Form Sections Guide
- Overview
- Personal Information
- Address and Phone Information
- Passport Information
- Travel Information
- Travel Companions Information
- Previous U.S. Travel Information
- U.S. Point of Contact Information
- Family Information: Relatives
- Family Information: Spouse
- Present Work/Education/Training
- Previous Work/Education/Training
- Additional Work/Education/Training
- Security and Background
- Medical and Health Information
- Criminal Information
- Security Information
- Immigration Law Violation Info
- Miscellaneous Information
Category specific - Sponsoring Parents Visitors Visa
- Student/Exchange Visa
- Temporary Worker Visa
- E-Visa
- V-Visa
- Crew Visa
- Upload Photo
- Prepaper of Application
- Signature
- Confirmation Page
- Thank You
Related Links
DS-160 Form - USA Visa Application Online Form
The Form DS-160 is the new Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application.
DS160 form is a fully integrated
online application form and its data will be submitted electronically (via the Internet) to the
Department of State. DS-160 form will collect the necessary information from persons seeking a
nonimmigrant visa to the U.S. Based on the information provided in the DS-160 form and that combined with the personal interview, the consular officers will determine an applicant's eligibility for a
nonimmigrant visa.
The DS-160 form is easy to use, has interactive help and it does not require the use of intermediaries.
The DS-160 form is easy to use, has interactive help and it does not require the use of intermediaries.
Uploading a Digital Photograph
With the DS-160 online form, you will need to upload your digital photograph.
Photograph Requirements
Photograph Requirements
Single Form
Form DS-160 replaces Forms DS-156, DS-156K, DS-156V, DS-157, DS-158 and DS-3032.
Exception for E Visa: for E-2 visa applicant (Principal Investor), only DS-160 form needs to be filled. For Treaty Trader (E-1) or an Executive/Manager/Essential Employee, you will need to complete the DS-160 and and you or your employer will need to complete the paper DS-156E. When DS-161 is released, this would not be required any longer.
Previously, you needed to print various forms and carry them to the interview. You just have to carry the confirmation sheet , along with other relevant documents. This makes it easier for the applicants.
Exception for E Visa: for E-2 visa applicant (Principal Investor), only DS-160 form needs to be filled. For Treaty Trader (E-1) or an Executive/Manager/Essential Employee, you will need to complete the DS-160 and and you or your employer will need to complete the paper DS-156E. When DS-161 is released, this would not be required any longer.
Previously, you needed to print various forms and carry them to the interview. You just have to carry the confirmation sheet , along with other relevant documents. This makes it easier for the applicants.
Secure and Faster
As the information provided by the applicant is directly available to the Consulate, it provides greater
privacy.
Correctly filled out applications will make the visa process faster and more efficient.
Consular officers may pre-process and pre-screen the data submitted by the applicants, even before the actual personal interview. That would help reducing processing delays.
The new DS-160 form assists the U.S. Department of State in collecting required information accurately the first time. Also, as the form is web-based, it can be revised and improved, as necessary.
Consular officers may pre-process and pre-screen the data submitted by the applicants, even before the actual personal interview. That would help reducing processing delays.
The new DS-160 form assists the U.S. Department of State in collecting required information accurately the first time. Also, as the form is web-based, it can be revised and improved, as necessary.
Completely Electronic
The Form DS-160 is completely electronic. The DS-160 form is filled out and submitted online, and
all data from the submitted form is stored directly in the DOS (Department of State) database.
On the other hand, earlier Form DS-156 was partially electronic. DS-156 was filled online, but printed out and submitted with rest of the documents for the visa application. The print out of the DS-156 form contained the barcode that contained some of the form data. When the bar code was scanned at the consulate, it would enter some of the data into the DOS database so that consulate would not have to retype all of the form data into the system.
On the other hand, earlier Form DS-156 was partially electronic. DS-156 was filled online, but printed out and submitted with rest of the documents for the visa application. The print out of the DS-156 form contained the barcode that contained some of the form data. When the bar code was scanned at the consulate, it would enter some of the data into the DOS database so that consulate would not have to retype all of the form data into the system.
