How to apply online for a temporary visa to the United States
Table of Contents
What is Form DS-160?
The form DS-160, also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is used to apply for K (fiancé(e)) and B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as other temporary U.S. visas. The electronic form requests information about you that is personal, professional, educational, and other (like your passport number).
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada - Apply before 31 December 2024 to get as low as 9.99% interest rate
The DS-160 form is a crucial component of the visa application process since it gives the U.S. Department of State the data it needs to assess an applicant’s eligibility for a non-immigration visa. It must be filled out accurately.
DS-160 fee
Even though filing the DS-160 is free, you must still pay the fees associated with the particular visa you are applying for.
- The cost is $185 for the majority of non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas, including business, tourist, and TN visas.
- The usual fee for petition-based visas is $190.
These fees vary depending on the type of visa, so be sure to check which fees apply to your specific situation.
DS-160 processing time
For Form DS-160, there is no processing time. You only need to print the confirmation page after completing the online form and bring it to your visa interview.
The typical processing time for tourist and visitor visas, if the application is accepted during the interview, is 7-10 working days, plus time for delivery.
Who needs to complete Form DS-160?
Form DS 160 must be filled out and submitted by anyone who intends to enter the country temporarily, such as a visitor visa (B1/B2) or someone traveling on a K-1 visa to get married. Note that Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted by Mexican nationals seeking a TN visa; Canadian nationals seeking a TN visa do not need to file the DS-160.
Every guest—including children—needs a unique DS-160. An applicant may receive assistance from a third party to complete the form if they are younger than 16 or physically incapable of doing so. The “Sign and Submit” page after Form DS-160 requires that person’s identification.
Required documents
To complete Form DS-160, you will need your:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- A national ID number issued by your home country
- Social Security number or U.S. taxpayer ID if you have one
You will also require access to your employment and travel history, along with a brief bio of your family members and fellow travelers.
You will require a copy of your SEVIS ID, which is located on your I-20 or DS-2019, as well as the address of the university or college you plan to attend if you are traveling to the US for academic purposes. If they have one, temporary employees should always have a copy of their I-129 on hand.
Lastly, a current digitally saved photo that complies with US government standards must be on the computer you plan to use to fill out the form.
How to fill out Form DS-160
Form DS-160 must be filled in and filed online on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. The Department of State’s online application center, CEAC, accepts forms, fees, and supporting documentation from candidates. The Form DS-160 is not available in paper copy. To aid in your preparation, you can view an example Form DS-160, but the online version must still be filled out. The government predicts that filling out the form will take about ninety minutes.
As long as you finish Form DS-160 within 30 days, you can save your work and come back to it at a later time. When you’re ready to move on, you can also store your DS-160 on the hard drive of your computer and upload it once more.
You can make a family application that will fill in some information for each family member automatically if you’re filling out multiple DS-160s for your family. To begin with, finish one DS-160. You will have the opportunity to create a family application on the “Thank You” page that appears after the confirmation page. Keep in mind that even though this will finish off some sections of the DS-160 for each family member, each person still requires their own DS-160.
How to get started
Selecting the location for your visa application is the first step in completing Form DS-160. Don’t worry too much about this: even if you end up needing to travel somewhere else while your application is pending, you will be able to reschedule your interview at any embassy or consulate that works best for you.
You will see your Application ID on the following page. In addition, you will be required to respond to a security query. Keep these safe and write them down; when combined, they will allow you to access your application at a later time.
Additionally, your Application ID is located in the upper right corner of every DS-160 page. You can retrieve it online using your security question if you misplace your application ID.
Keep in mind that you will only have access to your saved Form DS-160 for a period of 30 days. You can download your DS-160 to your computer and upload it again at a later time if you require more time.
Let’s now go over each section of Form DS-160.
#1: Personal Information
You will enter personal information, including your name, date of birth, and marital status, in the first section of Form DS-160.
In addition, if you have a passport or other national identity number, you will be asked for it, as well as your nationality, U.S. social security number, or taxpayer ID number.
#2: Travel Information
This section should contain an explanation of your travel itinerary, including the reason for your visit to the US, the dates of your arrival and departure, and the US address you will be staying at. You can give approximate dates if you don’t have any set plans.
#3: Travel Companions
You can enter information about anyone who is traveling with you here. This could include close relatives, close friends, or travelers with a formal tour group. You don’t need to travel with coworkers. In any case, keep in mind that each traveler still requires a Form DS-160 of their own.
#4: Previous U.S. Travel
You will then be asked if this is your first visit to the United States. If so, you’ll have to provide specific dates and information.
You must also specify whether you have ever submitted an immigrant petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or been refused a U.S. visa.
#5: Address and Phone Number
It’s easy to fill out this section; just provide your email address, phone number, and current address. If you’d like, you can enter a different mailing address.
Additionally, you will be required to enumerate every social media account you have used in the previous five years. Passwords are not required, but you should list all of your user IDs, or “handles,” on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
This is a recent addition to the DS-160, requiring USCIS officers to examine your social media usage while assessing your application.
#6: Passport Information
You will be prompted for your passport details on this page. A “Passport Book Number,” sometimes known as an “Inventory Control Number,” might be requested of you. This number is not present on all passports; if your nation does not utilize them, simply select “Does Not Apply.”
In addition, a question about lost or stolen passports will be asked of you. If so, you will need to provide more information.
#7: U.S. Point of Contact
You’ll list a US citizen here who is acquainted with you and able to confirm your identity. Don’t worry if you haven’t met anyone in the US yet; all you need to do is enter the name of any company or institution you plan to visit.
#8: Relatives
You will then give some basic information about your mother and father. You might also be asked for information about any family members who are presently residing in the US.
If you are married, you will also be asked for the name, nationality, date of birth, and residential address of your spouse.
#9: Work, Education, and Training
You will enter your occupation, educational background, and work history dating back five years in this section.
In addition, you will be asked about your past travel experiences, any unique skills you may have, and any memberships you may have held in professional, military, or charitable organizations.
#10: Security and Background Information
Here, you will respond to 25 questions about security and background matters with a “yes” or “no.” You should carefully read these questions and consider your answers before responding, as answering incorrectly could negatively impact your application.
#11: Applicant Photo
You will need to upload a photo of yourself that follows the U.S. Department of State guidelines. You can crop and resize the photo after you’ve uploaded it to make sure it satisfies the requirements.
The passport-style photo that is needed for many visa applications cannot be replaced by the one you upload with your DS-160 application. For your visa interview, you will still need to bring a printed photo.
#12: Review, Confirm Location, Sign, and Submit
Nearly finished! This will prompt you to go over the entire form again. This is your last chance to verify the accuracy of your responses. After that, you will be prompted to verify your application’s address so that it can be forwarded to the relevant American embassy or consulate. After reading the terms and conditions, you will be prompted to submit the form.
You will click “next” to view your official confirmation page after submitting the form. When you go for your interview, you have to print the confirmation page and give it to consular representatives.
What happens next?
Once Form DS-160 has been filed, you must print the confirmation page. This will be necessary for your interview at the American consulate or embassy. You can print your DS-160 confirmation page by logging in again with your Application ID and security question if you originally forgot to print it out when you filled it out.
The relevant embassy or consulate will then receive your Form DS-160 for processing. To find out when your visa interview is scheduled, get in touch with the embassy or consulate in your area. You will need to bring your DS-160 confirmation page to your interview, along with any additional paperwork needed for your particular visa.
Note that you can check the status of your DS-160 application by visiting the U.S. Department of State website.
Frequently Asked Questions about DS-160
How much does the DS-160 cost?
Form DS-160 filing is free of charge. You will still have to pay the application fees for the visa, though.
Who needs the Form DS-160?
Form DS-160 must be completed by anyone requesting a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. This covers those applying for work, business, student, and tourist visas.
Where can I find the DS-160?
You can access the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Application Form) on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Note that before you can start completing the form, you must first create an account and log in.
What documents do I need for the DS-160?
The following documents are required: your passport, travel itinerary, national ID number issued by your home country, dates of your last five U.S. trips, employment history, and a government-approved photo.
How long does it take to complete Form DS-160?
Depending on the applicant, Form DS-160 completion takes a different length of time. It is generally advised, nevertheless, that you give yourself at least an hour to finish the form.
How do I sign the DS-160?
By selecting the “Sign Application” button located at the bottom of the form, you can electronically sign the DS-160.
Do I need to bring my entire DS-160 application to my visa interview?
No, all that is needed for your interview is a printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page with your application ID number on it.
Can I print another DS-160 confirmation page if it goes missing?
Yes, you can obtain a duplicate of your DS-160 confirmation page from the CEAC website. On the Getting Started page, select the embassy or consulate where you wish to submit your application, then select “Option C-Retrieve Application.” You can view and print your confirmation page after entering your Application ID number.
Do I need to complete Form DS-160 if I am applying for a renewal of my visa?
Yes, whether applying for a new visa or a renewal of an existing one, all applicants for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States must fill out Form DS-160.
Read Also:
What is an I-20 form? All you need to know
F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers?
What is a M-1 Student Visa? Full Review
