How To | Raw

Introduction

Hello Travellers!

Are you planning for a Temporary trip to the US? 

Well, you need to know all the significant details about filling and applying for the Visa.

Form DS 160 does just that.

What is Form DS 160?

Form DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form used by individuals who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa to travel to the United States temporarily for tourism, business, medical treatment, study, or other temporary purposes.

The DS-160 form is completed and submitted electronically through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. It collects biographical information, details about the applicant's travel plans and purpose of visit, information about the applicant's background, and other relevant data required for visa processing.

It's important to fill out the DS-160 application form accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions could lead to delays in visa processing or even a denial of the visa application. Additionally, applicants are usually required to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate as part of the visa application process, and they will need to bring the confirmation page of the DS-160 form to the interview.

Who needs to apply for a Visa with a FORM DS 160?

1. Individuals planning to visit the United States on a temporary visa, such as the B1/B2 visitor visa, are required to complete and file Form DS-160.
2. Those coming to the United States on a K-1 visa for the purpose of getting married must also complete and file Form DS-160.
3. Mexican citizens applying for a TN visa are also required to fill out and submit Form DS-160. However, it's important to note that Canadian citizens applying for a TN visa do not need to file the DS-160.
4. Each visitor, including children, must complete their own DS-160 form. If an applicant is aged 16 or younger, or is physically unable to complete the form themselves, they can be assisted by a third party. This third party must be identified at the end of Form DS-160, on the “Sign and Submit” page.

It's crucial for applicants to accurately complete the DS-160 form and provide all required information to ensure a smooth USA visa application process.

What is the Fee for FORM DS 160?

While there is no cost associated with filing the DS-160 form itself, applicants are still required to pay visa application fees for the specific visa category they are applying for. Here's a breakdown of the typical visa application fees:

• For most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist (B-2), business (B-1), or TN visas, the visa application fee is $185.
• For petition-based visas, such as H-1B or L-1 visas, the visa application fee is typically $190.

These fees may vary slightly depending on the specific visa category and the applicant's nationality. Additionally, some applicants may be required to pay a visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee) if their visa application is approved, which also varies based on nationality and visa type.

It's important for applicants to check the current visa application fees on the website of the U.S. Department of State or the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for their visa, as fees are subject to change.

You can also contact us to walk you seamlessly through the process!

(Read More: How to apply for US Tourist visa for Indians?)

What is the processing time of FORM DS 160?

Form DS-160 does not have a processing time itself. Once you've completed the form online, you can immediately print the confirmation page. This printed confirmation page is essential and must be brought with you to your USA visa interview.

For nonimmigrant visas such as Tourism and Visitor visas, the processing time after the interview varies. Typically, the average processing time for approval is 7-10 working days. This timeframe does not include delivery time for returning your passport with the visa stamp if your application is approved.

The actual processing times may vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications received and individual circumstances.

It's recommended to check the estimated processing times for the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you're applying, as well as any additional information provided during the visa application process.

Documents Required for FORM DS 160:

You will require the following documents for USA immigration:

1. Passport
2. Travel itinerary
3. National ID number issued by your home country
4. Social Security number or U.S. Taxpayer ID if applicable
5. Access to your travel and employment history
6. Simple biographical information about your family members and travel companions
7. SEVIS ID (for students) or DS-2019 (for exchange visitors) and the address of the school or college you'll be attending if you're coming to the United States to study
8. I-129 (for temporary workers) if applicable
9. A recent photograph that meets U.S. government guidelines saved digitally on the computer you'll use to complete the form

It's crucial to ensure that all documents and information are accurate and up-to-date before starting the DS-160 application process. Additionally, be sure to follow the specific guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for your visa.

How to Fill the DS 160 Form?

Follow these steps below to complete the form DS 160:Access the DS-160 Form:

 Access the DS-160 Form:

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, the designated platform for submitting Form DS-160.

Choose the location where you intend to apply for your visa, as this will determine the embassy or consulate handling your application.

Note that there's no paper version of the form; it must be completed online through CEAC.

Create an Account:

If you're a first-time user, you'll need to create an account. Returning users can log in with their existing credentials.

Account creation involves providing basic personal information and setting up login credentials for future access.

Complete the Form:

Form DS-160 consists of various sections covering personal information, travel details, companions, previous U.S. visits, address and contact information, passport details, U.S. point of contact, family information, work/education history, security and background information, and applicant photo.

Ensure to provide accurate details, as any discrepancies could lead to delays or complications in the USA visa application process.

Let’s lets break down each section of the DS-160 form along with what information is typically required in each section:

• Part 1: Personal Information:

In this section, you'll provide basic personal details such as your full name, date of birth, gender, and marital status.

You'll also enter your nationality, passport details (including passport number, issuance date, and expiration date), and any national identification numbers issued by your home country.

If applicable, you'll provide your U.S. social security number or taxpayer ID.

• Part 2: Travel Information:

Here, you'll detail your travel plans, including the purpose of your trip to the United States, planned dates of arrival and departure, and the address where you'll be staying in the U.S.

If you don't have specific travel plans, you can provide estimated dates.

• Part 3: Travel Companions:

This section allows you to list individuals who will be traveling with you to the U.S., such as family members or friends.

Each traveler listed here must have their own DS-160 form.

• Part 4: Previous U.S. Travel:

You'll indicate whether you've visited the United States before and provide details about your previous visits, including dates and reasons for travel.

You'll also disclose if you've ever been denied a U.S. visa or filed an immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

(Read More: A complete Guide for USA visitor visa from India)

• Part 5: Address and Phone Number:

Here, you'll enter your current residential address, phone number, and email address.

You may also provide an alternate mailing address if applicable.

Additionally, you'll list all social media accounts you've used in the past five years.

• Part 6: Passport Information:

This section requires you to input details about your passport, including passport number, issuance date, expiration date, and any other relevant information.

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you'll need to provide additional details.

• Part 7: U.S. Point of Contact:

You'll provide information about a person or organization in the United States who knows you and can verify your identity.

If you don't have a specific contact, you can provide the name of a business or organization you intend to visit during your trip.

• Part 8: Relatives:

In this section, you'll provide basic details about your parents, including their names and countries of residence.

If you are married, you'll also provide information about your spouse, including their name, date of birth, nationality, and home address. Spouse and children of such immigrants can also apply for a Dependent visa for USA.

• Part 9: Work, Education, and Training:

You'll enter details about your current occupation, educational background, and employment history over the past five years.

You'll also provide information about any special skills you possess and any military groups, charities, or professional organizations you're affiliated with.

• Part 10: Security and Background Information:

This section consists of questions related to security and background issues.

You'll need to answer "yes" or "no" to 25 questions carefully, as mistakes here could impact your application.

• Part 11: Applicant Photo:

You'll upload a recent photograph of yourself that meets the U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Ensure the photo meets the specified requirements for size, background, and other criteria.

• Part 12: Review, Confirm Location, Sign, and Submit:

Before submitting the form, you'll review all the information provided and confirm the location from which you're applying.

Finally, you'll sign and submit the form, agreeing to the terms and conditions outlined.

Completing each section accurately and thoroughly is crucial to ensure a successful visa application process. Remember to review your answers carefully before submitting the form, and keep your confirmation page safe for your visa interview.

Review and Confirm:

Once all sections are completed, thoroughly review the form for accuracy.

Confirm the location from which you're applying, as the form submission directs your application to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.

Read and accept the terms and conditions before submitting the form.

(Read More: How to apply for USA F-1 student visa?)

Submit the Form:

After confirming the information and accepting the terms, submit the DS-160 form.

Upon submission, you'll receive a confirmation page with a unique barcode. Print this page, as it's required for your USA visa interview.

Schedule Visa Interview:

Use the confirmation page, along with your Application ID, to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you'll apply.

Follow the instructions provided to book your interview appointment.

Attend Visa Interview:

On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview along with the printed confirmation page and all required documents.

Be prepared to answer questions in visa interview related to the information provided in your DS-160 form and provide any additional documentation requested by the consular officer.

By following these steps and providing accurate information, you'll navigate the DS-160 form filling process smoothly and increase your chances of a successful visa application.

Pending: Book tickets to the US!

While the task may seem daunting at first, breaking it down into manageable sections and following the instructions provided can make the process much smoother.

Remember, accuracy is key, so take your time to ensure all information entered is correct and up-to-date.

All that is left after this is packing bags and grab a neck pillow, coz we are in for a long ride!

Safe Travels!

FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions for FORM DS 160

Can I fill DS 160 myself?

Yes, you definitely can! Just follow this steps given in this article and you will successfully complete the procedure.

How many days is the DS-160 valid?

You need to keep in mind that DS-160 forms are only valid for 30 days from the date you begin filling them out.

How many days before the visa interview DS-160 should be submitted?

At least 48 hours prior to the appointment, and that applicants make sure to indicate the correct Embassy or Consulate where the appointment will be held. Incorrectly completed applications may delay the visa process.

Can I pay the visa fee before submitting DS-160?

The visa fee is always the second step after the submission of DS-160. So, keep that in mind to avoid the hassle.