Form DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form

Form DS-160 is a new online 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. The new name of Form DS-160 is the "Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form". It is important to note that Form DS-160 does not eliminate the required interview. There are two main steps to a US visa application:


Step 1: Apply Online

• Complete Form DS-160 online
• You will need the following minimum information to begin:
  • Your passport
  • Details of previous US visas (if any)
  • Your travel details (not required, but include them if you have already booked your trip)
  • The dates of your last 5 visits to the United States (if you have visited the United States in the past)
  • Your resume including education and work history (may be required)
  • Additional information such as the purpose of your visit
• Only questions marked "Optional" does not need to be completed
• If you are unable to complete the online application once started, you can save a partial application and complete it within 30 days
• You can upload a digital image with your online application, or bring a picture with you to the embassy when going for your interview
• All answers must be done in English with the use of English letters and characters

Step 2: Schedule the Visa Interview

• Once you complete Form DS-160 online, you can schedule the interview at a US embassy or consulate
• Remember to bring with you to the interview the confirmation page or the complete application
• The scheduling of an interview varies by country (online, via phone, PIN based, by phone, etc.)

*** START USA VISA APPLICATION with Form DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form ***

Exceptions: The following visa applications do still require Form DS-156, Form DS-156K, Form DS-157 (if applicable) and Form DS-158 (if applicable):

• K-1 Visa: Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen
• K-2 Visa: Child of a K-1
• K-3 Visa: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
• K-4 Visa: Child of a K-3
• Certain E Visas require form DS-156E to be completed
  

The new Form DS-160 is currently being used at all U.S. Embassies or Consulates. 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 6.0 or a new version
• Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher