The DS-160 Form is the first and most important step in applying for a U.S. non-immigrant visa. It is an online application that collects your personal, travel, and background information, which will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of State. Completing it accurately is essential, as the form serves as the basis for your visa interview and decision.
The DS-160 is the mandatory online application form for all U.S. non-immigrant visas, including visitor, student, business, exchange visitor, and temporary work visas. Applicants must complete this form electronically before beginning the visa application process.
The DS-160 collects important details such as personal, travel, and background information, which U.S. consular officers use to process your visa application. It is required for:
Submitting the DS-160 is a prerequisite before scheduling your U.S. visa interview. Once completed, you receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which must be presented at the embassy or consulate during your appointment.
The DS-160 Form is a mandatory requirement for all applicants of U.S. non-immigrant visas. Every individual seeking to travel to the United States temporarily must complete this form, regardless of age or visa category. Each applicant, including children and dependents, must fill out a separate DS-160 to ensure accurate processing by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You will need to complete the DS-160 if you fall under any of the following categories:
Note: Completing the DS-160 is an essential step before scheduling your U.S. visa interview, as it allows consular officers to review your background and determine your eligibility for the chosen visa category.
The DS-160 Form can only be completed and submitted online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal. Applicants must ensure that they select the correct U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they intend to attend their visa interview, as this determines where the application will be processed.
When starting the application, you will be provided with a unique Application ID. It is important to save this ID securely, as it allows you to log back in and complete the form later if needed. Applicants are also encouraged to note down the security question and answer set at the beginning of the form, as this will be required to retrieve the application.
Once the DS-160 is completed and submitted, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which must be printed and presented during your visa interview at the embassy or consulate.
Filling out the DS-160 requires accuracy and careful attention, as this form is the foundation of your U.S. visa application. Follow these steps to complete it:
Step 1 – Start the DS-160 Application
Go to the official online application portal and select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will attend your visa interview. You will receive a unique Application ID—save it for future access.
Step 2 – Enter Personal and Passport Details
Provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue/expiry dates, and other identity details exactly as they appear in your passport.
Step 3 – Provide Travel Information and U.S. Contact Details
Enter the purpose of your trip, intended dates of travel, address where you will stay in the U.S., and details of your U.S. contact person, organization, or hotel.
Step 4 – Add Employment and Education History
Include your current and previous employment, education, and professional background. This information helps consular officers assess your eligibility.
Step 5 – Upload Your Digital Photo
Upload a recent passport-style photo that meets U.S. visa photo requirements (correct size, background, and clarity). If the upload fails, you will need to bring a printed photo to the interview.
Step 6 – Review and Confirm Details
Carefully check all the information you entered. Errors may delay processing or cause issues during your interview. Make corrections before submitting.
Step 7 – Submit the DS-160 Form Online
Once reviewed, submit your form electronically. After submission, no changes can be made, so ensure accuracy before proceeding.
Step 8 – Print the DS-160 Confirmation Page with Barcode
After submission, a confirmation page with a unique barcode will be generated. Print this page, as it is mandatory for scheduling and attending your visa interview.
Before starting the DS-160 application, it is important to keep certain documents and information ready. Having these details in hand will help you complete the form smoothly and without delays. The required documents include:
Note: Keeping these documents accessible ensures that the DS-160 form can be filled out accurately and completely, reducing the risk of delays in the visa process.
When completing the DS-160, applicants must upload a digital photo that meets strict U.S. visa requirements. If the photo upload fails, you must bring a printed copy that follows the same standards to your visa interview. The key requirements are:
Note: Meeting these photo guidelines is essential, as non-compliant photos may result in delays or rejection of your application.
The DS-160 is a critical part of your U.S. visa application, and even small errors can cause delays, rejections, or rescheduling of your interview. To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common mistakes:
By double-checking your entries and keeping track of your application details, you can avoid unnecessary complications in the visa process.
Filling out and submitting the DS-160 form is completely free of charge. However, applicants must pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee to schedule their U.S. visa interview. The fee varies depending on the visa category.
| Visa Type | MRV Fee (USD) |
| Most non-petition-based visas (B1/B2, F, M, J) | 185 |
| Petition-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R) | 205 |
| E visas (Treaty Trader/Investor) | 315 |
Note: The MRV fee is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling your visa interview. Proof of payment is required at the time of booking your appointment.
Completing the DS-160 form typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how quickly you can provide your personal, travel, and background details. Applicants can save their progress and return later using their Application ID if more time is needed.
Once submitted, the DS-160 form is processed electronically and linked to your profile. However, there is no separate “processing time” for the form itself. The actual timeline for your visa application depends on the availability of appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.
In most cases, the DS-160 confirmation page is available immediately after submission and must be presented when scheduling and attending your visa interview.
Submitting the DS-160 form is only the first step in your U.S. visa application process. After submission, applicants must follow these steps to complete their application:
Note: Following these steps ensures that your DS-160 submission is properly linked to your U.S. visa application and helps avoid delays in processing.
You can follow the below steps to schedule an interview after the online submission of the DS-160 form:
Step 1: Complete and submit your DS-160 form online.
Step 2: Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.
Step 3: Visit the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website for your country.
Step 4: Create a user profile and log in to the portal.
Step 5: Pay the visa application fee through the available payment options.
Step 6: Use your DS-160 confirmation number to schedule your visa interview.
Step 7: Book your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate and, if required, your biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
Yes, another person can help you fill out the DS-160 form online, such as a family member, friend, or travel agent. However, as the applicant, you are personally responsible for ensuring that all information provided is accurate and truthful. At the end of the form, you must electronically sign and submit it, which serves as your declaration that the details are correct. Providing false or misleading information can result in denial of your visa application. Even if someone else completes it on your behalf, you must review the content carefully before final submission.
The DS-160 form is the official Online Non-immigrant Visa Application for the United States. It is required for most temporary visa categories, including tourist visas (B1/B2), student visas (F and M), and work-related visas (H, L, O, etc.). The form collects detailed personal, travel, educational, and employment information, along with security and background details, which U.S. consular officers use to evaluate your eligibility for a visa. Completing and submitting the DS-160 online is the first formal step in applying for a U.S. visa and is mandatory before scheduling your consular interview.
Step 1: Print the DS-160 confirmation page with its unique barcode.
Step 2: Create a profile on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website for your country.
Step 3: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee).
Step 4: Schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Step 5: If needed, schedule a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Center.
Step 6: Gather the required documents, including your DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, valid passport, visa fee receipt, and supporting documents.
Step 7: Attend your scheduled interview and biometrics appointment as instructed.
The DS-160 form itself does not require a fee at the time of submission. Instead, you pay the non-refundable Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee when scheduling your visa appointment through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Payment methods vary by country but may include online banking, debit/credit card, or cash at designated banks. Once paid, you will receive a receipt with a reference number, which is required to proceed with booking your interview. It is essential to keep the receipt safely, as proof of payment is mandatory at the time of your appointment.
The DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form used by the U.S. Department of State for individuals applying for a temporary visa to the United States. This includes tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F/M), exchange visitor visas (J), petition-based work visas (H, L, O, P, etc.), and K fiancé visas. Each applicant, including children, must complete a separate DS-160 form. The form collects biographical, travel, and security information, which is reviewed by consular officers during the visa interview. Completing the DS-160 is the first essential step for anyone seeking a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
The DS-160 form can only be filled out and submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Applicants must complete the form online; it is not available in paper format and cannot be submitted by mail or email. After submission, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which must be printed and carried to your visa interview. Without the confirmation page, your visa application cannot be processed.
When completing the DS-160, it is important to keep the following documents and details ready:
Note: Having these documents ready will make the process smoother, ensure accuracy, and help avoid delays while filling out the form.
On average, it takes around 90 minutes to complete the DS-160 form online. The time required depends on how prepared you are with the necessary documents and information. Since the form is detailed, gathering your travel history, employment records, and other personal details may take longer if not prepared in advance. The online system automatically times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so it is advisable to save your progress frequently. If you cannot complete the form in one sitting, you can save it and return to finish it later, provided you use the application ID issued at the start.
There is no fee for completing or submitting the DS-160 form itself. However, applicants are required to pay the visa application fee, also called the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, as part of the overall visa process. This fee amount varies depending on the visa category you are applying for. The DS-160 submission does not incur any charge, but the visa application will not proceed without payment of the MRV fee. If you need to correct errors or submit a new DS-160, there is no additional cost for submitting the new form, though you must ensure the updated confirmation number is linked to your visa interview appointment.
