Complete Guide to Form DS-260
Key Points You Should Know
- Form DS-260 is mandatory for individuals applying for a green card, marriage-based green card, or Diversity Visa through consular processing outside the U.S.
- The DS-260 fee in 2025 is $325.
- You must print the DS-260 confirmation page and bring it with you to your visa interview.
Form DS-260, officially known as the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is an online form required for foreign nationals and their family members applying for immigrant visas outside of the United States. This includes those seeking a marriage-based green card or pursuing the Diversity Visa program. Filing the DS-260 is a crucial step in consular processing and must be completed accurately to avoid unnecessary delays.
In this guide, Green Card Link provides everything you need to know—how to properly file DS-260, what supporting documents you need, processing timelines, interview preparation tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is Form DS-260?
The DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application is filed online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). It applies to individuals outside the U.S. who are:
- Applying for a marriage-based green card
- Applying through the Diversity Visa program
If you are already inside the United States, you will not file DS-260. Instead, you must file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
The DS-260 is processed by the National Visa Center (NVC) rather than USCIS. It collects critical background information, including:
- Previous addresses (since age 16)
- Education and employment history
- Information about family members
- Details of past travel or legal matters
Because this form is directly tied to your immigrant visa application, accuracy is essential. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through each section to minimize risks of errors.
Costs of Filing Form DS-260
The DS-260 filing fee is $325, paid to the U.S. Department of State.
You should also prepare for the following additional costs:
- Affidavit of Support processing fee: $120
- USCIS immigrant fee: $235 (paid after visa issuance)
Once your immigrant visa is approved and stamped (I-551), you must pay the USCIS immigrant fee online before traveling to the U.S. Your physical green card will then be mailed to the U.S. address you provided.
DS-260 Processing Time in 2025
On average, the NVC takes about two weeks to process the DS-260 and other documents. However, timelines may vary due to embassy workload, staffing shortages, or case complexity.
Typical DS-260 processing stages include:
- USCIS approval transfer to NVC: ~2 weeks
- NVC welcome letter: 1–2 weeks
- Document submission: Varies (depends on how quickly you upload required forms)
- NVC review of DS-260 and documents: ~2 weeks
- Interview scheduling: 1–3 months (depends on U.S. embassy/consulate availability)
Total average timeframe: 5–6 months from start to finish.
Immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you prepare early and reduce unnecessary delays.
Step-by-Step DS-260 Checklist
Before completing DS-260, you must have:
- An approved I-130 petition
- A completed DS-261 (to designate your legal representative)
- All applicable NVC fees paid
When filling out DS-260, keep these points in mind:
- Have your case number, beneficiary ID number, and invoice ID from the NVC welcome notice ready.
- You must list all of your children (biological, step, or adopted), regardless of age or whether they are immigrating with you.
- List every address you have lived at since age 16.
- Provide the most current U.S. mailing address where your green card should be delivered.
- Double-check all answers before submission.
- Print the confirmation page—this is required for your visa interview.
If you make an error after submission, you may request the consulate to reopen your form or notify the officer at your interview.
DS-260 and the Green Card Interview
After filing DS-260, you will be scheduled for a green card interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Prior to the interview, you must complete a medical examination with an authorized physician.
What to Bring to the Consular Interview:
- Valid passport
- NVC interview appointment letter
- Two color passport photographs
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Completed medical exam results
- Any additional documents required by USCIS or the consulate for your visa category
In most cases, the embassy or consulate provides a decision within a week of your interview.
Why Work with Green Card Link?
Filing Form DS-260 is a complex process where mistakes can delay your immigration journey. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide professional guidance to help applicants:
- Avoid common DS-260 errors
- Prepare the strongest possible supporting documentation
- Navigate NVC and embassy processing delays
- Increase approval chances at the consular interview
With proper preparation and experienced legal support, you can reunite with your family and secure lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Supporting Documentation for DS-260
When filing Form DS-260, both the applicant’s spouse and the sponsoring spouse must provide specific supporting documentation. While you are not required to send original documents, you must submit clear and legible copies. Below is a detailed list of the required paperwork.
Required Documents for the Applicant’s Spouse
- Proof of Nationality – A copy of a birth certificate and the passport biographic page.
- Marriage Certificate – Copy of the valid marriage certificate.
- Marriage Termination Records – Copies of divorce decrees or death certificates for any prior marriages.
- Military Records – If applicable, a copy of your official military service record.
- Police Certificates (Police Clearance Letters) – Documents showing no criminal history, required from:
- Any location in your home country where you lived for six months or longer after turning 16.
- Any location outside your home country where you resided for six months or longer after turning 16.
- Any jurisdiction where you were arrested or charged with an offense, regardless of how long you lived there or your age at the time.
Required Documents for the Sponsoring Spouse
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) – Proof of financial ability to support your spouse in the U.S.
- Employment Verification – Proof of current employment or self-employment.
- Recent Payslips – To demonstrate ongoing income.
- Tax Records – Federal income tax returns or IRS transcripts. If you have not filed taxes, you must include a signed letter explaining why.
- Marriage Termination Records – Copies of divorce decrees or death certificates for any prior marriages.
- Proof of Domicile – Evidence showing residence in the U.S., such as a state-issued ID, lease agreement, car title, or records of financial transfers to U.S. bank accounts.
Once all documentation is submitted, it typically takes a few months before your visa interview is scheduled. The National Visa Center (NVC) will send an official notice with your interview date and time.
Filing DS-260 for the Diversity Visa Program
If you are completing Form DS-260 for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, you must first enter your Diversity Visa case number (found on your selection notice). From there, you can update personal and family details originally provided in your DV entry application.
If major life changes have occurred—such as marriage or the birth of a child—you must update Form DS-260 accordingly. The term “family member” includes a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age at the time of the initial DV entry.
⚠️ Important Warning: Failure to disclose a spouse or child who existed before your DV entry submission can make you ineligible. Never misrepresent or omit information on immigration documents, as this can lead to denial of your visa.
After completing Form DS-260, print the confirmation page and bring it with you to your visa interview.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing DS-260
- Forgetting to include all children or stepchildren, even if they are not immigrating.
- Entering names or addresses using non-Roman characters.
- Mistyping your case number.
- Neglecting to print the confirmation page.
- Submitting an inconsistent or inaccurate address history.
Filing DS-260 for a Marriage-Based Green Card
If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, filing Form DS-260 comes after several key steps:
- Your Form I-130 petition must first be approved.
- You must complete Form DS-261.
- You must pay the State Department’s application processing fee and financial support form fee.
After these requirements are met, you can proceed with the DS-260 using:
- Your Case Number
- Beneficiary ID Number
- Invoice Number from the NVC Welcome Notice
Important DS-260 Filing Guidelines
- Complete the form in English only. If your name or address contains non-Roman characters, substitute with the closest English equivalent.
- Upon submission, the NVC issues a receipt notice (often on the same day).
- Submit all required supporting documentation either by mail, email, or secure upload, depending on your assigned consulate’s instructions.
- Never mail original documents unless explicitly instructed; instead, submit copies and bring the originals to your green card interview.
DS-260 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I review a sample DS-260?
Yes, you can view a sample DS-260 anytime. If you pause your application to gather information, simply click “Save” and return later.
How long does DS-260 processing take?
Processing varies based on NVC and USCIS backlogs. On average, USCIS approval of Form I-130 for U.S. citizen sponsors takes about 14.4 months.
How can I check my DS-260 status?
You can check your case status anytime by logging into the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website.
Can I answer questions in my native language?
No. All answers must be in English. Submissions in other languages will be rejected.
Do I have to complete every field?
Yes, except those marked “optional.” To avoid delays, it is highly recommended to have your DS-260 reviewed by immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
What is the DS-261 form?
This form collects your current contact details and address for communication with the State Department. It must always be accurate and up-to-date.
Do I need to bring the DS-260 to my interview?
No. The consular officer already has your DS-260 on file. However, you must bring all other required supporting documents.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Completing immigration paperwork like DS-260 is complex, and even small mistakes can cause costly delays or denials. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys streamline the process by carefully preparing, reviewing, and submitting your case to maximize approval success.
📌 Get started today with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to secure your future in the United States.