DS-160: U.S. Visa Application Form

Most people who wish to visit the United States from a foreign country must have a visa to enter the country.

To process this document, it’s mandatory complete the DS-160 application form for a non-immigrant U.S. visa.

Check out all the information you need to know about the DS-160 form.

What is the DS-160 Form used for?

The DS-160 form, officially known as the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)” is a digital form that represents the essential first step in applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.

You must complete Form DS-160 when applying for the following types of U.S. visas:

• Visitor visas (B-1/B-2)
• Student visas (F-1, M-1)
• Exchange visitor visas (J-1)
• Temporary worker visas (H, L, O, P, Q)
• Treaty trader and investor visas (E)
• Crew member visas (C-1/D)
• Other temporary visas

U.S. authorities use this form to collect personal data, travel information, and other relevant details that determine the applicant’s eligibility for a visa.

Information and documents needed to fill out the DS-160

When filling out the DS-160 form, you should have the following documents on hand:

• Passport details

• Travel itinerary (or approximate dates)

• Contact in the United States and their address

• Dates of international trips taken in the last 5 years

• Details of your current employer and previous employment

• A color photograph with a white background in digital format

Depending on the applicant, additional information may be required.

How to complete the DS-160 form step-by-step

To complete your DS-160 tourist and business visa application form, you must follow these steps:

1. Access the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center. Specifically, the section to complete the DS-160 form.
2. Select the region or country from which you’re going to apply for this visa.
3. Click on “start” or “continue application.” In this step, you will be assigned an Application ID.
4. Complete each field in the form with all the necessary information.
5. Review your request, including any fields where you need to add information.
6. Sign and submit your completed DS-160 form. (this action cannot be undone, nor can you review the information on your form once submitted)
7. Download and print a copy of your DS-160 form confirmation page. This page has a barcode that will be used for its identification and validation. You will need this document on the day of your consular interview at the United States Embassy.

You should download it in PDF format and bring it with you to your consular interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate.

Additional recommendations for completing the form

To successfully complete your U.S. visa application form DS-160, we recommend following these tips:

• The embassy you choose at the beginning of the form must be the same one you select for your consular interview

• All questions must be answered in English

• Your photograph must be no more than six months old. Consult the Department of State’s website to learn about the specific requirements that the photo must meet

• Try not to spend more than 20 minutes without working on the form. After this time, the session will expire and you will have to start the process from scratch. To avoid this, keep a note of the identification number of your application (application ID) in a safe place

Common problems for applicants

Users often report some inconveniences when completing the DS-160 form on CEAC, including:

• Problems when entering the data and required information. This is because the form must be completed in English: in other words, using only characters used in this language

• Questions or ambiguities regarding the need to complete certain fields

• Depending on the place of origin, the need to access several different websites in order to complete your U.S. visa application.

Given the number of steps you must take when applying for your U.S. tourist/business visa it’s advisable to start your application well in advance to anticipate any difficulties you may encounter.

What to do after completing the DS-160 form

After filling out the DS-160 form, the first step of your U.S. visa application will be completed. Then, you must:

• Follow the instructions to pay the tourist and business visa processing fees (MRV fee)

• Print the proof of payment of the MRV fee and take it with you on the day of your consular interview

• Schedule an appointment at the VAC and/or at the U.S. embassy for your consular interview

• Go to the consular interview at the indicated date and time with all the necessary documents for your U.S. visa appointment

Looking for another option? DS-160 Form simplified and easily accessible

Alternatively, our platform offers tourist and business visa applicants an easier way to complete the DS-160 form in a way that’s much faster and with less stress.

Some of the benefits that make our service stand out include:

• A more intuitive and accessible form that’s simple to complete.

• Your session will not expire. You can access your document whenever you want.

• We will send you clear and detailed instructions on how to pay the visa application fee.

• Our team takes care of scheduling your appointment at the VAC and/or for the consular interview at the U.S. embassy.

• When you complete your U.S. visa application form with us, you’ll also receive a detailed guide to prepare for a successful interview at the embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I complete the DS-160 form?

The DS-160 form must be completed when you begin your B1/B2 visa application. It’s the first step in the process. You must then submit it online before your consular appointment at the Embassy.

Who issues the DS-160 form?

The DS-160 form for a U.S. non immigrant visa application is an official document managed by the U.S. Department of State through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal.

Can I save my progress on the DS-160 form?

You can always access your DS-160 US tourist/business visa form through the link that is emailed to you.

If the session expires or if I lose my Internet connection, will my progress be lost?

Yes. If the DS-160 form session expires or is interrupted, any unsaved progress may be lost.

The same applies if 20 minutes of inactivity pass while completing the form and the session closes.

However, if you complete the process with USVisaWizard, you can pause and resume filling out the DS-160 form as many times as you like, since your session in the system does not expire.

How do I download the DS-160 form?

Once the DS-160 form has been fully completed (part one and part two), you’ll receive the form confirmation page by email, which you must print and bring to your consular interview. 

Should I include a photo when completing the form?

In most cases, it’s mandatory to upload a recent photograph when completing the DS-160 form. 

In most countries, you’re required to submit additional biometric data, like your fingerprints, when you visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or a designated application center.

How long is the DS-160 form valid?

The DS-160 form is valid for 1 year from the date it was completed.

Sources

• CEAC - Consular Electronic Application Center - U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE
• Photo requirements - U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE
• DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions - U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE