Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form DS-160 for a Temporary U.S. Visa
Exploring Form DS-160: The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Form DS-160, also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, serves as a digital gateway for individuals seeking temporary visas to the United States, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas and K (fiancé(e)) visas. This comprehensive online questionnaire requests details on your personal background, educational history, professional experiences, and other relevant information, like your passport details. The submission of Form DS-160 is a critical step in the visa application process, as it equips the U.S. Department of State with vital data to assess an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of this form is crucial for a successful application.
The Cost of Applying for a Visa
Although submitting the DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, comes at no charge, applicants must still cover the application fees associated with the specific visa type they are seeking. Common non-petition-based visas, including those for tourism, business, or TN categories, carry an application fee of $185. Meanwhile, the application fee for petition-based visas generally stands at $190. It’s important to note that these fees can differ based on the visa category, so applicants should verify the applicable fees for their particular case.
How Long After DS-160 Submission Until Visa Processing Begins?
The DS-160 form itself does not have a processing period. After completing the form online, applicants need only to print the confirmation page to take to their visa interview. Should the application receive approval at the interview, the typical processing duration for Tourism and Visitor visas ranges from 7 to 10 business days, not including delivery time.
Who Has to Fill Out Form DS-160?
Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is a mandatory step for individuals aiming to enter the United States on a temporary basis. This includes applicants for the B1/B2 visitor visas and those seeking a K-1 visa for marriage purposes in the U.S. Additionally, Mexican citizens looking to obtain a TN visa must also submit Form DS-160, unlike Canadian citizens applying for the same visa type who are exempt from this requirement. It is important to note that every prospective visitor, regardless of age, must have their own DS-160 form filed. In situations where an applicant is under the age of 16 or is incapacitated and unable to fill out the form on their own, a third party may assist them. This third party should be properly identified on the form’s “Sign and Submit” page at the conclusion of the application process.
What Documents Do You Need to Complete Form DS-160?
To successfully fill out Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, ensure you have the following documents at hand:
- Your current passport
- Your travel itinerary
- The national ID number provided by your country of citizenship
- If applicable, your Social Security number or U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number
Additionally, be prepared with information about your past travel and work experiences, alongside basic details regarding your family members and individuals accompanying you on your trip. Students heading to the U.S. for education should have their SEVIS ID ready, found on the I-20 or DS-2019 forms, and the address of their U.S. educational institution. Temporary workers are advised to keep a copy of their I-129 form, if available. Moreover, a recent digital photo that adheres to the U.S. government’s standards is required for the application. This photo should be stored digitally on the device you intend to use for completing the DS-160 form.
How To Complete Form DS-160 Online?
To fill out the DS-160 form, applicants must use the online platform provided by the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), a digital service of the Department of State for submitting applications, fees, and documents. Form DS-160 is exclusively available online, with no paper format option. Although a sample of Form DS-160 is available for review to aid in preparation, the application itself must be completed via the online system. The estimated time to fill out the form is approximately 90 minutes. The online system allows applicants to save their progress, enabling them to pause and resume filling out the form at a later time, provided it is within a 30-day window. It is possible to save the form on your computer and upload it to continue the application process at your convenience. For those applying with family members, the CEAC system offers a feature to streamline the process. After completing a DS-160 form, you will find an option to create a family application on the “Thank You” page, which follows the confirmation page. This feature prefills certain information for subsequent family member applications, although it is crucial to note that each family member must have their unique DS-160 form submitted.
Initiating the Process
To start your DS-160 application, first select the consulate or embassy where you plan to apply. If your travel plans change while your application is pending, you have the flexibility to schedule your interview at any consulate or embassy that suits your new itinerary, not just the one you initially picked. When you begin, you’ll be assigned an Application ID and asked to choose a security question, both of which are key for accessing your application in the future. Ensure you note down this ID and the answer to your security question and keep them in a secure place. You’ll find the Application ID on the upper right corner of every DS-160 page. If you ever forget your Application ID, you can easily retrieve it by answering your security question online. Remember, your application will be saved and accessible for 30 days. If you require more time, you can download the form to your computer and upload it again when you’re ready to proceed. Next, we’ll dive into each section of the DS-160 to help you fill it out accurately.
Section 1: Identifying Details
The initial segment of Form DS-160 requires you to input identifying details such as your full name, date of birth, and marital status. This section also inquires about your nationality, any passport or national ID numbers you have, and your U.S. Social Security number or taxpayer ID if applicable.
Section 2: Itinerary Overview
Here, you’ll outline your intended travel arrangements to the United States, covering the main purpose of your visit, planned entry and exit dates, and the address where you’ll be residing in the U.S. If your itinerary is not yet finalized, estimated dates are acceptable.
Section 3: Accompanying Travelers
This part allows you to list information about individuals accompanying you on your journey, such as family members, friends, or group tour participants. Colleagues on the same travel agenda for work do not need to be mentioned. It’s important to note, however, that each traveler must submit their individual Form DS-160.
Section 4: U.S. Visitation History
In this section, disclose any previous visits to the United States, including the dates and purposes of those trips. Additionally, you must state if you have ever been refused a U.S. visa or have submitted an immigrant petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Section 5: Contact Information
Provide your current residential address, telephone number, and email. An alternative mailing address is optional. You are also required to list all social media platforms used in the past five years, identifying yourself with usernames or handles rather than passwords. This recent requirement helps USCIS officials in assessing your application by reviewing your online presence.
Section 6: Documenting Your Passport
This section requires details of your current passport. You might see a query for a “Passport Book Number” or “inventory control number.” If your passport lacks this number due to your country’s practices, select “Does Not Apply.” Additionally, disclose if any of your passports have been lost or stolen, with specifics if applicable.
Section 7: Establishing Your U.S. Contact
Here, identify a contact within the United States who can confirm your identity. If you have no personal acquaintances in the U.S., you can list a business or organization you plan to visit.
Section 8: Family Information
Provide information about your parents in this part. If applicable, include details about any relatives in the U.S. For those who are married, information required includes your spouse’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and address.
Section 9: Professional and Academic Background
Detail your current job, educational history, and any professional training over the past five years. This also includes your travel history and any relevant skills, or memberships in military entities, charitable organizations, or professional groups.
Section 10: Assessing Security and Background
You’ll respond to 25 questions concerning security and background matters with “yes” or “no.” It’s crucial to read each question thoroughly and answer accurately, as inaccuracies can negatively impact your visa application.
Section 11: Uploading Your Photograph
Upload a photograph that adheres to the specific guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State. The online tool allows you to adjust and crop your image to meet these standards. Remember, this uploaded photo does not replace the physical, passport-style photograph required at many visa interviews; you’ll need to bring one to your interview.
Section 12: Final Steps Before Submission
You’re on the final stretch! Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct. Confirm your application’s submission location to direct it to the correct U.S. embassy or consulate. Agree to the terms, submit your application, and proceed to the confirmation page. Print this page as you’ll need to show it at your visa interview.
Next Steps After Submitting Form DS-160
Upon completion and submission of Form DS-160, it’s essential to print out the confirmation page, as this document is a mandatory requirement for your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you missed printing the confirmation page initially, you have the option to retrieve it by logging back into the application portal using your Application ID and the answer to your security question. Your submitted DS-160 form will be forwarded to the relevant embassy or consulate for further processing.
To proceed with your visa application, you’ll need to contact the embassy or consulate in your region to arrange your visa interview appointment. Make sure to have the DS-160 confirmation page ready for your interview, in addition to any other specific documents or forms that your visa type may necessitate. For updates on your DS-160 application status, the U.S. Department of State website provides a facility to check this information at your convenience.