What is the DS‑160 Form, and why is it important?

DS-160 is the official online application form you must complete to apply for a non-immigrant U.S visa, such as a visitor visa (B1/B2), student visa (F1), or temporary work visa (H1B).

This form is the first step if you're planning to visit the US for a holiday, attend a business meeting, study at a university, or join a family member.

• It's the official starting point for most U.S. non-immigrant visa applications.
• Your answers will be reviewed during the visa interview.
• Incomplete or incorrect information can result in visa delays or denials.

The DS-160 form is mandatory or Canadian citizens or residents applying for a US visa. It gathers all personal, travel, and background information and is submitted electronically through the US Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
 

Who Is Required to Fill Out Form DS-160?

• Tourists (B2 Visa): Planning a vacation, visiting family/friends, or receiving medical treatment in the US.
• Business Travelers (B1 Visa): Attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts in the US.
• Students (F1 or M1 Visas): Admitted to a US school, college, or vocational program.
• Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P, Q Visas): Approved to work in the US under a temporary employment category.
• Exchange Visitors (J Visa): Participating in approved cultural or educational exchange programs.
• Engaged partner of a US citizen (K1 Visa): Entering the US to marry an American citizen.
• Dependents (Spouse/Children): Accompanying the primary visa holder on dependent visas.  

Note: Each applicant (including children) must fill out a separate DS-160 form. Parents or guardians can complete it on behalf of minors or those unable to complete it themselves.
 

Eligibility for DS-160 Form

To be eligible to fill out the DS-160 form, you must apply for a non-immigrant U.S. visa, meaning your stay in the United States is temporary, whether for tourism, business, study, or short-term work.

You are eligible to complete the DS-160 if:

• You are a non-U.S. citizen or resident.
• You intend to visit the US temporarily.
• You have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
• You have a clear purpose for visiting the US (e.g., tourism, business, study, work).
• You meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying under (e.g., sufficient funds for travel, acceptance from a US school, valid job offer, etc.)
• You are willing to attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate (unless exempt).

Documents Required to Complete Form DS‑160

Before you complete the DS-160 form online, have the following documents and details ready. These are essential for a smooth and accurate application process:

• Valid Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US)
• Recent U.S. Visa-Style Photograph (as per US embassy specifications)
• Travel Itinerary (if already booked)
• Details of Your Last Five Visits to the US (if applicable)
• Resume or CV (especially for work, business, or student visa categories)

Supporting Documents (based on visa type):

• Invitation Letter (for B1/B2 visitor visa)
• SEVIS ID and I-20/DS-2019 (for F1, M1, or J1 visa applicants)
• Sponsor Details (if someone else is funding your trip)
• Proof of Funds (bank statements, tax documents, etc.)

Security & Background Info documents:

• Criminal history (if any)
• Previous visa denials or overstays
• Details of any US immigration petitions filed on your behalf

Note: Ensure all your documents are in English or translated properly. To avoid delays, double-check that your Passport and photo meet the US embassy's specifications.

How to Fill out the DS‑160 Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Filling out the DS-160 form is the first step in applying for a U.S. non-immigrant visa. It must be completed online before scheduling your interview. Here's a simplified guide just for you:

Step 1: Visit the Official DS-160 Website

Go to the official US Department of State website

Click on “Start an Application” and note your Application ID. You'll need it to log back in if necessary.

Step 2: Select Your Embassy or Consulate

Choose the US Embassy or Consulate where you’ll attend your visa interview (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal).

Step 3: Upload Your Digital Photo

You’ll need to upload a recent passport-style photo. The system will verify if it meets the US photo standards.

Step 4: Fill In Personal Details

Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport details, marital status, and basic family information.

Step 5: Enter Travel Information

Add your travel purpose, planned arrival and departure dates, where you'll stay in the US, and who is inviting you (if anyone).

What Happens After You Submit the DS‑160 Form?

Once you’ve completed and submitted the DS-160 form online, your US visa application journey officially begins. Here's what happens next:

• Confirmation Page is Generated
• Pay the Visa Application Fee
• Schedule Your Visa Interview
• Attend Your Biometric Appointment (VAC)
• Attend the Visa Interview
• Wait for a Decision

DS-160 Processing Time:

Once you submit the DS-160 form online, it is processed immediately by the U.S. Department of State. However, the overall timeline to get your visa depends on how quickly you schedule and attend your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

• DS-160 form itself: Processed instantly after submission.
• Interview scheduling and wait times: Vary by location and season can range from a few days to several weeks.
• Post-interview visa processing: Typically 7 to 10 working days, but may take longer if administrative processing is required.

DS-160 Application fee

To complete your DS-160 and book a US visa interview, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable visa application fee of USD 185 (around CAD 250).

This fee applies to most non-immigrant U.S. visas, including:

• Tourist visas (B1/B2)
• Business visas
• Student visas (F & M)
• Exchange visitor visas (J)
• Other short-term visa categories

Make sure to keep the receipt, as it’s required for your visa interview.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filling DS‑160

Here are common mistakes you should avoid:

• Providing Incorrect or Inconsistent Information
• Misspelling Names or Places
• Uploading an Invalid Photo
• Using Wrong Dates
• Forgetting to Save or Record the Application ID
• Not Reviewing Before Submission
• Using All Caps or All Lowercase
• Selecting the Wrong Embassy or Consulate
• Ignoring the Security Questions
• Filling the Form in a Rush

DS-160 Validity: How Long Is It Valid?

Once you’ve submitted your DS-160 form, it's essential to understand how long it remains valid and when you should act on it.

The DS-160 form does not expire in the traditional sense, but:

• Once submitted, it's valid until your visa interview is complete.
• You must schedule your US visa interview using the confirmation number within a reasonable time (usually within 30 days).
• If no interview is scheduled, or you delay too long, you may need to submit a new DS-160.