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FAQ

FAQ About the Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)

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  • Where can I find the DS-160?

    Where can I find the DS-160?

  • Can my answers be in my native language?

    Can my answers be in my native language?

    • No. All application questions, except as specially provided, must be in English, using English characters only. Applications that are submitted in any language other than English may be denied, and you may be required to submit a new application.
  • Are all fields on the DS-160 mandatory?

    Are all fields on the DS-160 mandatory?

    • Most fields on the DS-160 are mandatory. You may leave fields marked “Optional” blank. Some fields may also give you the option to select “Does Not Apply”. If that field does not apply to you, you may mark the box next to “Does Not Apply”. All other fields must be completed: the application will not allow you to submit a form with any mandatory fields left blank. In this instance, an error message will be displayed and you will be required to complete the field before continuing with the application. If you do not answer questions that apply, your form may also be rejected.
  • What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

    What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

    • The DS-160 will “time out” approximately 20 minutes after the application has been idle. The “time out” is designed to protect your privacy. If the application times out, all the data that has been entered will be lost. In order to guard against possible “time out” issues you should save the application at regular intervals while you are completing the application. To save the application, click the “Save” button at the bottom center of the application. Clicking save will temporarily save your application. In order to permanently save your application, select the “Save Application to File” button. Then, click the “Save” button on the File Download window. Identify a place on your computer to save the application file, browse to that location, and click the “Save” button on the Save As window. The system will download your application to the specified location. Once the download is complete you can click “Close” to return to the application. You can then use the “Import Application Date” option on the “Getting Started” page to upload the data that you have already entered.
  • Do I print and bring the entire DS-160 application with me to the interview or do I just bring the confirmation page?

    Do I print and bring the entire DS-160 application with me to the interview or do I just bring the confirmation page?

    • You should not bring your entire application. Your confirmation page is all that is needed to retrieve your application data. You must bring the confirmation page with you during all phases of the application process. Without the confirmation page, it may not be possible to access your application and process your visa case.
  • I have made an error in the data entry. Should I correct it or do I have to fill a new application?

    I have made an error in the data entry. Should I correct it or do I have to fill a new application?

    • If you saved the form as you were completing it to either your hard drive or CD/USB, you can go back and correct any errors that you have made and resubmit the application. If you did not save the data then you will be required to complete a new application. The form has been designed to be filled as many times as you need it.
  • Can I submit my application without a photo?

    Can I submit my application without a photo?

  • How do I sign the DS-160 form?

    How do I sign the DS-160 form?

    • The “sign” process requires 2 steps. Step 1 is to click the “Sign and Submit” button on the DS-160 legally binds you to the data that you submit. Step 2 is to provide your biometric fingerprint at the interview.
  • Can I apply for more than one visa on the DS-160?

    Can I apply for more than one visa on the DS-160?

    • Yes. You can indicate that you have more than one Purpose of Travel.
  • I am traveling with my family or as part of a group. Can I create a family or group application?

    I am traveling with my family or as part of a group. Can I create a family or group application?

    • Yes. On the “Thank you” page you will see an option to create a family or group application. When you select this option, certain information from your application, such as destination, will automatically be imported to and displayed on a new application. Please note that if you use this option you will need to create an individual application for each of your family members traveling with you or for each individual within the group.
  • How do I save my application?

    How do I save my application?

    • To save the application, click the “Save” button at the bottom center of the application. Clicking save will temporarily save your application. In order to permanently save your application, select the “Save Application to File” button. Then, click the “Save” button on the File Download window. Identify a place on your computer to save the application file, browse to that location, and click the “Save” button on the Save As window. The system will download your application to the specified location. Once the download is complete, you can click “Close” to return to the application. You can then use the “Import Application Date” option on the “Getting Started” page to upload the data that you have already entered.
  • When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?

    When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?

    • No, with two exceptions. When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will use only one (1) form. For Embassies and Consulates that have converted to this new process, the DS-160 has replaced all of the following forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary. NOTE: The exceptions are Fiancee Visas (K-1/2) which still require use of the forms DS-156 and DS-156K, and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application.
  • I mistakenly selected the wrong post for the data to be sent to. What should I do?

    I mistakenly selected the wrong post for the data to be sent to. What should I do?

    • You should attend the interview as scheduled and bring with you your confirmation sheet. It is possible for the Embassy to transfer the data to their post.
  • I don’t know if I am a principal applicant or not!

    I don’t know if I am a principal applicant or not!

    • If you or your family is applying for a B-1 or B-2 visa you are all considered principal applicants and should each tick that box. Derivate applies to the spouse or child under the age of 21 of a person applying for an employment (E, H, I, L, M, O, P, R) or student (F, M, J) visa.
  • Can a third party complete the form on the applicant’s behalf?

    Can a third party complete the form on the applicant’s behalf?

    • Yes, but under U.S. visa law an applicant must sign and submit his or her own visa application form unless otherwise exempt by regulation, by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the end of the application. The applicant's failure to sign the application may result in a termination of the application. By clicking “Sign and Submit Application” the applicant is electronically signing the application. Your electronic signature certifies that you have read and understood the questions in the application and that your answers are true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief. The submission of an application containing any false or misleading statements may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or the denial of entry into the United States. All declarations made in this application are unsworn declarations made under penalty of perjury.
  • I quite often apply for a visa. Can I reuse the DS-160?

    I quite often apply for a visa. Can I reuse the DS-160?

    • If you have saved the data to your hard drive or CD/USB then you may access the form to update your application and resubmit with the updated information.