How to Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application Form for the USA

March 2, 2023 Claudia Jeff Immigration Guide 0

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to complete the online visa application form DS-160. How to Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application Form for the USA If you are planning to travel to the United States, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. The DS-160 form is a crucial step in this process, and completing it accurately is essential. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, including helpful tips and tricks.

Step 1: Getting Started

Before you begin filling out the DS-160 form, you must gather all the necessary documents and information. This includes your passport, travel itinerary, and personal information such as your address, employment history, and education. Once you have these items ready, you can begin the application process.

Step 2: Accessing the DS-160 Form

To access the DS-160 form, you must visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State. From there, you will be prompted to create an account and complete the form online. The form is available in multiple languages, making it easy for non-native English speakers to complete.

Step 3: Filling Out the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 form is divided into several sections, each requiring detailed information about your personal history and travel plans. It is essential to read each section carefully and answer all questions truthfully and accurately. Failure to do so may result in your visa application being denied.

Section 1: Personal Information

In this section, you will provide your full name, date of birth, and other personal information. It is important to enter this information precisely as it appears on your passport.

Section 2: Contact Information

In this section, you will provide your address and contact information, including your phone number and email address.

Section 3: Passport Information

In this section, you will provide your passport details, including the passport number, date of issuance, and expiration date.

Section 4: Travel Information

In this section, you will provide details about your travel plans, including the purpose of your trip, the intended duration of your stay, and the cities you plan to visit.

Section 5: Previous U.S. Travel

In this section, you will provide information about your previous trips to the United States, including the dates of your visits and the types of visas you were issued.

Section 6: Family Information

In this section, you will provide information about your immediate family members, including their names and relationships to you.

Section 7: Work/Education/Training Information

In this section, you will provide information about your employment history and educational background.

Step 4: Reviewing and Submitting the DS-160 Form

Once you have completed all sections of the DS-160 form, you will be prompted to review your application thoroughly. It is crucial to double-check all information for accuracy before submitting the form. Once you submit the form, you will be unable to make any changes.

Step 5: Scheduling Your Visa Interview

After submitting your DS-160 form, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can schedule your appointment online, and you will need to provide your passport number and the confirmation number from your DS-160 form. Before arranging the visa interview, foreign citizens requesting a visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas must finish and submit the online form DS-160. A Form DS-160 must be filled out for each foreign national (including children) requesting a passport stamp. The DS-160 application material, in conjunction with a face-to-face interview with the applicant and an evaluation of the applicant’s social media accounts, will be used by the consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete the visa application.

Critical Details

Fill out Form DS-160 entirely and correctly; otherwise, you might need to change your application and reschedule your visa interview. The website will time out or end 20 minutes after you start filling out the DS-160 online. You must click the website, write down your application I.D. number, and save your application to a file on your computer to save your work. When you start filling out the online Form, the Application ID Number is visible in the upper right-hand area of the screen. Once you store your work, you can finish your Form DS-160 over time. You have 30 days to finish the DS-160 and return an incomplete application. After 30 days, save your application to your computer’s hard disc or a USD flash drive to view it.

You must schedule a new visa interview date and pay new visa costs if Form DS-160 is submitted after the appointment.

  1. How to Finish the DS-160:
  2. Determine the appropriate passport group in step one.
  3. The type of visa needed under U.S. immigration legislation will depend on the reason for the planned trip to the country and other elements. Contact your immigration attorney if you are uncertain of which passport you require.
  4. Step 2: Compile the necessary paperwork to finish the DS-160
  5. The DS-160 needs the following papers to be completed:
  6. Visa must be current and good for at least six months after the date you plan to enter the United States. A CBP official may shorten your stay in the U.S. to coincide with your passport expiration date at the time of your entrance into the country, so ideally, your passport should be valid for at least six months longer than the desired validity term of your application.
  7. Digital representation of your recent 6-month-old color picture with a white backdrop. Please click on the following website for more information on the picture. 

Travel Itinerary: If you already have verified travel dates, please include them in your schedule; if not, please use approximations. Your deadline (the date you plan to leave the U.S. should be your application or petition’s requested validity end date).

Travel History to the United States: If you have visited the country in the past, you must state the last five (5) days or visits you made. Also possible is the request for the previous five (5) years.

Social Media Account: You must provide details about all social media profiles you have used in the last five years, including your login, URL, and account name. The passcode is not necessary for you to disclose. Please be aware that you must also provide the details for any relatives’ social media accounts. You might be asked to include information about your schooling and employment experience in your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) before submitting your résumé with a visa application. Scholars and visitors on exchange (F, J, and M): You must include the location of the school/program where you plan to enroll in classes or receive training, as well as your most current SEVIS ID, which is written on your I-20 or DS-2019. Petition-based H-1B, H-2, H-3, CW1, L, O, P, R, and E2C Transient Workers: You will require a duplicate of your Form I-797 approval notification, Form I-129 or Form I-129S if they have already been authorized by USCIS (Blanket L-1).

  • Write the Program Number on the DS-160 screen’s upper right-hand corner. The DS-160 to your computer for saving
  • Phase 4 is to finish the DS-160.
  • Fill out the responses fully and accurately according to the directions on each sheet. Type N/A or irrelevant (where allowed and if appropriate) if necessary. English letters and English must be used in all responses. You can check your responses in the Form’s final section before submitting it.
  • Complete the DS-160 electronically and submit it.
  • To electronically sign your application, select the “Sign Application” option. Then click the “Submit” button. After submitting, a validation page with a barcode will appear on your computer.
  •  Make Copies of the Barcoded Confirmation Document.

You must show the proof page with the barcode throughout the registration process, so save a duplicate in a secure location. Your visa application may only be completed with the proof page.

Dependents

A Form DS-160 must be filled out and submitted for every dependent (partner and kid) who needs a U.S. visa. Suppose you are a family or a party registering and traveling together. Choose “Email Proof” on the Confirmation Screen on your DS-160. Your browser will take you to a “Thank You” screen. You can make a family or group application on the “Thank You” screen. When you choose this, a new DS-160 will instantly import data from your program. Please be aware that if you choose this, each family member or part of the company must have their application.

Children included, each candidate needs to submit a separate Form DS-160 immigration application. Before your appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, Form DS-160 must be filled out and filed online. Enter the barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation screen to schedule your appointment. It is necessary to send the Document DS-160 online. Without a Form, DS-160 confirmation sheet, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not take scribbled or typed applications, and you will not be allowed to attend your interview. You are attesting that all of the information on your DS-160 is accurate and precise when you digitally sign it. You might not be allowed to enter the U.S. if you lie about details. Please ensure that each topic is fully addressed and that all your responses are correct.

Note: The accompanying website can answer any questions about finishing the DS-160. We are unable to offer clarification or advice on this procedure.

Instructions for Filling Out Document DS-160

After reading about the registration procedure for a nonimmigrant visa, complete and send your Form DS-160. Before scheduling an interview at an American embassy or consulate, you must send your DS-160 application online. Your interview date must be scheduled at the same Embassy or consulate you choose when completing Form DS-160. The only exception is when you are requested to enter your complete name in your original alphabet, in which case you must respond in English using only English-language characters. As part of the DS-160 procedure, you must submit a picture taken within the last six months. This U.S. Department of State website provides comprehensive instructions for taking and uploading high-quality pictures. If you leave this program idle for over 20 minutes, your session will end. Before writing down your Application ID Number or saving your entry to a digital file, you must start over. Note the Application Number in the page’s upper right area. You will require this Application ID to proceed with your application if you have to exit the browser before sending it. An alpha-numeric barcode proof page will be generated from the filled-out Form DS-160 registration form. Copy this document. You must have the printed confirmation document for the American Embassy or consulate appointment. After printing the barcode confirmation page, return to your online browser and send a duplicate of the DS-160 to yourself as a backup. The PDF file that will be delivered needs Adobe Acrobat to read or print.

What is an application for a U.S. visa?

You can visit the United States for a predetermined period by applying for a passport. Any foreign national wishing to travel to the U.S. must submit a U.S. passport application. You can enter the nation lawfully if your application is approved. The duration of your visa determines how long you can remain in the U.S. Visas come in various forms. The registration procedure is, however, usually the same for all kinds. The most crucial step in the application procedure is understanding what kind of passport you require.

Advantages of Applying for a U.S. Immigration

The advantage of applying for a U.S. visa is that it enables lawful entry into the country. This might be done in preparation for a trip, temporary employment, or a move from another nation. You must submit a U.S. passport application for any purpose to travel to the United States.

Drawbacks of Applying for a U.S. Immigration

A U.S. visa application’s disadvantage is that it is frequently rejected. Even if everything is done correctly, your registration might not be accepted. This implies that you must pause before reapplying. Denies can be extremely problematic for both employees and tourists. Educating yourself on the procedure is the best way to prevent a visa rejection.

Passport categories

There are various kinds of visas. It would help if you determined whether you are an immigrant or a nonimmigrant to determine which one you require. People are attempting to immigrate forever to the U.S. For travel or employment, nonimmigrants only require temporary admission. Both non-foreigners and immigrants may register. Those who require permits include:

  • Students
  • guest children
  • visiting relatives
  • Anyone who wants to labor in the U.S.
  • The B-1 and B-2 tourist permits are available. For professional visitors, use B-1. For those traveling to the United States for leisure, medical care, or enjoyment, B-2 visas are required. A separate passport is required for other visitors. Passport varieties include:
  • B-1 Business or Competitive Sports Visa K-1 Fiancé Visa B-2 Travel or Medical Treatment Visa Academic F-1/M-1 and H-1B visas Professional Permit under a Free Trade Pact
  • K-3, V1, and V2 E-1/E-2 Treaty Merchant or Investment Visa H-2B Temporary or Intermittent Labor Visa Spouse or Child Entrance Visa
  • Passport for Intracompany Move L-1
  • O-1 Exceptional Talent Work Visa J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa R-1 Religious Worker Visa H-2A Temporary Farm Migrant Visa H-3 Trainee or Special School Visa

visa-waiver scheme

A few nations participate in the Visa Travel Program (VWP). Thanks to the VWP, you can enter the U.S. without a passport for 90 days. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which issues you an electronic passport, must authorize your entry into the United States. Everyone using the VWP must have an electronic passport to enter the United States. You require a nonimmigrant passport if your ESTA application is turned down.

Every family member requires a passport that a computer can read if you’re going together.

The VWP was created in 1986 to facilitate travel between member nations. Additionally, it is intended to support the tourism sector and enable the Secretary of State to concentrate its efforts where they are most required. You can still file for a passport even if you qualify for the VWP. Some nations choose not to participate in this initiative. There are some residents of involved nations who are ineligible for the scheme. VWP visitors are scrutinized before being allowed to enter the country. Additionally, they are immediately registered in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.

As of April 5, 2010, Greek citizens do not require a passport to enter the United States.

  • The VWP includes participants from 36 nations. They consist of the following:
  • Europe
  • Andorra \Austria \Belgium
  • Denmark, which includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the Czech Republic
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece \sHungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania \sLuxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands Antilles and Netherlands Aruba
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Costa Rica
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • British Empire (only full citizens)
  • Asia
  • Japan
  • Korea, South
  • Brunei
  • Singapore
  • Oceania

Restrictions on the New Zealand Australia Visa Waiver Program

You might not be allowed to travel under the Visa Waiver Program even though your country is a participant. If you are ineligible, a nonimmigrant visa is required. Three months before your trip, you should apply. You can request an expedited visa appointment if your travel plans are urgent. You must make a regular visa appointment to accomplish this. Select “Request Expedite” on the “Applicant Summary Page” to expedite the process. Include the destination, departure date, and reason for your trip. Any correspondence you have had with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the status of your ESTA must be provided in writing. To determine your eligibility, read the VWP’s complete restrictions.

Filling out the DS-160 Form

The initial step in applying for a visa is completing the correct application form. Every application for a nonimmigrant visa must be submitted using the DS-160 Form. The following details must be entered into this Form online:

  • Identification information, such as your name and contact details
  • a 2×2 inch printout of a face-only photograph
  • Information about previous trips to the U.S.
  • Background information and security
  • you’re going to
  • A family member can be added at the end of the application if they are traveling with you. Once your application is finished, you will receive a confirmation code. You will need this code later in the procedure, so write it down or print it. After your application is submitted, a fee of $160 is required.
  • If you are an E-1 Treaty Trader or an Executive/Manager/Essential Employee, your company must submit Form 156E.
  • DS-160 Worksheet Advice
  • Your Embassy or Consulate needs to recognize applications typed or penned by hand. You must finish Form DS-160 online and present the confirmation document for your interview.
  • The following advice will help you complete your DS-160 Form:
  • The Embassy/Consulate you choose at the outset of the Form must coincide with the location of the appointment.
  • Only English letters may be used, and all inquiries on the Form must be answered in English. The only exception is if you choose to use your original script when writing your name.

If you take a twenty-minute break from working, your application process ends. If you still need to save your application to your device, you must start over or remember to write down your Application ID Number. On this screen, in the top-right corner, is your Registration ID Number. If you need to exit your browser before finishing your registration, note your I.D. number down. A confirmation page with an alpha-numeric barcode is produced once finished and filed. Copy this document. Please bring this document to your appointments with the Visa Office, Embassy, and Consulate. After printing your confirmation document, use your browser’s “Back” option to go back. Sending yourself a duplicate DS-160 form in PDF version is a good idea. To read or print your document, you need Adobe Acrobat. To safeguard your private information when using a shared computer, erase your file after you’re done. Before submitting your Form, always double-check your details for correctness.

Queries on the DS-160 Questionnaire

  • Many individuals who are completing the DS-160 Form have queries regarding the procedure. The most typical DS-160 form inquiries are as follows:
  • How Much Time Will the Document Take? The DS-160 internet form typically takes between 15 and 40 minutes to finish.
  • Do I Need to Fill Out the Whole Form? Almost all of the information on the DS-160 paper is required. Some options, though, might be designated as discretionary. These can be left empty. You might choose “Does Not Applicable” in other areas. You can choose an option that doesn’t relate to your situation. The remaining sections must be filled out. A notification is displayed if a required entry is left empty. A rejection might result from incomplete information.
  • Suppose I require a break. As previously stated, the DS-160 stops working after 20 minutes of inactivity. This safeguards your private details. Save your Form frequently by selecting the “Save” option to prevent data loss. Click the “Save Application to File” option, and then select “Save” in the File Download box if you need to save a form to finish it later. Make careful to pick a location on your device that you will remember. Once your document has been downloaded, click “Submit.” To retrieve your details, log on again and select “Import Application Date” from the “Getting Started” tab.
  • How does my photo fare? Only photos that are 2″ x 2″ will post. Your submission was unsuccessful if you see an “X” where your picture should be. In this situation, you must bring a printed copy of your picture to the appointment with the Embassy or consulate and the visa application. If your image appears, the transfer was successful.
  • Why Weren’t My Testimonial Page Edits Saved? If you use the back and forward keys on your computer, any changes you make to the review page won’t be saved. Instead, the buttons on the bottom of the application page would be best.
  • Should I Make a Duplicate of My Registration to Save it? Yes. This is very significant. On your P.C., locally save your program. If denied, a copy of your application lets you fill in the blanks because it needs to be completed rather than starting over from scratch. Additionally, you can apply for permits using your stored application.
  • How Do I Prepare for an Interview? Only some of the registration, just the confirmation screen, is required.
  • Are applications for groups possible? Yes. Registration for an organization is simple to submit. Families will especially benefit from this. You can make a joint application to the “Thank You” page. Some data from your program is carried over, such as your location. Each traveler must provide their personal information. Information that was transferred automatically can be modified as necessary.
  • Do I require more forms? Not typically. You can only use a Consulate that has yet to switch to this method. In these situations, you might need to complete a DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, or DS-3032. The DS-160 superseded them. Forms DS-156 and DS-156K must still be filled out by candidates for the fiancée (K-1/2) visa.
  • What if I request an E visa for a treaty trader or investor? This relies on several variables. Visa and E Applicants for the Principle Investor (E-2) visa must only finish the DS-160 Form. Executive/Manager/Essential Employee and Treaty Trader (E-1) applicants must submit the DS-160 Form independently, and the company must finish the DS-156E Form. After submitting your registration, you are given a 10-digit number. You must print this out to plan your appointments.

Plan appointments

Appointments need to be made next. A U.S. passport application requires two meetings. You must make an appointment with an Immigration Application Office first (VAC). You also require a meeting with an embassy or consulate. These are necessary to schedule:

  1. code for your DS-160 web registration confirmation
  2. a statement of your immigration cost
  3. visa number
  4. One day should pass between your VAC and Consulate appointments.
  5. appointment with VAC
  6. You require the same supplies you used for enrollment for your VAC visit. A meeting reminder page is also necessary. At least six months must elapse after your journey for your passport to remain valid. You can either have a picture made at the meeting or bring one. Verifying papers is the purpose of VAC visits. It should take time.

Consular appointment

A day after the VAC interview, you have your Embassy meeting. The same things you brought to your VAC visit. It would help if you also had all current and expired visas. The consultation entails a conversation. Your recruiter confirms the information on your submission. It won’t take more than a couple of minutes. Your passport will be issued if your application is approved. Both appointments are not required for children under the age of fourteen. Applications and documentation from parents are welcome.

Speaking Disparities

You might not have to go through a consular examination in some situations. For instance, candidates who apply as children before turning 14 or who file at or after turning 80 may be granted a visa without having to go through an interview. Additionally, you can obtain your visa without going through a consular interview if your visa has recently ended and you are returning to America for the same reason.

Denials

Immigration requests are frequently turned down. Inaccurate information on the registration form is typically to blame for this. If your application is rejected, you are given a degree of rejection. You are not qualified for a visa if you receive a 214(b) document. You can reapply, but you must go through the whole procedure again. A 221(g) outlines the additional procedures necessary for clearance. If you receive this document, no further payments are required.

  • Questions on U.S. Immigration Applications
  • Do I Have to Submit the DS-160 Document Online?
  • Yes. The complete mechanism is now electronic. Internet applications are more efficient and safe.

FAQS

How long is my visa valid

Depending on the sort of passport you have. A few permits are valid for ten years. Occasionally, visitor permits are only good for a few months. The maximum duration of an H-1B visa is six years.

Do I Ever Need a Different Form

Possibly. The D-156-E document is necessary for some workers. The I-129F document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is required for those applying for a fiancé visa.

How can I determine if my nation is a part of the visa waiver program

Consult your country’s Embassy or consulate. They can assist you with your ESTA registration and determine whether you qualify for the VWP.

Can I visit other nations and then come back to the U.S.

Yes, in some instances. Travelers from Canada and Mexico are permitted entrance into the United States after visiting these nations and some of their territories. Visitors from other nations should remain in the United States for as long as their permits are valid.

Conclusion

Completing the DS-160 form accurately is crucial to obtaining a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your application is filled out correctly and increase your chances of obtaining a visa. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.