Essential Facts About Form DS-160: What Every Applicant Must Know
The DS-160 form is a mandatory online application that must be completed electronically through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center. Whether you are applying for a tourist visa, student visa, business visa, or a fiancé(e) visa (K visa), this form is your first step in the process. However, it is not the right form for those seeking permanent residency; if you plan to immigrate to the United States, you will need to pursue a green card application instead.
When filling out the DS-160, you will provide detailed information about your personal history, family background, and travel plans. This information, combined with your visa interview, allows U.S. authorities to determine your eligibility for entry.
To ensure a smooth process, here are key facts to remember:
- Always write down your Application ID so you can retrieve your form if you close the browser or take a break.
- If you are traveling with family, you can create a family application to complete multiple DS-160 forms together.
- Once completed, you must print the confirmation page and bring it with you to your visa interview.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys guide applicants through every stage of the visa process to reduce mistakes and improve approval chances.
How to Complete Form DS-160 for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa
Submitting Form DS-160 is done exclusively online through the Department of State’s secure portal. On average, it takes about 90 minutes to complete. While you may receive help from others—including the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link—you are required under U.S. law to electronically sign and submit the form yourself, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Step 1: Adjust Your Language Settings
If English is not your first language, the DS-160 form offers tooltip translations in multiple languages, including French, German, Italian, Chinese, Hebrew, and more. This feature makes the application easier for non-native English speakers.
Step 2: Record Your Application ID
When you begin, you will be assigned an Application ID. This number is crucial for retrieving your application at any time. By entering the ID and answering a security question, you can resume your progress if you need to pause.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Before you begin, make sure you have the following documents on hand:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- Travel itinerary (if already arranged)
- National ID number (if issued by your home country)
- Social Security Number or U.S. Taxpayer ID (if applicable)
- Employment history, including job titles, dates, and employer information
- Travel history documents, including records of past visits to the U.S. (can be found using the CBP I-94 tool)
- Previous U.S. visa details (if applicable)
- SEVIS ID and school information (if applying for a student visa)
- I-129 petition (if applying as a temporary worker)
- Digital photograph that meets U.S. visa requirements
Having these documents ready will save time and ensure accuracy when completing your application.
Step 4: Submit the Application and Print the Confirmation Page
After reviewing your answers carefully, submit your form electronically. Immediately print the confirmation page, as it is required for your visa interview.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee
The application fee depends on the type of visa you are requesting:
- $185 for most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas (tourist, business, student, exchange visitor, NAFTA professional, etc.)
- $205 for petition-based visas (temporary workers, intracompany transferees, individuals with extraordinary ability, religious workers, cultural exchange visitors, athletes, and entertainers).
Payment methods and instructions vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply, so always check their official website.
Why Choose Green Card Link for Your DS-160 Application?
Completing the DS-160 correctly is critical, as even small mistakes can lead to delays or denials. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide professional guidance to help you:
- Accurately complete and review your DS-160 form
- Prepare supporting documents for your visa interview
- Maximize your chances of approval with expert insights
By working with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, you reduce stress, avoid errors, and strengthen your application.
Step 6: Schedule and Attend Your U.S. Visa Interview
Once your DS-160 form is complete, the next step is scheduling your visa interview through the U.S. embassy or consulate’s appointment system. Be sure to bring all the required documents, including your DS-160 confirmation page, passport, supporting records, visa fee receipt, and any additional paperwork requested by the embassy.
If you need to make changes to your DS-160 after submission, contact the embassy or consulate directly for specific instructions.
How to Fill Out the DS-160 Application
Section 1: Personal History and Information
This section collects your personal details such as full legal name, date of birth, marital status, nationality, passport or national ID number, and—if applicable—your U.S. Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.
Section 2: Travel Itinerary
Here you will provide the purpose of your trip, expected arrival and departure dates, and the U.S. address where you intend to stay.
Section 3: Traveling Companions
If you are traveling with family, friends, or a group, you will need to provide details about your companions.
Section 4: Prior Travel to the United States
Applicants must disclose all previous visits to the U.S., including dates and reasons for travel. The system will also ask whether you have ever been denied a U.S. visa or filed an immigrant petition with USCIS. Accuracy and honesty are essential.
Section 5: Contact Information
This section requests your current residential address, phone number, and email. You will also be asked to list your social media handles from the past five years (but not your login credentials). U.S. immigration authorities may review this information as part of their background checks.
⚠️ Important: Errors on the DS-160 can cause lengthy delays. Working with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help ensure your form is completed correctly the first time.
Section 6: Passport Details
Provide the passport information exactly as requested, including the passport number and issuing details.
Section 7: U.S. Contact Information
Provide the passport information exactly as requested, including the passport number anaApplicants must list a contact person or organization in the United States. This could be a friend, relative, employer, or an institution you plan to visit.d issuing details.
Section 8: Family Information
You will need to enter details about your parents, spouse, and any relatives living in the United States.
Section 9: Employment, Education & Training
This portion requires your employment and education history for the last five years, along with details of your occupation. Past international travel may also be requested.
Section 10: Security Questions
This part of the application includes 25 yes/no security-related questions. Answer truthfully and carefully.
Section 11: Photo Upload
Applicants must upload a recent digital photo that meets U.S. government requirements. Additionally, you will still need to bring a printed passport-style photo to your visa interview.
Section 12: Sign and Submit
After reviewing all information for accuracy, electronically sign and submit your application. Be sure to print the confirmation page—you must bring it to your visa interview.
Helpful Tips for Completing the DS-160
- The form is only available online; there is no paper option.
- You can save your progress and return within 30 days.
- Always note your Application ID, located at the top right of the page, to retrieve your form later if needed.
- For families, use the family application option after completing one form, which will automatically populate shared information.
- Save frequently—the system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
- Always electronically sign the form, or your application may be rejected.
- Print and keep the barcode confirmation page after submission.
- If you are unsure about a question, consult immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for guidance.
After Submitting Form DS-160
Once your form is submitted, print the confirmation page. Bring it, along with all supporting documents, to your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. If you forget to print immediately, you can log in again with your Application ID to retrieve it.
DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to file Form DS-160?
This form is required for temporary U.S. visa applicants, K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants, and Mexican citizens applying for a TN visa.
Does my spouse need a separate DS-160?
Yes. Each traveler must complete their own DS-160. However, the family application feature allows you to save time by transferring common information.
How much does the DS-160 cost?
The current visa fee is $185 for non-petition-based visas and $205 for petition-based visas.
Can I change my DS-160 after scheduling an interview?
Yes, but you must contact the embassy or consulate directly with your Application ID to request changes.
What happens after I submit Form DS-160?
You will need to confirm whether an interview is required and attend it with your confirmation page and supporting documents.
How do I electronically sign DS-160?
At the end of the form, select “Sign Application.” This confirms that your answers are true to the best of your knowledge. During your interview, you will also provide fingerprints and affirm under oath that your responses are accurate.
Can someone else fill out DS-160 for me?
Yes, a third party can help, but their name must be acknowledged in the “Sign and Submit” section. Parents or guardians may complete the form for children under 16.
Can I save my DS-160 and finish later?
Yes, you can save the form to your computer and return within 30 days. Do not save on a public or shared device to protect your information.
Can I reuse a previously submitted DS-160?
Yes. If you saved the application file, you can upload it when applying again. Alternatively, applications filed after November 1, 2010, can be retrieved online by entering your prior Application ID.
Do E-1, E-2, or E-3 visa applicants need DS-160?
Yes. Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor visa applicants must complete DS-160. For E-1 or E-2 visas, Form DS-156E is also required.
✅ At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys can guide you through every step of the DS-160 process, ensuring accuracy and maximizing your chances of approval. Don’t risk delays—get professional support today.