Form DS-160 is a new form that is issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The purpose of Form DS-160 is to streamline and combine several of the current DS application forms such as DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 into one form that can be submitted electronically. Form DS-160 is only used to apply for a non-immigrant visa such as a B-2 Tourist Visa or B-1 Business Visa. Form DS-160 will at one point also eliminate these current forms: DS-156E, 156K and 156V.

The new name of Form DS-160 is the "Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form." The Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form can only be submitted online to the Department of State. Once received by DOS, the Consular Officers will have access to the files and process the visa applications in the applicant's home country. It is important to note that Form DS-160 does not eliminate the required interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form and an interview determine the applicant's eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

The new Form DS-160 is currently being used at only a few Embassies and Consulates. Applicants are recommended to check with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate to find out what DS form is equired at the particular facility. The introduction of Form DS-160 is gradual, and not all embassies or consulates are required to accept them at this point in time.

In order to complete Form DS-160 online, your computer and internet connection must meet the following minimum requirements:

• The Internet browser must support 128-bit encryption
• JavaScript must be enabled
• Internet Explorer 5.0 with SP2, Netscape 6.2 or a newer version of either browser must be used
• All characters must be in the Roman alphabet and all answers must be in English

Once Form DS-160 is completed, it must be printed, signed and brought to the US Consulate or Embassy for the interview. All visa applications must be signed by the applicant, even though a third party helped to complete it. The online version of Form DS-160 or the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form lets you save a partially completed application to your computer, so you can complete it in intervals if desired. It is not possible to store an incomplete application online, it must be saved to the applicant's computer.

Information required on the new Form DS-160 includes:

• Name
• Address
• Passport details
• U.S. social security number/ITIN number (if issued)
• Travel plans (if known)
• Person or company that paid for your trip (if other than yourself)
• Name of group or other people traveling with you
• Contact information of the person or company you are visiting in the United States
• Family information and their location
• Spouse name and location (if any)