How To Fill The DS 160 Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)

 How to Complete the Application: 


  1. When you  are ready, click on the button labeled “Start a New Application” below.  Please make sure to have your passport, information about other U.S.  visas you have had, if any, and any other documents relevant to your  intended travel to the United States ready. You will need information in  those documents as you fill out the application. 
  2. Write down the Application ID  displayed on the top right-hand corner of the page. If you need to  close the browser before submitting your application, you will need this  Application ID to continue your application. 
  3. Follow the instructions on each page. Make sure you answer all the questions—if you do not, your application may not be accepted. 
  4. Your  answers must be in English and must use the English alphabet. That means  you cannot use letters like ñ, é, ü, or ç. For example, instead of  writing “São Paulo,” write “Sao Paulo.” There is only one exception to  this rule, which is when you are asked to provide your full name in your  native alphabet; then you can use non-English characters. 
  5. When you  are finished answering all the questions, the program will let you check  your answers to make sure they are correct. Please re-read them  carefully so you do not make mistakes. 
  6. Click on the “Sign Application” button to sign your application electronically. 
  7. Once you  have checked your answers, you can submit your application. When you do,  you will see a confirmation page on your screen with a barcode. 

Electronically  submitting your DS-160 online application is the FIRST STEP in the visa  application process. The next step is to review the internet page of  the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for your visa.  Most  visa applicants will need to schedule a visa interview, though some  applicants may qualify for visa renewal.  The embassy or consulate  information may include specific local instructions about scheduling  interviews, submitting your visa application, and other frequently asked  questions.
 

If you do not plan  to complete your application within the next 30 days, download your  application to your computer by clicking the “Save” button at the bottom  of the last completed page.  Follow the instructions. When you are  ready to complete your application, select “Upload an Application”.
Note: Only  download your application to a computer that cannot be accessed by  anyone who does not have your permission to see or record your personal  data. If you download your application a shared or public computer, such  as a computer in a cyber café or library, your personal information may  be able to be accessed by other users.
 

If you  have previously submitted a DS-160 application, you may use that  information to complete a new application. You will need the Application  ID from your previously submitted application to do this. To access  previously submitted application information, click the “RETRIEVE AN  APPLICATION” button and follow the instructions. If you use this option  to complete a new application please make sure to carefully review to  ensure that all information is current and correct.
 

Common Errors: Please be sure you review your application in order to avoid common errors in the following requested information areas:
 

  • Visa type requested; 
  • Current home address; 
  • Prior travel to the U.S.; 
  • All  travel to other countries in the past 5 years; and Name of person and  (if applicable) organization preparing the DS-160 application on your  behalf. 

If you stop  working on this application for more than 20 minutes, your session will  expire and you will have to start over, unless you have recorded your  Application ID Number or have saved your application to a file on your  computer.