not, check “does not apply.”
Q: What if I have a U.S. Taxpayer ID Number?
A: Enter your ITIN or any other U.S. taxpayer ID number if issued. Do not enter your U.S. SSN here. If you do not have one, select “does not apply.”
Address and Phone
Q: What should I include in my home address?
A: Enter your complete home address, including apartment number, street, city, state or province, postal code, and country. This should be the address where you have lived for the past six months, even if it differs from your permanent address.
Q: What if my mailing address is different from my home address?
A: Answer “no” if your mailing address is different, and provide your full mailing address. Your passport with the visa will be sent to this address.
Q: How should I list my phone numbers?
A: Enter a primary phone number, which can be a landline or cell phone. For a secondary phone number or work phone, enter them if applicable or select “does not apply.”
Q: Do I need to provide an email address?
A: Enter your email address, or select “does not apply.” This email may be used for communication from the consulate, including appointment confirmations.
Passport Information
Q: What type of passport or travel document should I select?
A: Choose the appropriate document type: regular, official, diplomatic, or other.
Q: What should I enter for my passport number?
A: Enter the number from your current, valid passport, which should not be expired and must have at least six months of validity beyond your intended travel to the U.S.
Q: Do I need to list my passport book number?
A: This number, also known as the inventory control number, may or may not be present. Check with your passport issuing authority if uncertain. Select “does not apply” if not relevant.
Q: How do I enter the country or authority that issued my passport?
A: Enter the country of citizenship, even if you received your passport while in another country.
Q: Where was my passport issued?
A: List the city, state/province, and country where your passport was issued.
Q: What dates should I provide for passport issuance and expiration?
A: Provide the date your passport was issued and its expiration date. Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your visa application or arrival in the U.S.
Q: What if I have lost a passport or had one stolen?
A: Answer “yes” or “no.” If “yes,” provide the passport number or indicate “do not know,” and include details about the incident.
Travel Information
Q: What is the purpose of my trip to the U.S.?
A: Select the appropriate category for your travel purpose from the options provided.
Q: What should I enter for the intended date of arrival and length of stay?
A: If unsure, provide an estimated date of arrival and select the intended length of stay accordingly.
Q: How should I list the address where I will stay in the U.S.?
A: Enter a specific address, such as a hotel or an apartment, if known. If you are unsure, list a hotel address.
Q: Who will be paying for my trip?
A: Select “Self,” “U.S. Petitioner,” or “other person.” If “other person,” provide their name and relationship to you.
Travel Companions Information
Q: Should I list people traveling with me?
A: Answer “yes” if family members or others are traveling with you, and provide their full names and relationships. You can add multiple names if necessary.
Q: What if I am traveling as part of a group or organization?
A: If “yes,” provide the name of the group or organization. If “no,” list the surnames and given names of those traveling with you.
Previous U.S. Travel Information
Q: Have I ever been to the U.S. before?
A: If “yes,” provide the dates and lengths of your last five visits. Estimate dates if unsure.
Q: Should I list my U.S. driver’s license information?
A: If you have held a U.S. driver’s license, provide the license number. Add additional licenses if applicable.
Q: Have I ever been issued a U.S. visa?
A: If “yes,” provide the date of issue and the visa number. Indicate “do not know” if the visa was lost or stolen.
Q: Am I applying for the same type of visa as before?
A: Answer “yes” or “no,” and indicate if you are applying in the same country as your previous visa issuance.
Q: What does “ten-printed” mean?
A: It means you have provided fingerprints for all ten fingers, as opposed to only two.
Q: What if my U.S. visa was lost, stolen, or revoked?
A: Provide the year of loss or revocation and include an explanation if applicable.
Q: Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition for me?
A: If “yes,” provide details about the petition, including the petitioner’s name, EB category, and Alien number if applicable.
U.S. Point of Contact Information
Q: Who can be my U.S. point of contact?
A: This can be any individual in the U.S. who knows you. If you do not know anyone, provide the name of the company or organization you plan to visit.
Q: What information do I need to provide for my U.S. contact?
A: Provide their last name, given name, organization name, relationship to you, and address and phone number. Include an email address if available.
Family Information: Relatives
Q: Should I list any immediate relatives in the U.S.?
A: Yes, if you have a fiancé, spouse, child, or sibling in the U.S., list them and their status (e.g., U.S. Citizen, non-immigrant).
Q: Do I need to list my spouse’s information?
A: Yes, even if your spouse is not traveling with you. Include details for your current spouse and any previous spouses if divorced.
Present Work/Education/Training Information
Q: How should I describe my primary occupation?
A: Choose from the provided list, and specify if you select “other.”
Q: What information do I need to provide about my current employer or school?
A: Provide the name and address of your employer or school and list your monthly income in local currency if applicable.
Q: Should I list previous employment?
A: Yes, if applicable. Provide details about your previous employers, including name, address, phone number, job title, supervisor’s name, employment dates, and duties.
Q: Do I need to list any affiliations with organizations?
A: Yes, if you belong to or have contributed to any professional, social, or charitable organizations, list them here.
Q: Should I list any specialized skills or military experience?
A: Yes, include details about any specialized skills or training, such as firearms or explosives, and military service information.
Security and Background
Q: What if I answer “yes” to any security and background questions?
A: You may be denied the visa. It is advisable to consult an immigration attorney if you have concerns about this section.
Temporary Work Visa Information
Q: What additional information is required for a temporary work visa?
A: Provide details about your employer and the nature of your employment in the U.S.
Upload Photo
Q: How do I upload my photo for Form DS-160?
A: Click the “Upload Your Photo” button. The photo must be in JPEG format and under 240 KB. If not accepted, address the specific error or proceed without a photo and submit it at the interview.
Q: What should I do if someone else prepares my application?
A: If another person prepares the application, answer “yes,” but you must be the one to submit it, serving as your electronic signature.
Q: How do I print and confirm my DS-160 submission?
A: Print the confirmation page with a barcode using a laser printer. This page allows consular access to your DS-160 information. Ensure the barcode is legible. Save a backup copy of the form for your records.
Q: What if my photo upload fails?
A: If the photo upload fails, an “x” will appear where the photo should be. You will need to bring a printed photo to your interview.
Terms
Q: How do I understand the terms used in Form DS-160?
A: Explanations for terms like surnames, given names, and telecodes are available as help topics while completing the form. These terms are also defined in this guide.
Q: What are telecodes, and how should I use them?
A: Telecodes are four-digit codes that represent characters in some non-Roman alphabet names. Use these codes if applicable.
Q: How should I enter my passport information?
A: Include the passport number or travel document number you will use for U.S. travel. Ensure it is valid for at least six months after your arrival.
Q: What is a Passport Book Number, and do I need to provide it?
A: The Passport Book Number is an inventory control number that may or may not be present. Check with your passport authority if you are unsure.
Q: What is the Application Receipt/Petition Number?
A: For petition-based visas, this number is provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when your petition is filed. It is 13 characters long with the first three characters being letters.
Q: Should I list all previous employers. Form DS-160?
A: Provide information for your previous two employers. You may bring a complete list to your visa interview for reference.
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