How to apply an online application for a temporary U.S. visa
With a well detailed guide, we have explained how you can apply for DS-160 form and ways to process it and don’t get denied.
What is DS-160 form?
This form which is also known as online nonimmigrant Visa application , is online form which is used to file for temporary U.S. visas which also include B-1/B-2 visitor visas. The online form takes personal, educational and other required information of an individual.
The U.S. Department of State needs the DS-160 form to determine nonimmigrant visa eligibility. Correct completion is crucial.
DS-160 Fee
There’s no fee attached to applying for a DS-160 , you just have a pay a fee for the particular visa you are applying.
- Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas like tourist, business, and TN visas cost $185.
- Typical petition-based visa fees are $190.
Click here to Apply
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a USA B-1 Visa
DS-160 Processing Time
DS-160 has no processing time. After filling it out online, print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
Tourism & Visitor visas take 7-10 working days to process and deliver if granted at the interview.
Who Needs to Complete DS-160 Form?
Form DS 160 must be completed and filed by anybody entering the US on a temporary visa, such as a B1/B2 guest visa or a K-1 visa to marry. Mexicans applying for TN visas must submit Form DS-160.
DS-160s are required for all visitors, including children. A third party can help applicants under 16 or who cannot finish the form. That person must be identified on Form DS-160’s “Sign and Submit” page.
Required Documents
This are the requirements you need to have before applying for DS-160
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- National ID number issued by your home country
- Your social security number if you have one
You will also need access to your travel and employment history, as well as simple biographical information about your family members and travel companions.
How to Fill Out DS-160 Form
Fill out and submit Form DS-160 online at the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC). CEAC is a Department of State online application centre for forms, fees, and documentation.
No paper Form DS-160 exists. To prepare, view a sample Form DS-160, but you must complete it online. The government expects the form will take 90 minutes to be completed.
Getting started
Start Form DS-160 by selecting your visa application location. Don’t worry if you have to travel unexpectedly while your application is pending—you may schedule your interview at any embassy or consulate, even if it’s not your first choice.
To access your application later, write down your Application ID and security question on the next page.
You can also find your Application ID on the top right corner of each page of the DS-160. If you forget your Application ID, you can retrieve it online using your security question.
Remember that your saved Form DS-160 will only be available for a limited time.
Let’s review Form DS-160 section-by-section.
Part 1. Personal information
The first part of Form DS-160 asks for your name, birthdate, and marital status.
Your nationality, passport or national identification number(s), and U.S. social security or taxpayer ID number will also be requested.
Part 2. Travel Information
This section will describe your journey to the U.S., including its objective, arrival and departure dates, and your U.S. lodging. Provide estimated dates if you don’t have plans.
Part 3. Travel companions
Fill out your trip companions here. This could be relatives, friends, or tour group members. Work colleagues cannot travel with you. Remember that all travellers need Form DS-160.
Part 4. Previous U.S. Travel
You will be asked if you have visited America before. If so, specify dates and specifics.
You must also specify if you have been denied a U.S. visa or filed an immigration petition with USCIS.
Part 5. Address and Phone Number
Enter your current address, phone number, and email here. You can change your mailing address.
Please name all social media accounts you’ve used in the past five years. You should mention your Twitter and Facebook “handles” or user IDs, but not passwords. This is a new DS-160 requirement that USCIS officials monitor social media when processing applications.
Part 6. Passport Information
Passport information is requested. You may be asked for a “Passport Book Number,” or “inventory control number.” If your country doesn’t use passport numbers, check “Does Not Apply.”
Your passport loss or history of when it was stolen will also be requested. You must provide more information if so.
Part 7. U.S. Point Of Contact
List a US resident who knows you and can verify your identity here. You can give the name of any business or organisation you want to visit in the US if you don’t know anyone there.
Part 8. Family
Provide basic information about your parents. You may also be asked about US-based family members.
Your spouse’s name, date of birth, nationality, and home address will also be requested.
9. Work, Education, and Training
Fill out your occupation, education, and 5-year employment history in this box.
Your travel history, specific abilities, and military, charity, and professional affiliations will also be asked.
Part 10. Security and Background
Answer “yes” or “no” to 25 security and background questions below. Read and answer these questions carefully to avoid damaging your application.
Part 11. Applicant Photo
Upload a U.S. Department of State-compliant photo of yourself. After uploading the photo, you can crop and resize it to meet criteria.
You can’t use your DS-160 photo to replace a passport-style photo for many visa applications. Your visa interview requires a printed photo.
PART 12. Check Location, Sign, and Submit
Almost done! Please review the complete form. This is your last chance to verify your answers. Please specify your location so your application can be forwarded to the proper U.S. embassy or consulate. After reading the terms and conditions, submit the form.
For your official confirmation page, click “next” after submitting the form. You must print and deliver the confirmation paper to consular personnel during your interview.
Conclusion
Print the confirmation page after filing Form DS-160. The U.S. embassy or consulate will require these for interviews. Log in again with your Application ID and security question to print your confirmation page if you neglected to do so when you filled out DS-160.
Your Form DS-160 will be processed by the appropriate embassy or consulate. To book a visa interview, contact your local embassy or consulate. Bring your DS-160 confirmation page and any other visa-related paperwork to your interview.
Click here to Apply
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a USA B-1 Visa
