The first step in your US visa application process is to fill DS-160 form online. It is also the most important step as the result of your visa to the most part depends on your DS-160 form.
DS-160 is a very lengthy form, so it can take you a few days to complete. So, start your US visa process early. You can also save and come back to your DS-160 form at any time.
Why is DS-160 form very important in your US visa application?
During the interview, you may not be asked to present any documentation at all. In that case, your US visa result would be completely based on what you have entered in your DS-160 form and what you say during the interview.
Even if you are asked to present any documentation, the visa officers may compare what you have on the document with what you have entered in your DS-160 form. If any piece of information does not match, you may be asked to justify or your visa may be denied.
Therefore, filling your DS-160 form with highly relevant, accurate and honest information is very much necessary. Pay careful attention to every piece of information you enter in your DS-160 form.
How to use this step-by-step guide?
I have listed out all sections and questions in this guide. For each question, there is a comment explaining what exactly needs to be entered.
REMINDER
The result of your visa to the most part depends on the information you fill in your DS-160. Pay careful attention to the information you enter in your DS-160. It must be accurate, honest and must match with what you say during the visa interview. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT lie in your DS-160. This can lead to visa denial, visa ban or permanent blacklist.
***
Steps to fill DS-160 form online
- Getting Started
- Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa
- Application Information
- Personal
- Personal 1
- Personal 2
- Address and Phone
- Passport
- Travel
- Travel Companions
- Previous U.S. Travel
- U.S. Contact
- Family
- Work / Education / Training
- Present
- Previous
- Additional
- Security and Background
- Part 1
- Part 2
- Part 3
- Part 4
- Part 5
- Photo
- Upload Photo
- Comfirm Photo
- Review
- Sign and Submit
- Confirmation
01. Getting Started
To start your DS-160 form online, head over to the US Department of State’s Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) page.
DS-160 – Apply for Nonimmigrant page
Enter the following details on the “Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa” page
- Select a location where you will be applying for this visa [Comment: Select the country where you intend to attend your US visa interview]
- Enter the code as shown [Comment: Enter the code shown in captcha in this field. This is to make sure you are a real human and not a bot]
- This visa application will ask you to upload a digital photo of yourself [Comment: If you already have a digital photo for your visa application, click on “Test Photo” to check if your photo meets with the specifications. If you don’t have a photo and want to know the photo requirements, click on “Photo Standard Guide”]
NOTE
The question “This visa application will ask you to upload a digital photo of yourself” is shown only for certain countries such as Malaysia, Philippines, etc. If you choose a country such as India, Mexico, etc., this question will not be shown.
After you have entered the above data, you will see 3 buttons –
- Start an Application [Comment: Click this button if you are starting a new application]
- Upload an Application [Comment: Click this button if you are uploading a locally saved application]
- Retrieve an Application [Comment: Click this button if you are retrieving a previously saved application]
You will only be using “Start an Application” and “Retrieve an Application” while filling your DS-160. Let’s look into these options in detail –
Start an Application
Click this button when you are starting a new DS-160 application. This will create an Application ID, which you must print or at least make a note of. You will need the Application ID to retrieve your saved DS-160 application.
Retrieve an Application
The DS-160 session times out if left open for too long. If that happens, you can come back to your saved application (saved till the last section) using this option.
Sometimes you might need extra time to gather the information needed to fill DS-160 form. In that case, you can save and come back to your saved application using this option. You would need your DS-160 Application ID to retrieve the saved application.
After you enter the above data and click on “Start an Application”, you will then see the “Application Information” Screen. Your “Application ID” will be displayed here. Print this page. Or take a screenshot or make note of the DS-160 Application ID somewhere. You will need your Application ID to retrieve your saved DS-160 application.
DS-160 – Application Information page
Enter the following details on the “Application Information” page
- Security Question [Comment: Select a security question from the list]
- Answer [Comment: Enter the answer for your security question]
IMPORTANT
Make a note of your “Application ID”, “Security Question” and “Answer”. The “Security Question and Answer” along with the “Application ID”, “Surname” and “Birth Year” are REQUIRED to retrieve your saved DS-160 visa application. If you forget any of this information, you will not be able to retrieve your saved application. You will have to start over again with a new DS-160 application.
02. Personal
DS-160 – Personal Information 1 page
Enter the following information in the “Personal 1”
- Surnames [Comment: Enter your surname from your passport]
- Given Names [Comment: Enter your given name from your passport]
- Full Name in Native Alphabet [Comment: No need to enter anything here, just check “Does Not Apply/Technology Not Available”]
- Have you ever used other names (i.e, maiden, religious, professional, alias, etc.)? [Comment: Select “Yes” if you have a maiden name, otherwise select “No”]
- Do you have a telecode that represents your name? [Comment: Just select “No”]
- Sex [Comment: Select “Male” or “Female”]
- Marital Status [Comment: Select your marital status from the options]
- MARRIED
- COMMON LAW MARRIAGE
- CIVIL UNION/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP
- SINGLE
- WIDOWED
- DIVORCED
- LEGALLY SEPARATED
- OTHER
- Date and Place of Birth
- Date [Comment: Enter your date of birth]
- City [Comment: Enter the city where you were born]
- State [Comment: Enter the state/province where you were born]
- Country/Region [Comment: Enter the country where you were born]
DS-160 – Personal Information 2 page
Enter the following information in the “Personal 2”
- Country/Region of Origin (Nationality) [Comment: Select your country of nationality]
- Do you hold or have you held any nationality other than the one indicated above on nationality? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you have acquired a nationality other than your birth nationality]
- Are you a permanent resident of a country/region other than your country/region of origin (nationality) indicated above? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you have acquired permanent residence in a country other your country of birth]
- National Identification Number [Comment: Check “Does Not Apply” | Enter your National Identification Number if your country has one]
- U.S. Social Security Number [Comment: Check “Does Not Apply” | Enter your US SSN if you have lived in the US before]
- U.S.Taxpayer ID Number [Comment: Check “Does Not Apply” | Enter your US TIN Number if you had/have one]
03. Address and Phone
DS-160 – Address and Phone Information page
Enter the following information in “Address and Phone”
- Home Address
- Street Address (Line 1) [Comment: Enter your home street address]
- Street Address (Line 2) *Optional [Comment: Enter any additional street address]
- City [Comment: Enter your city]
- State/Province [Comment: Enter your state/province]
- Postal Zone/Zip Code [Comment: Enter your postal or zip code]
- Country/Region [Comment: Select your country]
- Mailing Address
- Is your Mailing Address the same as your Home Address? [Comment: Select “Yes” if your home and mailing addresses are same. Otherwise, select “No” and enter your mailing address]
- Phone
- Primary Phone Number [Comment: Enter your cell phone number where the consulate can reach you if needed]
- Secondary Phone Number [Comment: Enter your home phone number where the consulate can call you if your cell phone is not reachable. If you don’t have one, just check “Does Not Apply”]
- Work Phone Number [Comment: Enter your work phone number where the consulate can call you if your cell/home phones are not reachable. If you don’t have one, just check “Does Not Apply”]
- Email Address [Comment: Enter your email address where the consulate can email you if needed]
04. Passport
DS-160 – Passport Information page
Enter the following information in “Passport Information”
- Passport/Travel Document Type [Comment: Select “REGULAR” from the options]
- REGULAR
- OFFICIAL
- DIPLOMATIC
- OTHER
- Passport/Travel Document Number [Comment: Enter your passport number]
- Passport Book Number [Comment: Just check “Does Not Apply”]
- Country/Authority that Issued Passport/Travel Document [Comment: Select your country of passport]
- Where was the Passport/Travel Document Issued?
- City [Comment: Enter the place of issue from your passport | If you can’t find the place of issue on your passport, just enter the city where your passport was issued]
- State/Province *If shown on passport [Comment: Enter state/province of issue from your passport | If state/province of issue is not on your passport, leave this field blank]
- Country/Region [Comment: Enter the country where your passport was issued]
- Issuance Date [Comment: Enter the date of issue from your passport]
- Expiration Date [Comment: Enter the date of expiration from your passport]
- Have your ever lost a passport or had one stolen? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have ever lost your passport or stolen]
05. Travel
DS-160 – Travel Information page
Enter the following information in “Travel”
- Purpose of Trip to the U.S. [Comment: Select “TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)” | If applying for a different visa, select the appropriate visa class from the options]
- FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL (A)
- TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)
- ALIEN IN TRANSIT (C)
- CNMI WORKER OR INVESTOR (CW/E2C)
- CREWMEMBER (D)
- TREATY TRADER OR INVESTOR (E)
- ACADEMIC OR LANGUAGE STUDENT (F)
- INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION REP./EMP. (G)
- TEMPORARY WORKER (H)
- FOREIGN MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE (I)
- EXCHANGE VISITOR (J)
- FIANCÉ(E) OR SPOUCE OF U.S. CITIZEN (K)
- INTRACOMPANY TRANSFAREE (L)
- VOCATIONAL/NON-ACADEMIC STUDENT (M)
- OTHER (N)
- NATO STAFF (NATO)
- ALIEN WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY (O)
- INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ALIEN (P)
- CULTURAL EXCHANGE VISITOR (Q)
- RELIGIOUS WORKER (R)
- INFORMANT OR WITNESS (S)
- VICTIM OF TRAFFICKING (T)
- NAFTA PROFESSIONAL (TD/TN)
- VICTIM OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY (U)
- PAROLE BENEFICIARY (PARCIS)
- Specify [Comment: Select “BUSINESS & TOURISM (TEMPORARY VISITOR) (B1/B2)” | If you have selected different visa class, then select the appropriate option here]
- Have you made specific travel plans [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have bought your flight tickets and hotel]
- Intended Date of Arrival [Comment: Select the approximate date on which you intend to arrive in the US]
- Intended Length of Stay in the U.S. [Comment: Select the number of days you intend to spend in the US on this trip]
- Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S. [Comment: Enter the address where you intend to stay in the US (hotel, friend, relative, etc)]
- Street Address (Line 1)
- Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
- City
- State
- Zip Code (if known)
- Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip [Comment: Select “SELF” | If someone else is paying for your trip, select the appropriate option]
- SELF
- OTHER PERSON
- OTHER COMPANY/ORGANIZATION
PRO TIP
For “TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)”, you will have 3 options to choose – B1 (Business), B2 (Tourism), B1/B2 (Business and Tourism). I suggest selecting “B1/B2” even though your purpose is strictly business or tourism. US visa is issued for 10 years and you never know when you would need to visit the US for business or when for tourism. “B1/B2” will work for both purposes and will spare you from unnecessary questions at the port of entry.
NOTE
Even if you have selected “B1” or “B2” as your choice, US would mostly issue “B1/B2”. In very rare cases, they issue a “B1” or a “B2”.
06. Travel Companions
DS-160 – Travel Companions Information page
Enter the following information in “Travel Companions”
- Persons traveling with you
- Are there other persons traveling with you? [Comment: Select “No” if you will be traveling by yourself | Select “Yes” if you will be traveling with family and provide details]
- Are you traveling as part of a group or organization? [Comment: Select “No”| Select “Yes” only if you will be traveling with a group or organization]
- Surnames of Person Traveling With You [Comment: Enter the surname of the person (ex: family member) traveling with you]
- Given Names of Person Traveling With You [Comment: Enter the given names of the person (ex: family member) traveling with you]
- Relationship with Person [Comment: Select the relationship of the person (ex: family member) traveling with you]
- Add Another [Comment: Use this option if you have more than one person (ex: family member) traveling with you]
07. Previous U.S. Travel
DS-160 – Previous U.S. Travel Information page
Enter the following information in “Previous U.S. Travel”
- Have you ever been in the U.S.? [Comment: Select “No” if you have NEVER been in the US | Select “Yes” if you have traveled to the US before and enter the below details]
- Date Arrived [Comment: Enter your previous date of arrival in the US]
- Length of Stay [Comment: Enter the number of days or months of your previous stay in the US]
- Add Another [Comment: Use this option if you have been in the US multiple times. You can enter up to 5 previous visits to the US]
- Do you or did you ever hold a U.S. Driver’s License? [Comment: Select “No” if you have not lived in the US before | Otherwise, select “Yes” and enter your existing/expired US driver’s license details below]
- Driver’s License Number [Comment: Enter your US driver’s license number. If you don’t remember, just check “Do Not Know”]
- State of Driver’s License [Comment: Select the “State” that issued your driver’s license]
- Add Another [Comment: Use this option if you had/have more than one US driver’s license]
- Have you ever been issued a U.S. Visa? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you have been issued a U.S. visa before and enter your old visa details below]
- Date Last Visa was Issued [Comment: Enter the date of issue of your previous US visa]
- Visa Number [Comment: Enter the visa number (printed in RED on your visa sticker) of your previous US visa]
- Are you applying for the same type of visa? [Comment: Select “Yes” if applying for the same visa type, ex: B1/B2 | Otherwise select “No”]
- Are you applying in the same country or location where the visa above was issued, and is this country or location your place of principal of residence? [Comment: Select “Yes” if applying in the same location as your previous US visa and is also your current country of residence | Otherwise, select “No”]
- Have you been ten-printed? [Comment: Select “Yes” if your fingerprints were captured (all 10 fingers) during your the interview of your previous US visa | Otherwise, select “No”]
- Has your U.S. Visa ever been lost or stolen? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if any of your old US visas were lost or stolen]
- Has your U.S. Visa ever been cancelled or revoked? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if any of your old US visas were cancelled or revoked]
- Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, or been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have been denied a US visa or refused entry into the US at the port of entry]
- Explain [Comment: Provide the details of your visa refusal or denial of entry]
- Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you had/have an approved I-140 (immigrant petition) and then explain the details below]
- Explain [Comment: Provide the details of your old/existing I-140 such as the priority date and receipt number]
NOTE
If you have been in the US before, you can use the Date and Time’s Days Calculator to calculate your “Length of Stay”.
08. U.S. Contact
DS-160 – U.S. Point of Contact Information page
Enter the following information in “U.S. Contact”
- Contact Person or Organization in the United States
- Contact Person [Comment: Enter the details of the person you know or will be visiting in the US below | If you don’t know anyone, check “Do Not Know”]
- Surnames [Comment: Enter the surname of your contact person in the US]
- Given Names [Comment: Enter the given name of your contact person in the US]
- Organization Name [Comment: Enter the name of the organization you know or will be visiting in the US | If you will not be visiting any, you can enter your hotel name or just check “Do Not Know”]
- Relationship to You [Comment: Enter your contact person’s relationship to you from these options]
- RELATIVE
- SPOUSE
- FRIEND
- BUSINESS ASSOCIATE
- EMPLOYER
- SCHOOL OFFICIAL
- OTHER
- Address and Phone Number of Point of Contact [Comment: Enter the address and phone details for your US contact]
- U.S. Street Address (Line 1)
- U.S. Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
- City
- State
- Zip Code (if known)
- Phone Number
- Email Address
NOTE
For “Contact Person or Organization in the United States”, you would need to enter AT LEAST one, either a “Contact Person” or an “Organization”. I suggest entering the hotel where you will be staying.
09. Family
DS-160 – Family Information: Relatives page
Enter the following information in “Relatives”
- Father’s Full Name and Date of Birth
- Surnames [Comment: Enter your father’s surname | If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
- Given Names [Comment: Enter your father’s given name | If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
- Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your father’s date of birth | If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
- Is your father in the U.S.? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if your father is currently in the US and enter the details below]
- Mother’s Full Name and Date of Birth
- Surnames [Comment: Enter your mother’s surname | If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
- Given Names [Comment: Enter your mother’s given name | If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
- Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your mother’s date of birth | If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
- Is your mother in the U.S.? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if your mother is currently in the US and enter the details below]
- Do you have any immediate relatives, not including parents, in the United States? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you have any immediate relatives such as spouse, children or siblings in the US and enter their details below]
- Do you have any other relatives in the United States? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you have any relatives such as grandparents, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. in the US and enter their details below]
NOTE
For “Other Relatives”, select “Yes” only if you have relatives that you keep in touch regularly and knows that you will be visiting the US soon.
Enter the following information in “Spouse”
- Spouse’s Full Name and Date of Birth (include Maiden Name)
- Spouse’s Surnames [Comment: Enter your spouse’s surname]
- Spouse’s Given Names [Comment: Enter your spouse’s given name]
- Spouse’s Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your spouse’s date of birth]
- Spouse’s Country/Region of Origin (Nationality) [Comment: Enter your spouse’s country of nationality]
- Spouse’s Place of Birth
- City [Comment: Enter your spouse’s city of birth]
- Country/Region [Comment: Enter your spouse’s country of birth]
- Spouse’s Address [Comment: Select your spouse’s address from the options or enter a new one]
- SAME AS HOME ADDRESS
- SAME AS MAILING ADDRESS
- SAME AS U.S. CONTACT ADDRESS
- DO NOT KNOW
- OTHER (SPECIFY ADDRESS)
NOTE
The “Spouse” section is only available if you have selected “MARRIED” as the “Marital Status” in “02. Personal” above.
10. Work / Education / Training
DS-160 – Present work/Education/Training Information page
Enter the following information in “Present”
- Primary Occupation [Comment: Select your primary occupation from the options]
- AGRICULTURE
- ARTIST/PERFORMER
- BUSINESS
- COMMUNICATIONS
- COMPUTER SCIENCE
- CULINARY/FOOD SERVICES
- EDUCATION
- ENGINEERING
- GOVERNMENT
- HOMEMAKER
- LEGAL PROFESSION
- MEDICAL/HEALTH
- MILITARY
- NATURAL SCIENCE
- NOT EMPLOYED
- PHYSICAL SCIENCES
- RELIGIOUS VACATION
- RESEARCH
- RETIRED
- SOCIAL SERVICES
- STUDENT
- OTHER
- Present Employer or School Name [Comment: Enter your current employer name (if employed) or university/college name (if student) or business name (if owns a business)]
- Present employer or school address: [Comment: Enter your current employer/school/business address below]
- Street Address (Line 1)
- Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
- City
- State/Province
- Postal Zone/Zip Code
- Phone Number
- Country/Region
- Start Date [Comment: Enter the start date of your current job or school curriculum or business]
- Monthly Income in Local Currency (if employed) [Comment: Enter the monthly income you make from your current job or business | Check “Does Not Apply” if you are a student or retired]
- Briefly describe your duties: [Comment: Write a brief list of duties performed at your current employer or business]
DS-160 – Previous Work/Education/Training Information page
IMPORTANT
Previous (previous work and education) and Additional (languages and travel history) are only asked for (1) all male applicants and (2) all applicants (male and female) from countries considered as questionable. Therefore, if you are a female applicant and you do not see these sections, it means you are not required to fill those sections. It’s normal, so do not panic.
Enter the following information in “Previous”
- Were you previously employed? [Comment: Select “Yes” if you have a previous employer and enter the details below | Select “No” if your current job is your first job or you are a student]
- Employer Name
- Employer Street Address (Line1)
- Employer Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
- City
- State/Province
- Postal Zone/Zip Code
- Country/Region
- Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above? [Comment: Select “Yes” and enter your educational background below]
- Name of Institution
- Street Address (Line 1)
- Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
- City
- State/Province
- Postal Zone/Zip Code
- Country/Region
- Course of Study [Comment: Enter your course of study or degree]
- Date of Attendance From [Comment: Enter your university/school course start date]
- Date of Attendance To [Comment: Enter your university/school course end date]
- Add Another [Comment: Use this option to enter details if you have multiple degrees or a master degree]
DS-160 – Additional Work/Education/Training Information page
Enter the following information in “Additional” section
- Do you belong to a clan or tribe? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you belong to a recognized clan or tribe and enter the details below]
- Provide a List of Languages You Speak
- Language Name [Comment: Enter the language that you speak]
- Add Another [Comment: Use this option to add more languages that you speak]
- Have you traveled to any countries/regions within the last five years?
- Provide a List of Countries/Regions Visited [Comment: Enter all the names of the countries you have traveled to so far, excluding the US and your home country]
- Country/Region [Comment: Enter the name of the country you have traveled to previously]
- Add Another [Comment: Use this option to add more countries that you have traveled]
- Have you belonged to, contributed to, or worked of any professional, social, or charitable organization? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you are affiliated with a professional (IEEE, ACM, Bar Association, etc) or charitable (Red Cross, MSF) group and enter the details below]
- Do you have any specialized skills or training, such as firearms, explosives, nuclear, biological, or chemical experience? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you were trained in using firearms, etc]
- Have you ever served in the military? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have served/serving in the military]
- Have you ever served in, been a member of, or been involved with a paramilitary unit, vigilante unit, rebel group, guerrilla group, or insurgent organization? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have been involved any of those groups and enter the details below]
NOTE
For “Provide a List of Languages You Speak”, enter all languages that you speak, even if you speak at a beginner level.
NOTE
For “Provide a List of Countries/Regions Visited”, enter all countries you have traveled to so far including your country of residence (if it’s not your country of passport). Exclude the US (if you have traveled to the US before), your country of passport and any country that you have merely passed through on a layover.
11. Security and Background
DS-160 – Security and Background: Part 1 page
Enter the following information in “Part 1”
- Do you have a communicable disease of public health significance? (Communicable diseases of public significance include chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, infectious leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, infectious stage syphilis, active tuberculosis, and others diseases as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.) [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have any of those diseases]
- Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to pose a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you have mental or physical disorder]
- Are you or have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” only if you were a drug abuser or addict]
DS-160 – Security and Background: Part 2 page
Enter the following information in “Part 2”
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other similar action? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Are you coming to the United States to engage in prostitution or unlawful commercialized vice or have you been engaged in prostitution or procuring prostitutes within the past 10 years? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever been involved in, or do you seek to engage in, money laundering? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever committed or conspired to commit a human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you knowingly aided, abetted, assisted or colluded with an individual who has committed or conspired to commit a severe human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Are you the spouse, son, or daughter of an individual who has committed or conspired to commit a human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States and have you within the last five years, knowingly benefited from the trafficking activities? [Comment: Select “No”]
DS-160 – Security and Background: Part 3 page
Enter the following information in “Part 3”
- Do you seek to engage in espionage, sabotage, export control violations, or any other illegal activity while in the United States? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Do you seek to engage in terrorist activities while in the United States or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever or do you intend to provide financial assistance or other support to terrorists or terrorist organizations? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Are you a member or representative of a terrorist organization? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever ordered, incited, committed, assisted, or otherwise participated in genocide?
[Comment: Select “No”] - Have you ever committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in torture?
[Comment: Select “No”] - Have you committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in extrajudicial killings, political killings, or other acts of violence? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever engaged in the recruitment or the use of the child soldiers? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you, while serving as a government official, been responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever been directly involved in the establishment or enforcement of the population controls forcing a woman to undergo an abortion against her free choice or a man or a woman to undergo sterilization against his or her free will? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever been directly involved in the coercive transplantation of human organs or bodily tissue? [Comment: Select “No”]
DS-160 – Security and Background: Part 4 page
Enter the following information in “Part 4”
- Have you ever been the subject of a removal or deportation hearing? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever sought to obtain or assist others to obtain a visa, entry into the United States, or any other United States immigration benefit by fraud or willful misrepresentation or other unlawful means? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you failed to attend a hearing on removability or inadmissibility within the last five years? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever been unlawfully present, overstayed the amount of time granted by an immigration official or otherwise violated the terms of a U.S. visa? [Comment: Select “No”]
DS-160 – Security and Background: Part 5 page
Enter the following information in “Part 5”
- Have you ever withheld custody of a U.S. citizen child outside the United States from a person granted legal custody by a U.S. court? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you voted in the United States in violation of any law or regulation? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever renounced United States citizenship for the purpose of avoiding taxation? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you attended a public elementary school on student (F) status or a public secondary school after November 30, 1996 without reimbursing the school? [Comment: Select “No”]
12. Photo
This section may not be available if applying in certain countries, ex: India, Mexico, etc. In such countries, photos are typically captured along with fingerprints by the visa application center or the consulate on the day of the visa interview appointment.
DS-160 – Upload Photo page
In the “Upload Photo” section, you will upload a passport size digital photo.
NOTE
If you have uploaded and tested your photo in “01. Getting Started” section, you will be taken directly to the “Confirm Photo” section.
DS-160 – Confirm Photo page
In the “Confirm Photo” section, you will see a preview of the photo you have uploaded. If you are satisfied with your photo, click on “Next: REVIEW”. Otherwise, click “Chose a Different Photo” to upload a different photo.
13. Review
In this section, you will review all the data you have entered so far. You will click on each of the following 7 subsections to review for accuracy and any mistakes in the data you have entered.
DS-160 – Review Personal, Address, Phone and Passport Information page
Review the entered information in “Personal/Address/Phone/Passport”
- Personal Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in personal information, click on “Edit Personal Information” to fix the errors]
- Address and Phone Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in address and phone information, click on “Edit Address and Phone Information” to fix the errors]
- Passport/Travel Document Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in passport/travel document information, click on “Edit Passport/Travel Document Information” to fix the errors]
DS-160 – Review Travel Information page
Review the entered information in “Travel”
- Travel Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in travel information, click on “Edit Travel Information” to fix the errors]
- Travel Companions Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in travel companions information, click on “Edit Travel Companions Information” to fix the errors]
- Previous U.S. Travel Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in previous US travel information, click on “Edit Previous U.S. Travel Information” to fix the errors]
DS-160 – Review U.S. Contact Information page
Review the entered information in “U.S. Contact”
- U.S. Point of Contact Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in US point of contact information, click on “Edit U.S. Point of Contact Information” to fix the errors]
DS-160 – Review Family Information page
Review the entered information in “Family”
- Family Information: Relatives [Comment: If you see any mistakes family infomation relatives information, click on “Edit Family Information: Relatives” to fix the errors]
DS-160 – Review Work/Education/Training Information page
Review the entered information in “Work/Education/Training”
- Present Work Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in present work information, click on “Edit Present Work Information” to fix the errors]
- Previous Work Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in previous work information, click on “Edit Previous Work Information” to fix the errors]
- Additional Information [Comment: If you see any mistakes in additional information, click on “Edit Additional Information” to fix the errors]
DS-160 – Review Security and Background Information page
Review the entered information in “Security and Background”
- Part 1 [Comment: If you see any mistakes in part 1, click on “Edit Part 1” to fix the errors]
- Part 2 [Comment: If you see any mistakes in part 2, click on “Edit Part 2” to fix the errors]
- Part 3 [Comment: If you see any mistakes in part 3, click on “Edit Part 3” to fix the errors]
- Part 4 [Comment: If you see any mistakes in part 4, click on “Edit Part 4” to fix the errors]
- Part 5 [Comment: If you see any mistakes in part 5, click on “Edit Part 5” to fix the errors]
DS-160 – Review Location Information page
Review the entered information in “Location”
- Location [Comment: If you have made a mistake in selecting the location for your visa interview, click on “Edit Location Information” to select a different location]
14. Sign and Submit
DS-160 – Sign and Submit page
Enter the following information in “Sign and Submit Application”
- Preparer of Application
- Did anyone assist you in filling out this application? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if a travel agent completed your application on your behalf]
- E-Signature
- Enter your Passport/Travel Document Number: [Comment: Enter your passport number]
- Enter the code as shown: [Comment: Enter the code shown in the captcha]
After entering the above information, click on “Sign and Submit Application” to electronically sign and submit your DS-160.
IMPORTANT
Once you click on “Sign and Submit Application”, you cannot make any more changes to your DS-160. If you notice any errors, then you have to fill a new application altogether. So, make sure all your information is correct and error-free before clicking on “Sign and Submit Application”.
After you click on “Sign and Submit Application”, the following confirmation is displayed.
“You have successfully signed and submitted your application. You cannot make any changes to your application at this point. Please click ‘Next: Confirmation’ to complete the application process”
Click on “Next: Confirmation” button to view and print your DS-160 confirmation.
15. Confirmation
DS-160 – Confirmation page
On this page, confirmation of your DS-160 will be displayed. You will see 3 options –
- Print Confirmation [Comment: Click this button to print DS-160 confirmation. A print of your DS-160 confirmation is required for your US visa interview]
- Print Application [Comment: Click this button to print a copy of DS-160 itself. This is for your records only. You do not need a DS-160 print for your interview]
- Email Confirmation [Comment: Click this button to email DS-160 confirmation. You can also print DS-160 confirmation from your email later]
Print DS-160 confirmation from this screen on an A4 or letter size paper. If not, at least print it to a PDF so you can have a copy. Email a copy to yourself as well so you can print it later if needed.
Also, print a copy of your DS-160 to PDF so you will have a copy of that too. Later down the line if you are applying/renewing the visa, you can upload this PDF to pre-populate the DS-160 form for you. It would save a ton of time.
***
That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to fill your DS-160. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, just comment here or email me.
NEXT
After you complete and submit your DS-160, the next step would be to pay the MRV fee and schedule your US visa interview. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide on how to schedule US visa interview.
***
How to schedule US visa appointment- A step-by-step guide
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Suppose my us f1 visa got denied twice and if apply third time will there records show my previous two attempts?
Hi Madhurya! Unfortunately yes, there will be records of your previous attempts. US Department of State keeps old records of all visa candidates.
I have a question, I’m inviting my wife to visit for at least a month. In the forms where it asks spouses country/region of origin (nationality),what should she answer? I’m originally not from US but I have naturalization and it states in my passport.
Hi Paa! For US visa applications “country of birth” is more important than “current nationality”. That is why, in the “personal information” section, you will see two questions – (1) country of origin and (2) do you hold any other nationality.
Since there is only one question for the spouse, I suggest entering your “country of origin” for this question.
That being said, I suggest mentioning your US citizenship somewhere in your wife’s DS-160 (ex: within the purpose of visit, etc).
Sure, it did ask my country of birth, city of birth and then country/region of origin (nationality) all in 3 different questions so she was a bit confused on what to answer for my country of origin. I hold just one national I’d and that’s my US passport
If you were also asked your country of birth, then I would go with “US” as your “country/region of origin (nationality)”. Otherwise, it’s just reduntant to enter the same info for your country of birth and origin.
Hi Thirumal,
I would like to ask from you on how to briefly explain to
this questions:
1.) Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services?
( my former fiancé petitioned me but we ended up our relationship and got separated.)
2.) About my primary occupation in which I have to jobs on going. From the forms that we submitted I have 2 employers and both are still upto the present but the 2nd employer was on leave at that time we filed the forms. Now, I am currently working with my 2nd employer as a nurse and at the same time if I manage the spa in which I am a manager/partial owner.
• Which will be my primary work to write in DS-160 my 1st employer in which I manage or the 2nd employer in which a nurse?
3.) I am going to write the countries I’ve travelled for the past 5 years?
Example Hongkong last 2014…
Thank you bery much from your response.
Hi Brielle!
1. I believe the K1 petition has “immigration” intent. You must enter your K1 petition details such as the petition number, dates and who filed it. If you fail to mention your K1 petition details, it can be considered as lying.
2. You can use either one of them as your primary occupation. Pick the one that portrays your best skills and experience and enter that job as your primary occupation.
3. No. You will only enter the country name. Example: HONG KONG
Hi Thirumal,
I have already filled my DS-160 and paid the visa fees(H1B). But I have a query regarding the below point, for which I had selected ‘No’. On the internet, I see that if we have an approved I140, I’m supposed to answer ‘Yes’ to this point. Can you please provide your input?
Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services?
In some places, I found that it is not mandatory. But if I have to modify the DS-160, should I fill a new one with the existing fees?
Thanks,
Vishal S
Hi Vishal! Disclosing about your I-140 is not mandatory but you are encouraged to enter all information. In my opinion, you should be fine since you are applying for H1B. H1B has dual intent (non-immigrant and immigrant).
Moreover, the consulate will probably have all your data in their records already. If you are asked whether you have an immigration petition, say yes and explain. Also, say that you forgot to mention that in your DS-160 and it was an honest mistake.
If you still prefer to modify your DS-160, you would need to fill a new one. If you have only paid the visa fee but not scheduled your appointment yet, then go for a new DS-160.
Thank you for the suggestion 😊
Hi Tirumal,
I have a situation. I will be travelling to the US for a business trip for 2 weeks and then visit Miami on the last weekend. My wife will be joining me for the last weekend in Miami.
We both are applying for the US B1/B2 visa and have a question regarding “Persons accompanying you in your travel.”
What do we enter for this field, Yes or No.
Since both of us will be travelling solo but the last weekend we will be together, I am getting confused on what to answer here.
In my experience, mixing business and pleasure has repercussions for the US visas. You can select “B1/B2” as your category of visa, but pick one purpose at a time, either business or pleasure.
I suggest you apply for your business visa first. Keep the purpose of travel purely business. Do not bring up or disclose your weekend trip to Maimi. Answer the question “persons accompanying you in your travel” as “No”.
After your visa approval, have your wife apply for her visa. She can disclose that she intends to join you at the end of your business trip. I don’t see any problem there. If unfortunately, your wife’s visa gets denied, you will at least have your visa for your business trip.
Hi Thirumal,
I will apply for J2 visa as my wife working as reasesrch scholar in US.
I am Indian citizen working in Dubai for last 6 years .I have some question –
1) Do I need to mention all previous work experiences even working in same company more than 6 years.
2) Country of permanent residence UAE or home country should be selected ?
Thanking you in advance
Hi Imtiaz!
1. You can only enter 1 previous work experience. If you had a job before these 6 years at your current employer, you must definitely enter. Holding information is almost considered as lying. So, if you have a previous job, make sure to enter those details.
2. Do you have a permanent residence card from the UAE? Did UAE give you permission to live and work in UAE without any time limitation? If yes, then select “YES” and enter “UAE”. If not, just select “NO”.
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you for this very helpful information. I am kinda stuck under the information that I need to fill up under the question: “Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa, or been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry?”. My history was I got denied last 2008 it’s my first time to apply a U.S. visa and now 2019 I’ll try to apply again for the 2nd time so do I need to put “yes” as answer to that question? Also, another question I’m stuck is my father is separated but without legality yet do I need to put legally separated or I’ll just answer it as “OTHER” based from the choices of my father’s marital status?
Thank you in advance.
Jzen
Hi Jzen!
1. Yes. For the question “Have you ever been refused a US visa…”, you must select “Yes”. In the “Explain” box, enter the details of your visa interview date, rejection reason, etc.
2. For “Father’s Full Name and Date of Birth”, I don’t think the application asks for your father’s marital status. If it is asking, I suggest selecting “OTHER” since the legal proceedings are still pending.
Thank you for responding. Regarding the denied part, do I need to check the blue form the reasons why I got denied? Because they didn’t tell me exactly during that interview time why I got denied tho.
Yes, check in that blue form for the reason of denial. Usually, it would be a vague reason indicating a section/clause. Just summarize that in your “Explain” box. The consulate will already have all that information in their records. But it’s your responsibility to disclose and not withhold any information.
Okay thank you so much Thirumal you’re website is very helpful and thank you for responding always.
You’re welcome and thanks for the kind words, Jzen! Good luck!
HI DEAR!
I am visiting for my brother graduation, I have an exact date to visit, I have a proper plan of joining date and leaving date of the USA according to my job situation. So why you suggest that specific travel plan should be mark yes only if already have purchased air tickets etc. Isn’t it shows that a person does not have any plan in mind and just applied?
Secondly please suggest I should mention tourist place as well. Because graduation ceremony just for 1 day, and I will stay for 10 days.
Hi Arham! In my opinion, specific travel plan means you have already bought your tickets and booked your hotel. You will enter the US on a certain day and leave on a certain day because your tickets say so.
If you haven’t booked anything, then your plan is still tentative. You may fly a few days early or a few days later depending on when you can find the cheapest ticket. It doesn’t imply that you “just applied”. It means that you first want to wait for your visa result before purchasing your tickets and hotel. If your visa is denied, then you will lose the money spent on flight tickets and hotel.
Yes, you should have an itinerary for your other 9 days. Touring places, spending time with family/friends, etc. If you are asked at the interview, you should be able to tell what exactly you intend to do in those 9 days.
Hi,
1. What does it mean in DS160 question to relatives information – is your father/mother in the US? Is this a Physical Location of the Father? If i answer “YES” as i want to tell the truth that they have their Legal Permanent Residence but physically they’re in the Philippines for more than 1 year now. What do you think the best answer to this should i say “NO” because they’re currently in the Philippines during the submission of our application? Is this will affect in our Tourist visa application?
Thanks for your time!
Hi Dadaofsamuelle! In my opinion, if they are in the Philippines temporarily and would go back to the US soon, you should answer “Yes” to this question. Right now, they are not in the US but generally they are in the US. You can explain their temporary stay in the Philippines in the “Explain” box.
If they are in the Philippines permanently and have no plans to returning back to the US in the near future, you should answer “No” to this question. If the question comes up during the interview, you can explain the situation.
Hi Thirumal,
As they’ve have no plans and made decided already to not going back in the states anymore because of elderly and not to become a public charge in the future.
as per the the law:
– Permanent Resident Card may be considered as abandoned for absences shorter than 1 year if you take up residence in another country.
Therefore since that they are in the Philippines now for more than 1 year and as their child we’re worried this may come to a negative effect on our Tourist Visa Application because they never return in the USA and abandoned their PR.
Generally our ties not to mention are sufficient but regarding to our Parents situation we’re are confused. What is our chances by this case?
Thanks again…
Since your parents are now permanently residing in the Philippines, you should answer “No” to the question “are your father/mother in the US?”
Your parents abandoning their PR is nothing negative. It shows that they are not desperate to live in the US. The US Department of State respects such candidates over those who are too desperate for a visa or green card.
In my opinion, your parents’ situation should not affect you at all. If this topic comes up during your interview, just explain why they don’t like to live in the US anymore. Trust me, it’s not taken as negative at all.
Many thanks for your advice this could help us a lot…
Hoping to pass the interview and then will let you know the result.
Best Regards,
dadaofsamuelle
I know you will do well in the interview! Keep me posted on the outcome. Good luck!
PLEASE CLARIFY ME ON THE FOLLOWING:-
1. WHAT SHOULD I FILL AGAINST MY EMPLOYMENT – GOVERNMENT AS I WORK FOR A PSU
2. I HAVE NOT PURCHASED TICKET BUT I HAVE PLANNED FOR GRADUATION CEREMONY OF MY SON – WHAT SHOULD I WRITE AGAINST SPECIFIC TRAVEL PLAN
3. AGAINST POINT OF CONTACT CAN I WRITE MY SON’S NAME AND ADDRESS SO ALSO FOR DO YOU HAVE ANY IMMEDIATE RELATIVE.
THANKS IN ADVANCE
Hi Raman!
1. Yes, you can select “Government” if working for a PSU. That being said, you can even go more specific if your job is related to Communications, Engineering, Sciences, etc., you can select one of those options as your occupation.
2. I suggest selecting “No” for the question “have you made specific travel plans” since you haven’t booked your flight tickets yet. In my opinion, if you don’t know on what date exactly you would enter and leave the US, then you haven’t made the specific travel plans.
3. Yes, your point of contact and immediate relative both will be your son’s contact information.
Hi Thirumal,
Q.1 )”Are there other persons travelling with you?”
– My mother already had US B2 Visa. And I am going to take her along with me to visit my sister in US. Hence, shall I select ‘YES” in this regard.?
Or, this question particularly applicable for those people who are stading for visa with family members together?
Q. 2) My age is 24. I have been working as an contractual employee in a multinational bank for 1.2 years. Then i became permanent employee for last 5 months in the same organization.
Shall i mention this “contractual” or “permanent” thing separately in employment history section.
Q.3) In the application form, i am asked to provide monthly salary figure. But every month i get over time allowances with my fixed gross salary. To be honest, my gross salary isn’t looking convincing enough. But if i add my overtime allowances then it looks much better in figure however, this figure is variable. hence, shall i write down my fixed gross salary or mention with the allowances (on average)
need your kind help
Hi Shahriar!
1. This question in DS-160 is specific to your “US travel” not “visa appointment”. You should answer “yes” to this question if your mother will be traveling with you.
2. When you were contractual, were your salary paid and benefits offered by a third company? Is so, then you were technically an employee of that third company at that time. Your multinational bank was a client for your company and you were working at the client location. Therefore, you have worked for 2 employers so far. 1.2 years for the previous company and 5 months for your current multinational bank.
When you were contractual, if you were paid by the bank and also benefits were offered by the bank directly to you, then you have worked for only one company so far for the last 1.2 years + 5 months. Whether you were contractual or permanent is not relevant in this case.
3. You are asked to provide your “monthly income” not “monthly salary”. Therefore, you can include your overtime allowances (on average).
Thanks Mr Thirumal. Please let me know whether Aadhaar No need to be provided against National Identification number
Yes, you must provide your Aadhar No. for National Identification Number.
Hi Thirumal,
thank you so much for this helpful information. I will be applying for B1/B2 VISA (i am going for a competition) and i was previously refused a U.S visa in 2016 but unfortunately I no longer have access to the refusal papers that was given to me and cant even remember the reasons why it said I did not qualify for a tourist visa…. What do you suggest i do in this case? how do i explain the reason for my refusal?
Hi Becky! If your circumstances have changed since 2016, then your previous refusal will not have any bearing on your current application. You will not be asked why your previous visa was denied. You may most likely be asked, “what has changed since then”. You should be aware of the changes and ready to explain. Any changes in the following will help –
– Purpose of travel (are you going to the US for a different reason than your previous attempt?)
– Travel history (have you traveled to any countries since 2016)
– Employment (have you changed your employers, are you promoted, etc)
– Education (has your education background changed since 2016)
– Family and social ties (did you get married, have kids, etc)
Hi Sir,
My sister’s family is in Connecticut now and they would probably be moving to Atlanta in a month or two. If i apply for B1 B2 visa now and mention her connecticut address in the form and later I book the tickets to Atlanta, will there be any problem? Bcos I wish to visit her in June and most probably they would have moved to Atlanta. Thanks.
Hi Selva! You must mention the current address (Connecticut) of your sister in your US visa application. After the visa is issued and when you travel, you can travel to Atlanta and that will not be a problem at all.
Hi Thirumal,
First of all, thanks for all your informations !
I want to go to the USA with my boyfriend. In fact, we’re not married and brother and sister. He’s not ma family. So, should we say “Yes” to the question that we travel together ?
Thanks for your answer 🙂 !
Hi Tania! I don’t fully understand your question. But, if you both are adults, then you can travel together. You can mention your boyfriend’s details for “persons traveling with you”.
I’m at the payment stage and I filled my address but I can’t check out because billing postcode or zip is required but there’s no zip code tab for me to fill it in.
Hi Mia! There is no payment needed for DS-160.
Which website are you on? Because you need to pay the visa fee while scheduling the appointment. Visa appointment scheduling is a different website and a different procedure. I have another article on that topic.
Hi Thirumal,
Last year, I got 10 year visit visa and now I am applying for B1/B2 visa for my family. My sister has filed petition for me as family immigration and I had mentioned that in my application. Now that I am applying for my spouse and children what should be answered in the question:
“Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf.” The beneficiary on I130 is me and under details of beneficiary my spouse name is mentioned but not children.
Please clarify the following:
1. What should be the answer on my spouse application; spouse is not beneficiary but under details name is mentioned
2. What should be the answer on my children application; my children were not born at the time of filing the petition; however indirectly they are beneficiary as when the petition is approved we will provide the names of the children as well.
Thanks
Hi Anish!
1. As per my knowledge, when the petition is approved, green cards are issued to everyone in your family (assuming your spouse and kids as your dependents) though you are the beneficiary. If that is the case, you should mention it in your spouse and children’s B1/B2 application.
2. You should also mention it in your children’s B1/B2 application.
Hi Thirumal,
As you replied in my previous comment regarding monthly salary :
“3. You are asked to provide your “monthly income” not “monthly salary”. Therefore, you can include your overtime allowances (on average).”
But in latest DS160 form it’s stating ‘monthly salary (if employed)” not monthly income!!!
That’s why i didn’t provide my over time allowances . Please check and confirm me.
I’m from bangladesh, i’m not quite sure whether ds160 form does vary in some cases with other countries or not,
Hi Shahriar! Probably the DS-160 has changed. I still suggest entering your total average monthly income. If you think about it, that’s the salary you make every month by working overtime, etc.
Hi Thirumal,
I’m been working with the same employer for more than 5 years (and it’s the only one I’ve been working for after graduated from University), but my position has changed. when answering the question: were you previously employed? on the form DS 160, shall I say yes or no? I am applying under the travel (B2) category.
Thanks for you help!
Hi June! You must answer “No” to the question “Were you previously Employed?”. Though your position has changed, you haven’t changed your current company/employer.
Thank you very much for your prompt reply Thirumal!
Do I need to specify my previous roles and list duties under the “briefly describe your duties” box? Or I only need to list the duties for my current position?
Thanks again!
June
You only need to list the duties of your current position. But your employment start date should be the date you joined this company/employer (date 5 years ago).
Thank you very much for your quick response, Appreciate your support.
Hi Thirumal ,
I was filling the ds-160 form to apply for B2 visa for US. There’s this field “Have you made specific travel plans?”. I do have planned an itinerary and i am going to stay in my sister’s house. But If I select “Yes”, it asks me to enter the Arrival and departure flight name (if known). Can I leave those fields blank ? Or what should i write since i don’t have any plan to book my tickets before visa issuance.
Hi Shahriar! If you haven’t purchased your flight tickets yet, I recommend selecting “No” to the question “have you made specific travel plans?”. This way, you will only have to enter your tentative date of arrival, approximate days and address of your stay.
Hi Thirumal!
I came across your website. Very useful and valuable post. Thank you for this!!
I have few questions as I am about to fill out the DS-160.. I applied last 2010 and unfortunately got denied…That was my first US visa application. I was just about to graduate from college back then.. It was a trip sponsored by my Aunt. She sent me an invitation letter and Disney passes because she wanted me to visit and see Disneyworld as her graduation gift to me..but sadly I didn’t get it, the consul handed me a blue paper.. It’s been 9 years I know… so now I would like to apply again for the 2nd time. I’m planning to go on a short trip (10days) to ride experience Six Flags in Texas, visit Houston zoo, check out other attractions and to meet my highschool bestfriend, who just recently had a baby.. She’s living in Houston, Texas.
What should I answer here?
1. Do you have any other relatives in the United States?
*should I answer YES? Because of my Aunt who invited me to see Disneyworld before. She passed away last 2013.
I also have an Uncle (brother of my father) who is in US but I don’t have a close relationship with him. Should I include him as well?
2. Address where you will stay in the U.S?
*should I put my highschool bestfriend’s address here?? as I am adding her as my US Point of Contact Information. (She’s my only friend in US). I’m not sure if I can stay at her place during my trip, I guess I’m shy to ask to her.
Or do you think it will be better if I just put the airbnb address I’m thinking to book?
Hope to hear from you.
Thank you in advance, Thirumal!
Kris
Hi Kris! Since it’s been 9 years, your previous US refusal shouldn’t have any impact on your current application. Your itinerary looks good and you should disclose the same in your DS-160 and interview.
1. You should answer “No” to this question.
In my opinion, you should only answer “Yes to this question if you have relatives that you keep in touch regularly and may visit them while you are in the US.
If you don’t have close connections with a relative, it’s better not to mention them. If US consulate contacts them and if they don’t recognize or recollect about you right way, it could be a problem.
2. I suggest using the Airbnb address or a hotel nearby.
Honesty is important for US visa application. If you feel like it would be a trouble for your friend to host you, then go for a hotel or Airbnb. And, mention the same in your application.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
Hi!
1. Where do I create a group application for my family
2. If a person was denied a visa more than10 years ago should they indicate it on their application?
3. How to record having multiple jobs on application
Hi Jason!
1. You cannot create group applications. You have to complete a separate DS-160 for each applicant.
Note: You can schedule a single visa interview appointment for the entire family but that’s using a different website. You can check this article on how to schedule your US visa appointment.
2. Yes, you have to indicate all your prior visa denials, even if it’s 10 years ago
3. If you hold multiple jobs currently, enter one in “Present Employer” and another one in “Previous Employer”
Hi Thirumal
My B2 Visa got rejected last month due to that 214(b) act.
Let me write the brief story:
My age is 25, unmarried. I was invited along with my mother invited to attend my sister’s commencement ceremony. currently i am working in hsbc bank for 1.5 years. Since, it’s my first job, i do get entry level salary which is not significant. However, i do have my own resident in the name of my mother. My sister has been working in qualcom since last 1.5 years. with work visa. Please note that, I have my elder sister over here and she is married and my father passed away when i was 9.
They refused my visa as They didn’t find any strong ties with my home country. They didn’t want to see my bank statements. They didn’t find any strong reason for coming back home.
I have to go for re-application, but by this time, i am unable big changes in my application over night. Please advise how do i fill my new application form which can give them insights at least in coming back home? Or, how do i prepare for interview?
Hi Shovon! Sorry to hear that! US visa officers highly rely on DS-160, interview and a number of databases that they have access to. For them, documents are not enforceable, therefore they don’t ask for any documentation. A few questions and suggestions –
– Do you have any travel history? If not, you must work on building your travel history first. Travel history indicates that you do not have illegal immigration intent.
– Does your mom already have a US visa? If not, did she attend the interview with you and what was her result?
– Did you mention in your DS-160 and interview that you will be traveling with your mom?
– Is your sister working in the US? If so, what is the commencement ceremony? Visa officers look deep into the inviting party as well. They would like to know how she ended up in the US.
Hi Thirumal,
– No, I haven’t got any travel history, and it’s an issue i know.
– Yes, my mom already has US Visa. She was interviewed 2 months back and the purpose was “attending to her daughter’s commencement ceremony.
– I said, “NO”, and in the interview round, i said, I am going to go alone and I ll bear my own expenses. (Even if said, yes in the application form, i am not quite sure whether it ll make any difference or not.
– Yes she is working for 1.5 year with H1B Visa. She was graduated back in 2017 june but didn’t take convocation. She decided to take this convocation this year on May,2019.
Questions they asked in my last interview:
a) purpose of tour, i said, to attend in my sister’s commencement ceremony.
b) what do i do? how long i have been working? what’s my salary?, i said as it is my ds 160 form
c) do i have home in my country?, i said yes
d) do i have anyone else in my home country ? i said, my mom
– You must build your travel history. It’s very important if you would like to secure visas like the US, Canada or Schengen.
– Applicants who are close to or over retirement age are not scrutinized much compared to applicants of your age
– It’s difficult to say whether saying “yes” would have had any impact. But in my opinion, saying “yes” would have at least created a more genuine scenario as your sister wanted her family to be there during her commencement ceremony.
– This is a complicated situation. It depends on how the visa officers interpret the situation.
In my opinion, applicants are scrutinized more whose siblings are in the US, especially those siblings who took the route of F1 and then H1B. The VOs may think that the applicant would follow the same route.
I suggest building your travel history first. This would help in proving that you do not have any illegal immigrant intention.
i sent in my application but my bank statement was not requested. Should i walk with it or the consulate has a another way of verifying whether I can afford my vacation trip?
Thank you very much for you assistance in this tedious process.
You will not be asked to submit any documentation with your DS-160. But, you can carry documentation such as employment proofs, bank statements, etc. to your interview for just in case.
Hi Thirumal ,
In my previous application form, in the employment history section, i mentioned permanent and contractual status with tenure (2 field: present and previous) n the same organization, just because my company said that they could only provide me 2 separate employee verification letter as ‘contractual’ and ‘permanent’ status,
That’s why i said ‘yes’ to the field ‘were you previously employed’., and wrote down my contractual status with job duties.
Now, if i want to show my employment period in just one field ( no contractual/permanent status) then will it make any impact onto my visa ? because they’ll obviously figure out the change i made into the application form.
Hi Shovon! I see. In that case, just go with the way you entered in your previous DS-160. Don’t complicate things.
Regarding employment letters, it’s good to have them handy but the VOs will rarely ask for documents. Make an effort to convey as much information as you can through your DS-160.
Hi Thirumal! I had submitted my DS-160 but i didnt arrange for schedule and pay yet. Is it possible to change visa type from B2 to B1/B2? Or it will affect my application? What are the procedure? Pls. Advice.
thanks.
Hi Judy! You cannot edit DS-160 once submitted. You would need to fill a new one. But visa type is such a small change, you don’t really need to fill a new one for that. Moreover, most of the times, a B1/B2 is issued even if you request a B1 or B2.
Hi,
I cannot see the Previous and Additional fields for the Work/Training/Education session. What’s wrong with the application?
Thank you
Hi Nga! Previous employment, education, travel history are shown only for (1) all male applicants and (2) all applicants (both male and female) from countries that are considered as questionable. If you do not fall into any of the above categories, those fields will not be shown in your DS-160.
Oh wow yeah! That’s true, all of my male co-workers were asked these info. Thank you so much, you must have so much experience on this. I asked so many people who are supposed to be experienced but they just had no proper answers.
Thanks!!!
You’re welcome! I applied for US visa 4 times myself and helped many with their DS-160 as well. This helped me learn a bit about DS-160 and US visas. Good luck!
Hi Thirumal again,
I got approved for my Visa but my boss got rejected. We had the interview almost at the same time right next to each other and I got approved before his rejection. He is the CEO of the company, have a fam with 2 children. Even though he hasn’t travelled much except Thailand last year, I don’t know why he got rejected. May it because of his not-so-good English? He is trying to make another application on the same day he got rejected but couldn’t sign. So until when he could apply again and how he could improve his profile and pass the interview?
Hi Summer! Sometimes, yes, failing to communicate well in English can affect your visa result. There may also be something wrong with his DS-160, interview or his background. It’s really difficult to know the issue without looking at all the factors.
He can apply again whenever. There are no time limits. I suggest he look into his DS-160 and interview answers for clues. If he finds any issues that might have affected his visa result, he must correct those in his new DS-160 also in his interview.
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you so much for your response. I hope he’ll get through. However, in case he doesn’t get his VISA issued, will this affect my visa? Is there any chance I’ll get my visa canceled before the trip because of the rejection of his visa?
Best!
No. US visas are issued on individual merit, so your boss’s visa situation will not affect your visa.
Hi Thirumal,
I am planning to visit my sister-in-law in California along with my wife and would like to have some information on securing the visa.
1. DS-160 Forms – Do we need two separate forms for each applicant?
2. Appointment – How to schedule the appointment, I mean me and my wife to be present at the same time at the counter?
3. Can we have open ticket as a proof of travel?
Kindly advice
Thanks in advance.
Hi Rizwan!
1. Yes. You each need to fill a DS-160. One for you and one for your wife.
2. Yes. During scheduling your appointment, you will be given the option to add other applicants. You have to add your wife so that you and your wife can take the interview at the same time.
3. No. Flight tickets or hotel bookings are NOT REQUIRED for US visa application or interview.
Hi I am submitting the application for my grandparents to come care for my mom to the U.S. My parents are in Mexico and my mom is really sick stage 4 cancer. On the part where it says purpose of trip to the U.S. what can I put? It gives me different options, but none that say care for a family who is sick. We have a letter from her cancer doctor saying how sick she is and needs her parents to come from Mexico to care for her.
Hi Raquel! You must select “OTHER” for the purpose of the trip. When you select “OTHER”, an “Explain” box will show up. Clearly, indicate the purpose in the “Explain” box.
If you are applying on your grandparent’s behalf, mention that you need your grandparents to come over to care for your mom. Mention about your mom’s health and the doctor’s advice. The visa officers will pay attention to what you write here. So, keep it brief but explain as clearly as possible.
Note: There seems to be a bug with the “Explain” box. If you save your application and come back to it, the “Explain” box seems to disappear. In that case, switch the “purpose” to a different option and then back to “OTHER”. The “Explain” box with your previous comments will then show up again. No need to panic, it will, either way, end up in the final submitted DS-160.
Hi, I just wanna ask regarding my ds-160 application form as i get confused about my home address. Im in united arab emirates right now with residence visa for 3 years, should I put my current address here in UAE as my home address or my address in the philippines. Thank you so much
Hi Carmela! Since you are living in the UAE, you must put your “address in the UAE” as your current address.
Hi Thirumal, Thanks for you prompmt reply. After I submit my application ,sched and paid. I have notices that my zipcode in US address is incorrect. Supposed its 5 in last digit and i entered 4. How can I change it? Pls. Advice.
Thanks.
Hi Judy! Don’t worry about the mistake in the zip code. That should not affect your visa result.
Once a DS-160 is submitted, you cannot edit it. If you want to fix that, you must submit a new DS-160. That means, paying the fee again and rescheduling your appointment. It’s not worth it for such a small mistake.
Hi Thirumal, how about to fill Family Information : Spouse in DS 160 – it asks to include maiden name also. What my husband should fill out for my surname?
Ex: surname after marriage: Boles
Maiden name: Dela cruz
Given name: Carmela
Hi Carmela! Your “surname” should be the surname in your passport. If your surname in your passport still says “Dela Cruz”, then enter “Dela Cruz”. If the surname in your passport says “Boles”, then enter “Boles”.
Hello Thirumal,
Please I would like to know what to do at this point.
I am currently filling the DS-160 and I think they have taken off the part for ” Previous employment and training” you only get to fill the present one…
Meanwhile, my purpose of visit to the states is to attend a music competition but i don’t think the founders/organization are based in the U.S, I think they are mainly from Europe but they will be having representatives in the U.S Opera house that will conduct the semi final round which I will be attending (the semi finals will be holding in different countries and states but I picked New York because of the month and date I will be holding in U.S since that’s the period that is more flexible for me.
Now to my main question, while filling the form, I got to the ” contact in U.S” part and got confused, don’t know what to put there. do I just put my hotel address there? since the address and phone number on my invitation letter is for Europe and I don’t know if its ok to put the metropolitan opera house contacts and address since that’s where the qualifying round of the competition will take place..
Secondly, I just recently registered my business and want to fill it in the “working” part of the form, how do I do that? its a Arts and Music Academy and I individually own it. do I pick education as type of business? and do I need to write in the description box that it’s a self owned business? plus is it okay to go for the interview with my personal bank statement instead?
please advice me on what to do and I am so sorry if I ask too many questions. I will be happy if you can help.
thanks
Hi Jennifer! Previous employment along with education and travel history are shown only for (1) male applicants and (2) all applicants (both male and female) from countries considered as questionable.
For contact in the US, use contact information that is verifiable. If you know the contact details of the US representatives of the founders/organization, use that. If not, use opera house contacts. Just give a heads up to whoever contact you end up using.
For “Primary Occupation”, I suggest using Artist/Performer. I don’t know how appropriate it is for you. But in my opinion, Education and Business are too common. Artist/Performer can make visa officer curious and may lead to an interesting visa interview.
You can carry your personal bank statements with you. But visa officers are rarely asking for any documentation these days. You may not get an opportunity to show your personal bank statements at the interview. Therefore, convey as much information as possible in your DS-160 and your interview.
Hi, i wanna ask about spouse in ds-160. What surname i will put for my wife because it says there to include her maiden name. Im confused. Surname after marriage is Gonzales and before marriage is Arziga. Your feebdack will ne appreciated.
Hi Shawn! I suggest using the surname she has in her passport. It’s ok if her surname in the passport and maiden name are same. But going as per the passport is the best way to avoid complications.
how does the embassy come to know whether the applicant himself has submitted the online form (pressed submitt button) for example if my travel agent sitting in other city takes all details from me fills up the form , shares with me filled form, and upon my confirmation press submitt button, will the embsaay come to know of it? do they record ip address of of pc on which form is submitted?
Hi Icarus! US consulate will not care about the location of your DS-160 submission. They only care about the information in DS-160 and interview location you have selected.
Note: US Department of State may be recording the IP, but used only in case of immigration fraud.
DS 160 How to include maiden name
Hi Thirumal! my wife’s maiden name is Susan Lopez (current passport). After marriage, her name is Susan Rivera (old passport).
How do I fill up the following two questions under the section “Spouse’s Full Name (include Maiden Name)”
Spouse’s Surnames:
Spouse’s Given Names:
I have seen previous posts which only confused me more!
Hi Kiel! I suggest going with her name as per the passport. If her current passport doesn’t indicate her maiden name, do not mention it.
Spouse’s Surnames:
Spouse’s Given Names:
Ok in that case I assume that they don’t ask who has filled the form ?
Also if I declare that other person is paying for my trip, this person can be an Indian resident or usa resident also right? And we have to mention his address details in field correct?
Correct! Person/entity paying can be an Indian resident or US resident. And yes, you have to provide his details.
Hi Thirumal, in addition to my question, in my wife passport it mention there the surname, middle name, and given name. In that case how will I put his maiden name in ds-160, what is the format. Should I put in the surname section both the maiden and surname?how?what come first? Lopez Rivera or Rivera Lopez? Thanks a lot
Most passports in the world have two fields for the name – (1) Surname and (2)Given Name. First, middle and/or maiden names are all part of the given name. Only last name is part of the surname.
Spouse’s Surnames: {Surname in passport}
Spouse’s Given Names: {First name in passport} {middle name in passport} {maiden name in passport}
Hi! Thirumal, thanks to all your infos…
As I was reviewing my DS 160, I have noticed that under the catergory work/education/training I have no previous and additional section…
So all my travel history etc are not there…
I don’t know what’s wrong?
Hi Bella! Nothing is wrong with your application. Previous employment, education, languages and travel history are shown only for (1) male applicants and (2) all applicants (both male and female) from countries considered as questionable.
Thanks much..if a group is travelling and will seek group appointment, should the couple’s travelling in a group mention spouse name in his/her form or only group name?
Are you travelling as part of group or organisation?
Yes = group name like USA YATRA
Or
No= spouse details
Which one is corect
Thanks
Since the couple is traveling as part of a larger group, “group” takes precedence. You must select “yes” and enter the group details.
Suppose five years ago my US visa got denied twice in one country. But now I live in another country. When I apply for the third time from a new country, are there records showing my previous country’s two attempts?
Hi John! Yes, US Department of State keeps records of all previous visa attempts. It doesn’t matter where and when you apply, US visa officers will have access to your previous DS-160s, visa results and visa officers’ notes.
Okies. How are the passport delivered to group members? To their individual address or group leader address in one packet?
Individual address or can pick up individually.
U mean by paying 500 for premium delivery, right? Where to pay this?
It depends on which country you will be attending your interview. The countries where I attended my interview did not have any fee for delivery. It was included in the $160 USD. You will be given the option to select “pickup” or “delivery” while scheduling the visa appointment. You will do this on a different website all together and not in your DS-160. You can check my article on how to schedule US visa appointment.
Hi Thirumal,
In the field :Enter the address where you intend to stay in the US , must you include the name of the hotel or organisation together with the address or do you just wite the address?
Example
Street address (line 1)
Hibiscus Hotel
Street address (line 2)*Optional
4569 N Eastern Avenue
OR
Street address (line 1)
4569 N Eastern Avenue
(Without the name of the hotel)
Please tell me the best way to write the address in the field provided . Is it with the name of the hotel or without the name of the hotel
Hi Experience! Write the hotel address without the name. There is no field for the name, so just go with the address. You may be asked at the interview what this address is. You can tell that it’s a hotel.
Thirumal,
Thanks for your clarification. Pls what if I am going to stay at a church .Do I still write the address where the church is located without writing the name of the church ? Pls clarify me further
There is no specific field for “name”. That’s what makes it complicated. If you want, you can enter the church name in “Street Address (Line 2)”.
Hi! I just submitted my DS – 160. However, I forgot to pay the MRV! Is that alright or do I need to make a new DS 160 after paying? Because in the website Step 1 always says Pay the MRV fee.
Hi Patty! You can pay your MRV fee before scheduling your visa appointment. Technically I consider paying MRV fee and scheduling visa appointment as the second step (filling DS-160 as the first step). The websites says it the other way round and that can be confusing.
So, nothing to worry. Pay your MRV fee now and schedule your visa appointment. Good luck!
Ok for housewife they should select self or husband as who will pay for trip question
Husband, if the husband is paying for the trip.
Hi Thirumal ,
1-At the interview, if asked purpose of trip to US, is it right to say vacation or tourism (as is stated on the DS 160 form)
2- At the interview , if asked relationship with person you are visiting. Do you cousin or relative (as is stated on DS 160 form)
Please I need your clarification.
Hi Experience! You have to say exactly what you have mentioned in your DS-160. Contradicting your answers in DS-160 can lead to visa denial.
1. Say “vacation” if that is what you have entered in your DS-160.
2. Say “cousin” if that is what you have entered in your DS-160.
Hi Thirumal ,
Another question for you is this : If you were on transit in a country, do you add that country on the DS 160 form as one of the countries you have visited in the past ?
Please answer
Hi Experience! No, you will not mention such counties. Mention only those countries that you have spent a few days.
Hello
1. about marital status
i’m single but I have a live-in partner
what will i choose?
2. I’m a bit confused on what will I choose “b1/b2”
it is my 1st time applying US Visa and the reason of applying I will attend a convention on june 26-30 in florida, i dont know what to choose because I’m not yet sure if i will be joining my live in partner’s sister and parents going to hawaii
3. Travel companion
I will be travelling with my partner’s mother what will put in the relationship to companion?
4. do i need to put my middle name in the given names?
5.US contact
Do i need to put the Convention that I will be attending?
6. I have relatives in California but they dont know that I will be going to US do I nees to put yes?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sabb!
1. For Marital Status, it will be “CIVIL UNION/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP”.
2. If your main purpose of the US visit is the convention, then you must enter “convention” as your main purpose. You will still choose “B1/B2” as your visa class.
3. You must select “OTHER” and enter the details such as “my live-in partner’s mother”.
4. Enter your given name as per your passport. If your passport has “middle name”, then enter “your first name” followed by “middle name” as your given name. Ex: As per passport: First name: John, Middle name: Max, Surname: Doe. In DS-160: Surname: Doe, Given name: John Max.
5. If the convention is your primary purpose and the people there can vouch for you, then put the contact person of the convention as your US contact.
6. If you have relatives and if you don’t mention about them, then it’s considered as “lying”. If you haven’t kept in touch with them, don’t know where they currently live, you vaguely remember their names, then you don’t have to mention their details. Otherwise, you have to mention their details.
Hello there Thirumal,
Your post is so very helpful.
I have a question, I was approved with my K1 visa last June 2016… But we ended up our relationship at that time too and didn’t pursue our application.. I didn’t pay any visa fees and undergo for a medical and interview as well.
As a beneficiary, I sent a notarized letter to the US embassy stating withdrawal
of our K1 application.
Last 2018 of August we tried to apply for K1 visa with my american fiancé. Now we are still waiting for their response.
My question is: what am I going to put in the DS-160 about the questions with regards to withdrawn visa ir refusal to enter in the us?
2nd question is I am a Permanent Resident holder in Canada planning to land anytime soon. But if ever my visa will get approved I need to go back here in the Philppines and process my medical and interview.. But probably I don’t have that PR Card yet on hand if ever I will stay for just 1-2 months because sometimes the PR card arrives more than 12 weeks. So am I going to still answer that I am a Permanent Resident in Canada?
Or is it possible to just wait for my k1 application to process? They will not gonna ask wit regards to my canda visa that I’ve been applying for almost 5 years?
Thank you very much for you help and your response is greatly appreciated.
Hi Brielle! First of all, I don’t have any expertise in K1 visas. I will still try to answer your question but you would need to seek advice from an immigration lawyer.
There is a difference between a petition and a visa. What you have filed and later withdrawn was a K1 petition, not a visa. Therefore in your DS-160, you will NOT mention your withdrawal of K1 petition.
You will only say that you are a permanent resident in Canada if you hold the PR card. If you do not hold your Canada PR card at the time of filling your DS-160, you will not mention that you are a Canada PR.
Actually, your US fiance can indicate a US consulate in Canada as your consulate for your K1 visa. That way, you can apply for your US K1 visa from Canada instead of the Philippines.
hello there I am asking on the section that traveling with someone else , I am traveling with someone do I put there details on the 2nd section that says provide details or will a separate section appear for this.
thank you
Yes, in the “provide details”.
I am planing to visit my uncle during summer break from school which is on June but i am planing to go for the interview on April ..Is it ok how valid is the visa in case it gets approved .
What document i need to show them that i have to come back for my school
Hi Rinzin! US visas are typically issued from 1 year to 10 years depending on the nationality. So yes, your visa will still be valid for you to visit your uncle in June.
Visa officers usually don’t ask for documentation. They believe that documents are not enforceable. Therefore, make an effort to show that you have strong ties with your country in your DS-160 and during your interview.
For just in case, carry your school id card, fee payment receipts, transcripts, etc.
Hi Thirumal,
I thanks you very much for your assistance on this forum . You have been very helpful.
My other question is this : In the section >>>> provide a list of countries/regions visited in the past five years, do I need to include the country where I currently live permanently , which of course is different from the country I was born (the country of my passport) ? .
Please clarify me on this
Hi Experience! Yes, you must list the country that you currently live in. Except for the country of passport and US, you must list all the countries visited in the last 5 years, including the country of residence.
Hi Thirumal,
can i schedule my appointment date before paying visa fee?
Hi Shovon! No, you cannot. You will see the appointment availability only after paying the visa fee.
thank you for your step by step online process, it helps a lot, but i just want to know how do i put my name (in arabic english alphabet) since the name of my parents are included in the name of bearer?
Hi Ana! If you are referring to “Full Name in Native Alphabet”, I suggest using an Arabic keyboard to type your name in Arabic. Windows and Mac computers have built-in language keyboards. You just need to check in the system settings to enable such keyboards.
Note: If your name is NOT in the native alphabet in your passport, you can mark this question as “Does Not Apply/Technology Not Available”. It is perfectly acceptable.
Hi Thirumal, I messaged the organizers of the music competition like you advised asking for a contact person at the metropolitan opera house but they replied and said they are the ones travelling to host the competition in the U.S and that they are also visitors. so what do you advice i put as contact in the U.S? since the organizers are based in Australia not U.S. And also, I have a business (music school) registered in my name but I filled in Artist/Performer as my primary occupation sice it’s common, but I don’t know what to fill for the present employer and contacts…
please what do you think i should do?
thanks
Hi Jennifer! I know your organizers are also visiting, but there may be someone they will be in touch in order to get things set up, etc. In the worst case, you can use your hotel contact details.
Your present employer would be your music school. In the duties, you will mention something like “As the owner of the music school, I’m involved in…”.
Hi Thirumal
how many times can i change my us visa appointment date after paying my visa fee ?
Hi Shahriar! When you schedule your appointment for the first time, you will receive an email with an appointment confirmation and the date by which you can reschedule your appointment. You can reschedule your appointment as many times as you want until the date mentioned in the email. After that date, you would need a new MRV fee receipt.
Note: You cannot actually change your appointment date. You can only cancel first and then select a new date. You will not know what the dates available until you cancel your current appointment.
I have a step-by-step guide on how to schedule US visa appointment. Check it out for step-by-step instructions.
hi Thirumal,
In scheduling my visa time, there’s a question,
‘ Is the visa still valid, or if expired, are you applying within 12 months after your previous visa’s expiration date?’
Yes, i gave an interview but visa was denied. in this case there’s no question of visa expiry. shouldn’t i say ‘no’ to this question
Hi Shovon! That question is to determine if you qualify for a visa renewal. Visa renewals do not require an in-person interview. That question applies to you only if you had a “valid” US visa that is (1) still valid or (2) just expired.
I have a step-by-step guide on how to schedule US visa appointment. Check it out for step-by-step instructions. Ask any questions you have for schduling your interview on that post instead of here. This post is specifically for DS-160.
My question might sound a little stupid, but I get a little paranoid about these things, so just want to make sure. I know we have to bring the confirmation page to the visa interview, do we have to bring the second page with the “Instructions” as well, or just that one page with bar code is enough?
Another question is, i’m inviting my parent’s for my graduation and my college provided an invitation letter. But they also gave me few other documents showing how many classes did I take during every semesters. Do I have to include those extra documents as well or would the letter itself suffice?
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Sammy! You ONLY need to carry the interview confirmation with the bar code on it. The instructions page and the DS-160 confirmation are not required.
The visa officers usually do not ask for any documentation. But it’s wise to carry all relevant documentation to the interview. Have your parents carry the extra documentation as well.
Hi Thirumal.
Thanks for your prompt replys.
1. Do I still leave the primary occupation as Artist/performer and then fill my music school as present employer or i should change the Artist/performer as well.
2. do I need to enter the income i make monthly from both my music school and performance or just the music school
3. If i am using the hotel as my point of contact, how do i write that in? do i just put down that address or name and address?
4. Just in case, do you think it will be wise if i put down the address of Metropolitan Opera House and also get their number from the website? since the main organizers can’t get me a contact person.
5. since i will be adding the details of my school, can i put it there that the person sponsoring my trip is “present employer” or i should just put “self” since i am still the owner of the business school?
6. I have been to 3 other countries but haven’t been to any since my last U.S visa refusal in 2016, do you think this will have a bad effect on my visa application? since travel history is also a very strong evaluation too.
thanks.
Hi Jennifer!
1. In my opinion, leaving the primary occupation as Artist/Performer and filling your school as the present employer is better.
2. You must enter the income you make monthly from all sources. Some readers have reported that it’s “monthly salary” in their DS-160 instead of “monthly income”. Do you know what’s showing in your DS-160?
3. In the “Organization Name”, write the hotel name. Select “Other” for the relationship. Enter the address of the hotel in the “address”.
4. Yeah, Metropolitan Opera House would be a better option in my opinion than the hotel.
5. You must put “self” as you are paying for yourself.
6. It should not affect your current application as you have a genuine purpose to visit. But more travel history always helps.
Hi, I have filled out my ds 160 form twice now and I’m thinking of submitting another one because I made a mistake. The mistake was that, I was asked if my passport was stolen or lost before, which I clicked no instead of yes. I applied with my first passport in 2017 and now I have a new passport. Do I leave it and go for my interview or submit another ds 160 form? Thanks
Hi Mathilda! You are required to answer every question honestly. If your passport was stolen and saying “no” to that question would be considered as lying.
Fill a new DS-160 with correct and honest information. Take a few days to go through your DS-160 back and forth to make sure all information is correct before submitting.
Thank you for answering my questions! sorry i cannot reply on my 1st comment
a few more questions
1. where will I put the details such as “convention”, “live.in partner’s mother(for travel companion), “live in parner” (for person paying the trip) i choose other but it did not give any details
2. what if I have an invitation for the convention? where or what section will I put/say that I have an invitation?
3. for US contact am i correct that i will put the name of the organization’s convention i will attend and the address of the venue or their actual address in the US?
Hi Sabb!
1. When you select “OTHER”, an “Explain” box shows up. You will explain in that box. If no “Explain” box shows up, then you will explain directly to the visa officer at the interview (if asked).
2. There is no field to mention about invitations in DS-160. You can carry a copy of it with you to the interview.
3. The US consulate may contact the convention organizers about you. Enter the best address and phone where they can be reached. If that’s the address of the venue, go for it.
If a child below 14 is visiting with his grandparent to USA for first time tourism, his parents nor the grandparents having any us visa, will the child has to appear in person with his grandparent for interview or he is exempted? Here parents are not travelling only grand parents are. What documents are required of child.
Hi Icarus! A child traveling with their grandparents should be fine. A declaration from the parents’ may be required for the US visa and boarding the plane. Having a declaration handy will be helpful.
Everyone, including the 14-year child, must appear for US visa interview. Grandparents and child can schedule a single visa appointment and can all go to the interview together.
Hi Thirumul,
I am an international student from Pakistan studying in UK. I want to apply for us visa (ds160) for tourism purposes.
I have some questions and I will be thankful if you answer :
1) What should I enter in National Identification number? I have pakistani id card and also UK temporary resident card (BRP). What should I write here?
2) What I should enter in U.S contact details? I am living in hotel in U.S, well I have uk contact number as I am student here!
3) What home address should I give uk one or pakistan one as I am applying from U.K?
Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Tayyab!
1. You must enter your BRP number since you are living and applying from the UK.
2. You must enter your US hotel details as your US contact. If they already have your booking, they will respond to any US consulate queries.
3. You must enter your UK home address as the address is more for communication.
Thanks for your response. My second question is, i had a cousin who used to live in the USA. While filling my first application in 2017, I filled his address. He’s married to an American and went to the USA through F1 visa. I have lost contact with him over a year now, should I still put his information in the “Do you have a relative section” , or just say No?
Hi Mathilda! You must answer “Yes” to this question ONLY IF you keep in touch with that relative. If you don’t keep in touch and don’t know where they live, you must answer “No”.
Hi Thirumal! I’m applied for a B1/B2 visa. Last 24 March 2019 was my appointment date. But I was refused the visa. Now I’m filling DS160 form again. In the form, there is a question if you are refused a US visa. Yes I am. Explain what I write there. I don’t understand. Please help me. What I do.
Thank you
Hi RA Khan! You must check your US visa refusal letter for the exact reason for your visa refusal. You must briefly explain that reason in the “Explain” field.
Hi,
Thank you for answering first question, in reference to my first question.I will be very thankful if you can answer second one.
1) On Ds160 application, it is written “ Your National Id is a unique number that your government provides.” In my case even I am applying from U.K but my government is not U.K., my government I think is Pakisran. Just want to confirm as still confused.
2) After the immediate relatives question, a question comes which is “ Do you have any other relatives in the U.S?” Well I am going as a tourist and living in hotel and no one is sponsoring me. I dont have any immediate relatives, but there are relatives that are very distant and their surnames are same as of mine, the thing is I dont even have contact with them except one who is maternal mothers uncle, I am nor visiting him but if I get visa maybe I will visit him another time. Very confused. Do I have to answer yes in this case, I dont have any details of him, what could they ask about him if I answer yes, but I think I should answer no. The problem can occur if I travel second or third time and go to his house then they can stop me saying that you said you have no relatives. Because they also stop and ask at Passport control. Very confused.
3) I am also required to show university letter at the embassy and on the letter, my term time address is the one where I am living in U.K and my home address is the pakistan one. Still I need to give U.K address in my home address of ds160?
Sorry for detailed questions. I hope to get answer. Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Tayyab!
1. You can enter either one. But in my opinion, you are a student in the UK and have the obligation to return back to the UK to continue your studies after your US trip. That means you are demonstrating strong ties with the UK. In that case, a national id from the UK makes sense.
Note: The US refers to numerous databases and they may have your BRP Id and Pakistan Id already. It’s up to you to enter whichever you think is relevant in your situation.
2. If you don’t keep in touch with your relatives and don’t know where they live, you must answer “No”. But, if you think you may get in touch with them or may even visit them in the future, then answer “yes”.
The CBP can deny your entry into the US at the port of entry. They can even cancel your visa at the port of entry. This would usually happen if you commit a crime, overstay your visa or lie on the visa application. But things such as relatives shouldn’t affect your visa.
3. In that case, enter your “home address” as the address in Pakistan. Enter your “mailing address” as your address in the UK.
Thanks! I have raised a request for the group interview. Any idea of grounds it might get rejected and if so, can I really request? I have mentioned the preferred date of appointment as “any first available date after 10th of April” there are 18 people in the group.
Hi Icarus! I don’t really know how the group interview appointments work for large groups such as yours. I usually assist individual travelers or families.
Hi Thirumal! Thank you so much for answering my questions!
I just want to have your opinion. I have a Business, but my live-in partner will pay for my trip, what is your opinion? Self-funded or other person paying for my trip? Because consul might question why will other person paying for my trip if I have a business they might think that my business is not operating successfully
I just want to have your opinion in that case.
TIA!
Hi Sabb! The more you complicate your case, the fewer chances of visa approval. Along with a true purpose of travel, you are supposed to have excellent employment background, exceptional travel history, very good financial solvency, strong family and social ties. Anything out of this can be considered as a “complication”. I suggest to keep it as less complicated as possible if you care about your visa approval.
Hi,
A stupid question:
Since I arrived in uk on a study visa, i’ve been to Pakistan two times which is my home country and also dubai. Apart from dubai, will I mention Pakistan or U.K. in my last five years travel? As I travelled U.K and Pakistan but U.K. is my study visa entry not travel and Pakistan is my home country !
Hi Tayyab! Only the US authorities know the true answer to this question. But I suggest my readers enter all countries except US and country of passport. In your case, it would be the UK and UAE.
Hi Thirumala,
I am reading your blogs and I must say that they are very useful for individual who want to apply for US visa. I do also need clarification to fill up my and my family DS-160 form for US visitor visa. I will be glad if I get prompt reply as I have prepared the forms and ready to book an appoinment. My area of clarifications are as below;
1. first of all do I need to write my all education details since childhood? or just university degree details?
2. my parents are US citizen and my mother lives in US with her sister but my father now lives in India and he does not have any plan to come to US for staying long period. he might come once in a 2 year just for short visit. So what should I write in the question that ask me about that father is in US? I mentioned no currently and yes for my mother. please guide.
3. My mother has filled petition for me , my wife and my eldest son. so the question of has anyone filled immigration petition ? I write yes in my application. what about my wife and my eldest son? should their DS160 form I also have to mention or its a just for primary applicant? and if yes for all, then I have my youngest child who was born after my petition was filled and we did not do anything for him till now. so in his DS 160 , I have mention NO. Is that ok?
4. I was refused once and my wife was refused 2 time before 5-6 years ago. Now we are Canadian PR holder and we are applying from Canada.
your answers and suggestions will be highly appreciated and thanks in advance. Please reply urgent if you can, as I need to book an appointment soon.
Hi Kushan!
1. Yes. From secondary school onwards. Start from the highest education.
2. “No” for your father since he is “physically” not in the US. “Yes” for your mother.
3. Though you are the primary applicant, if it automatically includes the entire family when the petition is approved, you need to mention “YES” for all (you, your wife and your child) and explain the details. Their names may not be on the petition but they are eligible for the residency or change of status when the petition is approved.
4. That is fine. But you and your wife must mention your previous visa denials in your DS-160s.
HI, Thirumal,
Thank you for prompt reply. Just to clear my doubts, what should be declare for question about any immigration petition in my youngest son`s DS160 application? As he was born after petition was filled. should I mention yes in his application too? I did click yes for me, my wife and my elder son , but still not sure for younger one? please reply.
Thanks
In my opinion, you must say “Yes” and enter the details such as “a petition was filed for his parents and brother before he was born”.
Hi Thirumal,
I am filling DS-160 for F1 visa. I have a doubts regarding same:
I am currently working at a company, and I am on notice period. My last working day is on 4th May.
So, while filling DS-160, I am employed at this company, but while giving visa interview I would have left the company.
In this case, should I mention my current job in “present” occupation or “previous” occupation? Thanks!
Hi Cherag! If you intend to attend your interview after 4th May, you must enter your current job as your previous occupation.
Thank you for your response, Thirumal! Not sure if this will be posted right after my earlier post, but I’m unable to post the reply to it.
Anyways, unfortunately, my mother’s was denied a B2 visa without being asked many questions or even viewing any documents she brought with her. She was given a 214(b) letter. I filled out the DS-160 the best to my knowledge but when I think back now, I might have made a mistake answering the part where it said “who will be paying for the trip”. I answered “Self” to it but my mother is unemployed and I am paying for her trip. At that time I thought answering “others” would mean maybe some organization sponsoring for her trip, so, I answered “self”. Now, my question is, was I supposed to answer “other” and put my info on it since I am the one paying for the trip?
Also, I know I have to put my info on the question where it says if you have any immediate relative in U.S., do I also say yes to the question “do you have any other relative in U.S. and put my husband’s info?
Lastly, do you know if I have to fill out a new DS-160 if I want my mother to reapply?
Thank you for any info you can provide on these matters.
Hi Sammy! DS-160 is very important as the visa decision to the most part is based on it. Failing to disclose information can also be considered as lying. US visa officers refer to a multitude of databases that contain the applicant’s background information. They source this information from governments and third-parties. Some of the information we enter in DS-160 might already be in those databases. If the information doesn’t match, it can be seen as lying or hiding information.
I suggest reapplying for your mother with corrected information. I also suggest spending a few days on the DS-160 as it’s the most important document. Go over the DS-160 multiple times and fix any issues you see.
– Yes, “who will be paying” must be you as you will be paying for your mother’s trip. Select “OTHER PERSON” and fill the details.
– Yes, your details must be filled in for “immediate relatives”.
– Yes, your husband details must be filled in for “other relatives”.
Yes, you will have to fill a new DS-160, pay the visa fee and schedule the interview again.
Hi. I am simply confused about my application for a b2 visa. I dropped out of college two years back and planning to join back this year but before that I want to take a trip down Tampa, miami and orlando., also its a sponsored trip by my cousin from Berlin. I have filled up my DS 160 but left the education section out, I don’t know if I should mention that I’m not employed and put the university i was associated with as my former education institution. And in that case what documents do I need to show to prove ties to my country.. Can anyone please help me.
Hi Anisha! If you are not employed and have no source of income of your own, it’s highly difficult to secure the US visa. You have to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your country and you intend to return back after your trip.
US visa officers do not ask for any documentation. They rely only on DS-160, interview and a number of databases that contain applicant’s information sourced from third-parties.
Hi,
I am confused in one question. In other relatives I mentioned it yes as I know my maternal mother’s mother brother who is in new york, Should I give his names and contact details in the U.S. Address or my hotel address in the organization name as I am staying in hotel. I can either give organization name and address or my relatives name. Bit confused because at interview they match the answers with application answers.
Hi Tayyab! If you will not be staying with your relatives, I suggest giving your hotel details as your US contact. If asked in the interview, you can say that it’s your own trip and staying in a hotel. Nothing to do with your relatives.
Hi,
Also, I have mentioned the trip is sponsored by me, myself because the money is in my own bank account given to me by my father. Should I include self or parents?
Hi Tayyab! You live in the UK, your father stays somewhere, he gave you money, but you are going alone. This would complicate your case. The less complicated, the better it is. I would say go with self, which is the least complicated option.
Hi,
I am applying for visitor visa in USA, but I am facing 2 – 3 issues and looking for your help in this regards.
1) Pre marriage my wife passport was not having surname only given name was there. So now post marriage we have included her surname in new passport. But when I am filling the spouse detail it is asking to include current name as well as maiden name, so what and how should I do that. Please suggest.
2) Are we suppose to fill state or province if it is not given in passport?
3) And same is the case when she has to enter her maiden name in her ds 160 form. What should she will in place of surname ?
Hi Jignesh,
1. Your wife’s given name and surnames must be according to your current passport. Don’t worry about her old passport not having her surname. It’s not relevant. Her maiden name will not be in the passport but you will just enter her maiden name for her “maiden name” or “other name”.
2. No.
3. It’s fine if your wife’s old passport doesn’t have a surname. But for “maiden name” or “other name” in DS-160, just enter her maiden name.
Hello Thirumal. I am planning to take a letter of sponsorship from my cousin, his bank documents, my mark sheet, an air ticket from Kolkata to tampa and back home again. Like you said, I have to show strong ties – what about parents and family who are here in India, never stepped out or misused a visa, and my will to join back college as soon as I come back, and my small plan to start a business here, which can be only run here in India.
Is it enough if they ask me the question?
Hi Aditi! You can only show your strong ties with your country through your DS-160 and interview answers. There are no fields for you to explain that you plan to join back college and start a business. You can try to steer the conversation towards these topics in your interview if you can.
Usually, strong ties mean continuous employment, good financial solvency, decent travel history and strong family and social ties. Having parents in India will not suffice. What you need to prove is that your parents would need you to be available physically.
Hi Thirumal,
I think I just made a mistake in my appointment application. I was renewing my United States B2 tourism/medical visa and filled the correct code in the DS 160 form but when I wanted to schedule an interview to see if I am exempt for an interview, I selected B1/B2 Temp Business/Tourism. Now i have to go for an interview I already paid for and is non-refundable. Please will my application be rejected because I chose a different code from what I had in my DS160 form? even though they both fall under Tourism. Thanks
Hi Vince! I don’t think there is information sharing between DS-160 website and visa appointment website. You will enter your DS-160 number while scheduling your visa appointment so the visa officers can pull up your DS-160 during your interview. Your selected visa types in DS-160 and visa appointment should not affect your eligibility for interview waiver. It must be something else such as you are not renewing your visa within the given time frame, etc.
Your application will not be rejected just based on selected visa types. So don’t worry about it and just do your interview well. Good luck!
Hi,
Which visa should we opt for Tourism and Medical (B2 visa) or Business and travel (B1/B2 visa). Our purpose of visit is only tourism at present trip. Does selecting either of this makes any difference in the interview ?
Hi Jignesh! Selecting B2 or B1/B2 should not make any difference in your interview. I usually suggest selecting B1/B2 as it’s the most appropriate. US visas are issued for 10 years, so you may visit the US many times in those 10 years. Most of the times it may be for tourism but there may be times where you would visit for business. So selecting B1/B2 is usually a smart move.
Hi Thirumal, I made an entry for DV programme few years back. What should I answer for this section in DS160 “Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa, or been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry?”
Hi Tanny! I assume if your entry hasn’t been picked up in the DV program, then it’s not considered as refusal or withdrawn. You don’t have to mention anything for that question.
Hello!
1. Travel Companion: (yes)
I will travel with my live-in partner’s mother but we are both part of an organization and we will attend Convention but I’m the only one applying for US Visa. Do I need to click yes in “are you traveling as a part of a group or organization” if yes I will put the name of the organization? If no I will just put the name of my partner’s mother?
2. For marital status again:
My live-in partner is the opposite sex. Do I still choose Domestic partnership? (we’re from the PH)
3. Do I need to put the place where we will stay even though I don’t have reservations yet?
TIA
Hi Sabb/Tia,
1. A group takes precedence over the partner. You must enter your organization name.
2. Yes. A live-in relationship is a domestic partnership arrangement.
3. If you are using a hotel name and address, I suggest you make a “refundable” reservation. If the US consulate contacts them, they must be able to confirm that you will stay with them.
Hello!
1. Travel Companion: (yes)
i will be traveling with my live in partner’s mother we were both part of an organization and will attend the convention do i need to click yes in “are you part of an organization?” if yes I will put the name of the organization even though i am the only one applying for US Visa
2. marital status again:
my live in partner is an opposite sex is it still domestic partnership?(in Philippines)
3. do i need a reservation if I enter the hotel where we will stay? or is it okey just to put the hotel even we dont have reservations yet?
TIA!
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you for your kind support. I am going with self and ticked does not apply in the source of income as I do not earn money. Is it ok?
Thank you.
Yes, that’s the least complicated option to handle your situation. You may be asked in the interview on how you are funding your travel if you do not have a source income. Be prepared for such questions.
Yes, I did not get chosen. A friend said I should mention it as they have record. So I am stuck and confuse.
Thanks for your assistance.
There are no hard and fast rules. You are supposed to give honest information. If you want to mention that you applied for DV program, you can do so for the question “has anyone filed immigration petition”.
At present I am in canada. So in address I have to mention my canada address or india?
Hi Surbhi! It depends on your “status” in Canada. If you are currently traveling in Canada on a tourist visa, you must enter your address in India. But if you working or studying in Canada, you must enter your Canada address as you are technically residing in Canada.
Hi sir,
I am travelling with my 2 kids to US and i have completed ds 160. My doubt is, when paying visa fees, do i need to pay individually for all 3 and generate 3 individual receipt numbers or i can pay together for all 3 and generate only 1 receipt number.
Thanks.
Hi Selva! Yes, you have to pay individually for all 3 and generate 3 individual receipt numbers. Only groups of 10 or more (non-family groups only) has special provisions to pay the fee as a group.
Hello,
I am applying for a US visa for my grandmother. Her last visa was issued in 1987 however the dates for this question starts from 1999 and I cannot move on without answering this question. What is the best way to answer this question, will selecting a date in 1999 cause problems with her application? Is there anyway to indicate that her last visa was issued prior to 1999.
Hi Gayle! There isn’t a way to convey this information elsewhere. This may be that the visa officers are interested in knowing visas only in the last 10 years. The only option is to select 1999 and have your grandmother explain why you had to select 1999 during the interview.
US consulates do not scrutinize applications from senior citizens. You are fine selecting 1999 for that question. But have your grandmother convey that info to the visa officer during the interview, so they can update the records properly. It is important to have the correct information in their records.
Hi Thirumal, need your advice on what would be the best answer if I were asked “why are you traveling alone?” .
Hi Eliza! Such questions are personal and only you know the answer to that question. If I give an answer for you, then we will be trying to game the system which is illegal and will have serious consequences.
Select “Yes” if you have a maiden name, otherwise select “No”
Here in case of married ladies is it necessary to mention before marriage name- in case only surname changes after marriage and first name remain same?
(e.g Sandhya Sharma before marriage , now Sandhya Mishra after marriage, should YES option to be selected and mention Sandhya Sharma in this case?)
if the form is submitted and appointment has been booked and due to oversight No has been selected what is the way out? will the embassy reject the application(B1/B2 visa)
Nowhere in the passport before marriage name is mentioned i guess.
Hi Icarus2712! It is not mandatory to enter “other names used”. But if you have a maiden name, you can enter it. If you have already submitted your DS-160 and scheduled your appointment, do not worry about. That information is not mandatory.
I am a permanent resident. I have a 9 yr old daughter in Colombia, but her mother and I never married. My daughter’s mother is willing to let her visit me in the US, but not willing to let me petition her for a green card to come live with me in the US. We have tried twice to get her a visa to come visit me and both times she has been denied. First time she went with her mother to the interview and was told she did not have sufficient ties in Colombia (I am her only relative in the US, all the rest of her family, including her mother, live in Colombia). The second time I went with her to the interview and was told I should petition for an immigrant visa for her instead of a visitors visa. Her mother will not allow this. Not sure how to make them understand I do not want to get a green card for my daughter, I just want her to be able to visit me in the US.
I am trying for the 3rd time. I would like her to come to the US to a summer camp and visit, and have already registered her. The person filling the application suggested not to mention this in the purpose of the trip and to chose B1/B2 visa, but used the summer camp info and address as her contact in the US. Need guidance on:
1.- how to properly fill the DS 160 so my daughter can get her visa: what to put under purpose and contact, and also under reasons for previous denials; and
2.- how to handle the issue that her mother would not agree to an immigrant petition during the interview, while at the same time make clear I still would like my daughter to visit me in the US.
Hi!
1. It’s unfortunate but extremely unlikely for her visa to be approved. The visa officers can see her previous attempts, notes from previous visa officers and visa results. They would again tell that a B1/B2 visa is not appropriate for her.
2. This is a family and legal issue. I’m very sorry but I cannot give you any advice. Only an immigration lawyer can guide you well in this situation.
Thanks! By the way, what exactly is a maiden name? Asking as there are a couple of other women whose DS-160 forms to be filled. So don’t want to err again. Does the maiden name appear in her passport anywhere? How does embassy cross check other names/maiden names etc.?
Hi Icarus! Maiden name is the surname name of a woman (sometimes men as well) before marriage. Some women change their last or surnames after the marriage. If they did, they will have a maiden name and current name. If not, their maiden name and current name are the same.
Maiden name does not appear in passports. It’s only necessary for DS-160, so US Department of State can have the maiden names (if they have one) on the record as well. US Department of State doesn’t cross-check other names or maiden names, it’s only for records.
There may be many reasons why the US Department of State wants to have maiden names on the record. Some women change their surnames back to their maiden after divorce. It makes it easy for the US Department of State to track or match such applicants to their old records if they have their maiden name on the file as well. Also, it is believed that US and many other countries maintain databases of applicants’ information. The more data they have about an applicant the better it is for them to match and verify.
Hi, please help. I was denied my C1/D visa under section 214b. I was interviewed in Zimbabwe. Problem is that I put my work experience when I was working in South Africa. So the consular asked for my work permit I didn’t have it but she never gave me a chance to tel her that I was using an Asylum. So now I want to reapply and provide my Asylum that I was using in South Africa. So is it a good idea to apply from South Africa once the visa was denied in Zimbabwe? And can this Asylum prove that I was legally staying in a foreign land?
Hi Taku! Yes, you can reapply and in the interview, you can tell that your previous visa was denied on the fact that you couldn’t show your asylum proof. You can apply from either Zimbabwe or South Africa. It’s not mandatory to apply for the US visa from the country of passport.
Forgot to ask, I have mentioned only graduation degree details in form DS-160. Is it ok or 12th pass details to be included? Do they check graduation certificate at the interview? Actually many questions in the form DS-160 seem trivial, isn’t it?
Hi Icarus! No, every piece of information on DS-160 is important and verifiable. Therefore, you have to enter only truthful and honest information. Holding information is considered as lying as well.
Yes, you have to enter your 12th and secondary/high school details as well.
You will not be asked to show any certificates. Visa offices use many databases to verify the information. They may have your graduation information in their databases already. Therefore, they don’t ask for your graduation certificates. But failing to give the information or lying about it can have serious consequences as they can verify/match information in their databases.
I am applying for my old mother’s visa and she does not remember her educational background details. What should I do as these are required fields?
Hi Sarkar! You can use approximate dates and general locations. Applications from senior citizens will not be scrutinized that much. Therefore, it’s absolutely fine to use approximate dates and general locations.
If you don’t know what educational background your mother has, then just enter one educational detail such as “schooling” or “middle school”, etc. You get the idea.
I have 15 members in my group and I have given only their graduation details. I have already secured our appointments. Will it create problems in the interview?
My group members are 50 years or above of age, going for pooja ceremony in the USA. They have invitation letters from the temple in their name. So, will their application be scrutinized in general or in detail?
Hi Icarus! I believe you can enter up to 5 educational institutions in a DS-160. I usually advise my readers entering from the highest education to the lowest up till high school or higher secondary. I don’t think it would create issues, but entering all data without holding off any is a good practice.
Applicants are scrutinized individually even though they will be traveling in a group. Each of those applicants is considered as a specific applicant wanting to visit the US for religious reasons. Since the applicants are 50 years and above, they may not be scrutinized much.
Hi Sir! I am traveling with my family to the US but need clarity completing the DS-160. My wife’s monthly salary is higher than mine, we are both employed. I earn extra from my personal business I run apart from my major job. “Under sponsor for this trip” is she to fill self?
Who should be the beneficiary, we also have a travel history.
regards
Hi Taiwo! If your wife has a source of income and can support her travel to the US, you can fill “SELF” in your wife’s DS-160 for the question “Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip”.
I have one situation here, I was submitting DS-160 form for my daughter 2 yrs old, but mistakenly I selected No in “Did anyone assist you in filling application”. The fee is done and the appointment is scheduled. The details there present on the Confirmation page are correct absolutely.
So is there any problem in this case during the visa interview or should I submit a new application? Time is very less, I cannot go for another appointment date for my child. Please advise.
Hi Preet! All her personal data is correct which is very important. Saying “no” to “anyone assist” question is not an issue. You don’t need to worry about it too much. You don’t need to do a reapplication as well.
Good day! I just want to ask if what will I choose in marital status. Live-in partner but the guy is married is it possible for a domestic partner or just choose single? Thank you!
Hi Alex! For live-in partnership, you can select “CIVIL UNION/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP” for your marital status.
Please help out in 2017 I applied for B1/B2 visa and was denied and issued with 214(b) based on I don’t have stronger ties, in 2018 my fiancé filed fiancé I-129F and was denied at USCIS level. Right now my fiancé and I are not together I want to attend my brother graduation.
Now when you are filing DS 160, you are asked “have someone ever filed immigrant visa on your behalf” if the answer is yes explain, the answer is yes but I don’t know the reason for the denial, he is not willing to tell me the reason. Please what should I do?
Hi Akosua! You don’t have to explain or mention the reason of denial. You just have to mention who filed, when and the status of it. If you know the petition number then that’s good too.
In your case, I suggest just mentioning that your fiancé at that time filed the petition for you in a certain year and you don’t know the reason for denial.
I have a good friend with a serious DS-160 form issue.
[1] Her English is NOT good and she made SEVERAL mistakes that are NOT TRIVIAL while completing the form, submitted the form and paid the fee.
[2] She has NOT scheduled an appointment.
[3] She thought about correcting those mistakes by retrieving the existing form. But, is worried that because there were too many mistakes on the original form, those would be used against her even after she submitted a new form.
(a) Should she go ahead and submit a new form by retrieving the old form in the system?
OR, should she submit a BRAND NEW DS160 and pay a new application fee (meaning, she abandons the already submitted form)?
(b) Would mistakes made in the old form be used against her? She is aware she needs to bring the old and new forms with her to an interview if she chooses to submit a new one by retrieving an existing one.
You advise shall be very much appreciated.
Thank You.
Hi Nicholas!
1. Not speaking good English can be a problem in the interview but at least she can convey the information well in her DS-160 if she takes someone’s (native English speaker) help.
2. If she hasn’t scheduled the appointment yet, she can create a brand new DS-160 and still use the fee that she already paid for scheduling the appointment.
3. No. The old form is irrelevant. The DS-160 number that she would enter while scheduling her visa interview will only be used during the interview. Any old DS-160s she filled are totally irrelevant.
(a) Visa fee is irrelevant for DS-160. Visa fee is for “scheduling the visa interview” ONLY. She can fill as many DS-160s as she wants. But she has to use ONE “DS-160 confirmation number” while scheduling her interview. That way, the visa officers will exactly know the DS-160 that they need to pull up and review during her interview.
(b) No. The visa officers will not be interested in old DS-160s she filled. They will be interested in the DS-160 number that she mentioned/entered in the “visa interview scheduling system”. More info on how to schedule a visa appointment.
If she has already scheduled her interview, it’s necessary to pay the fee again and schedule a new appointment with new DS-160. Since she hasn’t scheduled her interview yet, she can fill a new DS-160 with the help of someone and use that new DS-160 while scheduling her interview.
By the way, are B1/B2 visas issued from the date of the interview or date of the journey mentioned in DS-160?
Hi Icarus! All US B1/B2 visas are issued from the date of “interview”.
Hi Thirumal,
First of all, I would like to say thank you for taking the time and effort for such a comprehensive walk-through of how to fill this application form. It has been extremely useful and will save me a significant amount of time which I truly appreciate.
I have some questions regarding filling the application, as my application presents a somewhat unique situation.
I am completing this application on behalf of my aunt & uncle (Indian passport holders), who are currently visiting the UK on a visitor visa. They have a very close childhood friend living in the US who has insisted that they come to the US for a few months since they are not too far and that he will sponsor them. I had a few questions on this scenario if you could please help with:
– Will it be ok to submit their application and book their interviews in the UK? As I wasn’t sure if you had to apply in your country of birth/passport? Also, do you happen to know the average time it takes for them to make a decision after the interview? I have a 2-month window before their UK visa expires, so wanted to know whether it would be possible to get a decision within this time frame.
– I believe I need to complete two separate DS-160 applications, one for my aunt and one for my uncle – is this correct?
– How can I increase their chances of getting the visa approved? I was planning to get the sponsor to send a letter of invite, show proof of income to be able to support them, proof of home ownership/rent and complete an Affidavit of support (I-134 form).
– However, when I went through your DS-160 form page – there was nowhere to add these documents to support the application. Under these circumstances, how can I show that the sponsor is taking full responsibility of all the costs associated with my aunt and uncle for the duration of their trip?
– For the scenario described above – is it still better to apply for a B1/B2 combined visa option or do you recommend a different category? If the visa is granted – do they only grant the visa for the term requested or is it for longer than that?
– My aunt also has a few cousins in the US, which she does keep regular contact with. Would you advise that we include everyone in the category which asks if you have any other relatives? Will this help / increase their chances to get the visa approved?
I would be very grateful if you could answer the questions above as it will really help me with this application.
Thank you
NP
Hi NP!
– Yes. You can have your uncle and aunt attend their US visa interviews in the UK. It is not mandatory to attend visa interviews in the country of citizenship or passport. You can attend the US visa interview anywhere in the world.
The visa decision is immediate. Your uncle and aunt will be told their visa results at the end of the interview. It may take 5-7 working days to receive their passports.
– Correct. You need to fill two DS-160 forms, one for your uncle and one for your aunt.
– Sponsorships and documentation will not help in the US visa application. What helps are (1) strong ties to their home country and (2) the obligation to return back to their home countries after the trip.
– You cannot upload documents in DS-160. The visa officers won’t ask for them during the interview either. The only option is to enter the sponsor’s name and address under “who is paying for the trip”. But, I think it’s better for them to just say “Self” since they can afford the travel expenses. This eliminates the need to introduce new people on the visa application and unnecessary complications.
– B1/B2 is the appropriate category of visa for them. US visas are granted for 10 years for Indian passport holders.
– Yes. She has to mention that in her DS-160 if she has any relatives in the US. It won’t help/increase her chances. It’s mostly for the records.
I am a holder of Philippines passport and my husband and our daughters are both EU citizen. We are living as permanent residents in Suriname. I don’t work as I am a full-time housewife. So it’s my husband who will sponsor me for my US visa application. What are the documents he needs to provide to the embassy? And I want to change the date of the intended arrival in DS-160 because I made the application last year and haven’t scheduled an interview yet. Can I change it even if it’s finalized? or should I just start over again?
Hi Mavd! US consulates and visa officers do not ask for any documentation. But you can carry minimal documentation to your interview such as your husband’s employment and financial documents.
If you have already submitted your DS-160, you cannot edit it. You have to start a new DS-160.
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you for your swift responses.
You mentioned that – Sponsorships and documentation will not help in the US visa application. What helps are (1) strong ties to their home country and (2) the obligation to return back to their home countries after the trip.
How does one prove the two points above on an application form? Or were you suggesting that they need to mention this in their interview?
Any tips on how to prove the points would be extremely useful.
Thank you
Hi NP! DS-160 asks a number of questions related to employment, education, travel history, purpose of travel, previous US visits, family details, etc. This is to figure if the applicant has strong ties with their home country. The applicant will also be asked a bunch of questions during the interview to determine the ties, purpose of travel and intention to return back.
Additionally, the US maintains a number of databases that contain applicant’s information sourced from third-parties. The visa officers use these databases to match certain information to see if the applicant has strong ties to their countries.
As applicants, all we can do is to fill the DS-160 to the best of our knowledge. Answer the visa officers with short, direct and honest answers during the interview.
In your experience, have you come across any instance wherein visa was rejected just due to incomplete (not incorrect) information provided? In such cases does visa officer inform this reason (namely incomplete form) to the applicant?
Hi Icarus! There is no such thing as “incomplete information” in the US visa application. There is only “insufficient information”. Insufficient information means a “weak case” leading to visa denial.
Sir, thanks for providing very useful information, really good work!
I am planning to visit the US for tourism purpose with my wife (46yrs) and son (21yrs)(Student). We had been to Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai during the last three years as tourists. We self study and plan holidays accordingly. At present we don’t have any immediate plan to visit the US. However, it may happen within a period of one year. Regarding visa especially form DS-160 I have the following doubts. I will be thankful for the clarification of the queries.
1) I am a Govt officer for the last 25 years, shall I need my department’s NOC for applying for the visa. I mean, is it mandatory (as it takes a long time to get it as per govt procedure)?
2) I have not planned anything now. Hence what shall I write in the column reg my US stay ie hotel and its address etc.?
3) I have sufficient funds in the form of FDs and saving accounts and I own my house. But my wife and son don’t have sizable funds in their account. Of course, all the expenses shall be born by me only.
4) I will be the principal traveler, my wife and son will be traveling with me hence shall I apply as a group or what? ( I am confused here)
5) Whether we all three will be allowed together for the interview at once?
Thanks a lot
With Regards
Uttam
Hi Uttam!
1. Documents are not necessary for US visa. You can carry minimal documentation such as your Id card, a copy of your bank statement, etc. But, a NOC document is completely unnecessary.
2. At the interview, you will be asked about your dates, places and the activities in the US. Therefore, you must have an itinerary in mind. You can change it after your visa but at least for the interview, you must be prepared with an itinerary. Based on your itinerary, book a “refundable” hotel in the first location. Use that hotel’s address in your DS-160. That way, if the US visa officers contact the hotel, the hotel staff can respond with your booking details. You can cancel that hotel booking after your visa is issued.
3. That’s fine.
4. Yes. But first, you must fill three DS-160 forms. One for you, one for your wife and one for your son. After that, you can schedule ONE visa appointment for all three as a family. Check my article on how to schedule US visa appointment for more information.
5. Yes. All three of you will go for the interview together. You all will be interviewed at the same time by one visa officer.
Have you personally come across any cases wherein B2 visa was kept on hold/rejected due to incomplete DS-160 (like in my group case)?
Actually, I am really worried (10th /12th details not filled, only graduation mentioned for everyone), now that the form has been filled and group appointment confirmed, it shouldn’t happen that entire group is denied visa on this reason? Will carrying a resume detailing education history will help? Thanks!
Hi Icarus! The visa officers will not tell the “exact” reason for visa refusal. Therefore, even if someone’s visa was denied due to insufficient information, we will never know if that was the reason.
Even in a group, each applicant will be issued a visa on individual merit. The entire group will not be denied a visa just because a few are missing their education details. I have seen quite a few cases where a few members of the group were granted the visa and a few were not.
Hello! Can we attach documents like affidavit of support, bank statement and invitation letter with DS-160 form or can we fax document to the embassy?
Hi Zahra! No, you CANNOT attach any documents to your DS-160. You CANNOT fax documents to the embassy either. If you have any documentation, carry them with you to the interview.
Hi Thirumal,
I have a question about the ‘Present Employer’ section. I have been offered a job by a US company, and my H1b petition has been approved w.e.f 01-April-2019. Currently, I am in India and not working since September 2018. While filling DS160, I initially thought to fill ‘Present Employer’ as ‘NOT EMPLOYED’ (since I haven’t started with the new organization). But, the lawyers for the organization advised me to fill the US company details into ‘Present Employer’, with a start date of 01-April-2019 (the validity start date). Can you advise what would be the right information to fill?
Hi Charu! My experience and advice are mostly on travel visas. I don’t know too much about work visas. I suggest doing what the immigration lawyers say.
Note: When I applied for my H1B visa back in the day, I was still working for my employer in India. I filled the employer that I was working in India as my “present employer”.
Hi, I hope you understand my problem and reply to me.
I am applying for an F1 visa. My high school was completed in 2014. I was working from 2015 to 2018 and now I am working in some MNC Company from Nov 2018 to Present. I am filling my DS-160 as a private employe in some company.
Is there any problem with my visa interview that I have been working for a private company? I am applying for an F1 student visa to continue my pastoral education because I need to become a pastor for my church. Before that, I need to learn so I applied for bible college in Florida and I got I-20. Now I applied for us visa interview. Can you please answer me that? Is there any problem for my Student visa interview that I was working in some company ?
Hi Philips! It’s absolutely fine to work and then pursue further studies. It won’t be a problem for your F1 visa interview.
No no, not the entire group. I mean within the group, some members. You see a couple of them are 65-70 years old and belong to an era when there was a matric system in education and they don’t remember the school details let the alone date of attendance.
Secondly, there is a lady in the group, 48 years, single, who has IT background, MSC Physics, was employed with IGATE long time back, not employed currently, has two flats in her name, monthly income limited to rentals. She has savings in the bank.
Will she be considered as potential immigration risk?
Hi Icarus! Firstly, applicants over retirement age will not be scrutinized that much. Those applicants in your group over 65-70 age should be fine without mentioning all of their education details.
Secondly, the applicant you mentioned has weak ties to her country and has no strong obligation to return back to her country. She obviously has fewer chances of visa approval.
You are doing a very beautiful job here. More wisdom and grace to you.
Please kindly advise on the following:
1. Is it compulsory to have a letter of invitation for a B2 Visa?
2. Is it advisable for a mature “single” lady who is paying for herself, to use a male American friend as a contact person or a hotel address?
3. Can the hotel booking be for just a day or two?
4. Must she go with a Bank statement to the interview?
Thanks in advance for your prompt response.
Hi Nke!
1. No. Invitation letters do nothing for US visas. You won’t be able to upload them in your DS-160 and you will not be asked during your interview either.
2. I suggest using your hotel address
3. It has to be longer. The US consulate may contact the hotel to see if you have a booking with them. There are many hotels that are “completely refundable”. Just book one of those and you will be fine.
4. Yeah, carry a copy of your employment and financial proofs (including bank statement) to the interview.
Hi, I have a question regarding my husbands Visa application. He already fixed an appointment on the 1st of May. But we would like to go to Amerika in the first week of June. Do you think that we will have the visa on time? How long is the time between the appointment and getting te visa? He has an appointment with the Dutch Consulate in Amsterdam.
He has an Afghan passport and a Dutch Resident permit type 1. Because we want to buy the tickets. But When we will not get the visa on time we will lose all our money.
I hope you can give is answer. Regards
Hi Huriah! You will be told your US visa result at the end of the interview. If you were approved, you can pick up or receive your passport in 5-7 working days. If you were denied, your passport will be returned to you at the end of the interview.
Hey Thirumal,
If I am working currently as an apprentice, should I select others and mention my position? And I am not paid at the moment so for the salary question, do I need to click on does not apply?
Thanks!
Hi Hakunamatata! Yes, you can select “OTHER” for “Primary Occupation” and explain about your apprenticeship. Yes, check “do not apply”.
What to do next? Can you help me with this? 3 times rejected.
I gave an interview in September 2018 for F2 dependent. My F1 was in Community College In the same state at that time. It got rejected. VO asked why did he transfer to community college? I gave answers then she gave me the yellow paper with 1) intend to be a student in USA 2) have insufficient funds to cover studies
After 2 weeks, I tried again. Then vo asked all normal questions and still gave white paper stating everybody is immigrant unless they satisfy counselor 214(b).
Then I took a gap of 6 months and my husband went to the same University back. Then booked interview again. This time vo asked when did you marry? Do you have children? And gave yellow paper again stating the same 1) and 2) reasons above.
Vo also said: I am not eligible for the visa this time.
Our situation has changed still they didn’t approve it. He was there to complete his core subjects and back now. What should be my next time?
Hi Saira! Unfortunately, I don’t know much about “dependent” visas. My experience and knowledge are only in “tourist” visas. That being said, I will attempt to answer your question based on my knowledge in tourist visas.
First Attempt: Your husband transferring to a community college indicates that he couldn’t afford the tuition fee at the university. There may be other reason for the transfer, but that’s what the visa officers would assume. Therefore, he was not in a position to pay or take care of a dependent.
Second Attempt: If your husband was still in the community college, he was still not in a position to pay or take care of a dependent financially. Repeated visa attempts indicate that you have a “different” intent than staying as a dependent in the US.
Third Attempt: Your situation hasn’t changed much other than your husband transferred back to the university. Through he was now able to afford to pay for a dependent, the VO may not be convinced if he would remain in the university or transfer back to the community college.
Next Attempt: I suggest waiting until your husband finishes his studies. Then try for a different visa. Trying for F2 dependent visa may not work for you as your husband’s decision to move between university and community college has created issues in the past.
Hi, the question about ‘HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AT A SECONDARY LEVEL OR ABOVE” IS ABSENT. WHAT DO I DO? You answered some people that if you’re a female, it is mostly absent. But I had a female friend who saw that question but I did not see it too. She is from my country in Africa. What will happen if I do not see that field?
Also, who is a US legal permanent resident and a US citizen?
Hi Margaret! As far as I know, those sections are only required from female applicants of certain countries. Can you compare the below parameters between you and your friend and let me know if they are the same?
– Country of birth
– Country of passport
– Country of residence
– Age
– Work in the military?
A US legal permanent resident is someone who holds a “US greencard”, whereas a US citizen is someone who holds a “US passport”.
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you for all the advice you are providing. I am currently applying for J1 visa so filling up DS-160 form. On the DS-160 form, it asks about previous refusals, prior to getting my current B1/B2 (issued in 2012) which is valid for 10 years, I had gotten a rejection (2011). In that question about refusals, or withdrawn at port of entry (question no.3) what do I say?
Next question: Question 2d – asks if applying from same location as previous visa (yes for me) but it also asks if it is the principal place of residence (no for me). what to answer here?
Thank you so much. I look forward to your reply.
Hi Candice! Yes, you have to mention your 2011 visa rejection for question no. 3. It won’t affect your current J1 visa result. This is only for the records. You should not hold off any information as it can be used against you as “lying”. So, provide all the information you know.
Question 2d is a question on both “previous visa location” and “place of residence”. If one of them is “no”, then it would be a “no” for the entire question.
Hello!
In the “Monthly Income In Local Currency (if employed)” field, students are supposed to check the “Does Not Apply” checkbox.
However, my situation is different, as I receive a monthly stipend (a fixed value, which is given to all students who keep their grades above a specific GPA). Am I supposed to include this monthly stipend in the monthly income field, or check the “Does Not Apply” checkbox?
Hi Ali! A stipend is a taxable “income”. If you are supposed to pay taxes on your income, then yes, it is considered as a monthly income and you have to mention that in your DS-160. But on the other hand, what you are receiving is a “scholarship”, then it’s a “non-taxable” income. Therefore, depending on your tax situation, enter the “monthly income” or check “Does Not Apply”.
Thanks a great deal for your prompt response to my earlier post.
Do well to help out with these ones too. Thanks.
1. I don’t have a NIM (National Identification No., so cannot supply one as requested in the DS-160 form. In your opinion, do you think it might have a negative impact? Do you suggest I wait to get one before continuing?
2. Can you give an idea of the amount that can be considered okay as a monthly income for someone who is paying for one’s self? Do you suppose an equivalent of 700-800 dollars can suffice for a monthly salary/income?
3. Applying for a B2 with the ‘single’ status, does it have any unfavorable implications for a lady?
4. If for some reasons one is unable to travel on the stipulated date on the application, can one still travel after a month without going through any other rigorous process?
Thanks again for your patience in answering these questions.
Hi Nke!
1. The less you select “Do Not Apply”, the better it is. Otherwise, it appears to the visa officer that you are holding off information for some obvious reason. I suggest getting your NIM and using it in your DS-160.
2. It depends on your itinerary. For example, if you are going to the US for 7 days, a $200 USD budget per day is good enough. That means, your total expenses in the US would be about $1,400 USD. This total amount must be equal to 1 or 2 months salary and not more. If more, it doesn’t look realistic and visa officers would assume that you would involve in remuneration activities while in the US. $700-800 USD monthly income is good enough for a 7-10 day itinerary.
3. No. But you have to show strong ties to your country and an obligation to return back after your US trip.
4. Not an issue at all. You can travel to the US anytime during the validity of your US visa. For example, if you were issued a 10 year visa then you can hold off your travel till the 10th year. You can still enter the US during the 10th year. You will not be asked why you haven’t traveled to the US for 9 years.
Thank you Thirumal for the answer! I was wondering if you knew the contact number for them (is it the same as national visa center helpline number by chance?). I try to fill the DS-160 application and it keeps coming up as session time out even though I’m quick to fill in the details so I wanted to call them to see if there is something wrong with the server.
Hi Candice! Unfortunately, I don’t. It does timeout more often than you expect. Try the visa center helpline number first to see if they can help.
Hi Thirumal,
First, I would like to say thank you for your useful information here.
I have some confused questions about filling DS-160.
1. I am currently student in Canada so in “home address”, should I fill my address in Canada or my home country address?
2. I have been refused US student visa 2 times in 2017 in my home country but I do not know the reason why I was refused. Therefore, in this case, can you please give me an advice to explain in that blank?
3. My mother’s sister has filed petition immigrant for my mother as family immigrant and also including me. But now I am under above 21 years old and in my knowledge that I am not qualified to follow my family in that petition. So in this case, should I choose “Yes” and how can I explain in this situation?
I am looking forward to your response.
Thank you so much.
Hi Natalie!
1. You should fill your home address in Canada since you live in Canada now.
2. You don’t need to provide the reason for the refusal. You just have to provide which visa, when and the result. For example: “I have been refused F1 visa twice. First time in month, 2017 and the second time in month, 2017”.
3. Yes. The question is “has anyone EVER filed an immigrant petition”, therefore you must select “Yes” and provide the details. For example: “My aunt (my mother’s sister) has filed an immigrant petition for my mother and me in month, year. The case is still pending.”.
Note: The US Department of State may have your previous F1 visa attempts and the immigrant petition by your aunt in their records already. Therefore, it’s not the details that are important. What’s important is mentioning about them in your DS-160. Holding off or hiding information can have serious consequences.
Thanks again.
As a follow up to your response that it doesn’t matter when I travel, as long as it is still within the Visa validity period. If that is the case, I want to know if the duration of my stay filled out in my DS-160 form still applies if I will be traveling much later than stated in the form. For example, if I applied to travel in June for 28 days but eventually travelled in August or September, I’m I expected to stay for just those 28 days? Or can I stay for any duration of less than 6 months?
God bless you.
Hi Nke! You can stay for any duration of less than 6 months.
If I cancel my appointment and book another appointment slot, will the DS-160 form remains valid or again have to fill new DS-160?
Hi Icarus! Your DS-160 will remain valid even if you cancel and reschedule your visa appointment.
My DS-160 keeps rejecting my passport number at the end. I checked it a thousand times. During the application, there was a question about the passport book number which we don’t have in my country and I selected do not apply. There are no other places where I wrote down the passport number except at the end but it keeps saying “the passport number entered does not match the passport number that you previously entered” do you know what is the problem?
Hi Melly! If your passport number you have entered in “04. Passport” section does not match with the one you just entered in “14. Sign and Submit”, then the application will show that message. Go back into your application and check your “04. Passport” section if you entered the correct passport number.
The “passport book number” is not relevant and you can select “do not apply”. Passport book number will not cause this issue. Just check your “04. Passport” section to make sure you entered the correct passport number.
Hi! I find your site useful. Had a quick question. I had filled out the DS-160 form for my mother and sister. My sister just got a job and my mother is a homemaker.
In the DS-160 form for the question “who is sponsoring your trip” I mentioned my name. I’m on L2 B dependent visa of my husband. I was working previously but now I’m on an active job hunt.
During the visa interview, what should my mother and sister mention as to who is sponsoring their trip? Can they mention my husband’s name in this case even though my name was filled in the DS-160?
Please let me know.
Hi Rianna! They can mention your husband as their sponsor, but that would complicate things. Your entries in DS-160 and answers in the interview much match. If not, the visa officers might become suspicious and this can lead to many other questions for which your mom/sis may or may not have answers.
Thank you! But this is a genuine case. I’m currently looking for a job and hence I won’t have any documents to show sponsorship for them. Also, what kind of questions could they ask in this matter?
I understand. The questions would be specific to the applicant’s situation. Some of them can be as below –
– Why do you want to go to the US?
– What will you do in the US?
– What is your daughter’s status in the US? (L2 Dependent)
– How did your daughter go to the US? (her husband was transferred to the US branch of xyz company, etc)
– What does your son-in-law do?
– How did your son-in-law go to the US? (transfer to the US branch, etc)
Hi Thirumal, which currency salary I should enter if I apply from home country – Philippines but work in Malaysia?
Hi Eliza! If you are working and has a status (work visa, residency, etc) in Malaysia, you should apply for your US visa from Malaysia. Otherwise, you will complicate your visa application. Similar to currency, there may be other questions that can be confusing to your and to visa officers as well.
Hi Thirumal, I am applying for an F1 visa to pursue my MS studies in the USA. I have also received my I20 form. My course is of two years duration as mentioned in my I20 with specific start and end dates. As per rule students pursuing STEM courses can undergo 1 year opt training which can further be extended for another two years, which makes it a 5-year programme. So can I mention 5 years in Duration of Stay in DS-160 even if I20 is not specific?
I have mentioned my school to be in the USA as my contact person, school’s phone and email addresses, etc. Is that ok since I know no one else in the USA.
And most important query- I passed my B. Tech in October 2018 and my classes in US university start from August 2019. In the intervening period, I have been preparing and applying for MS admission in the US. I am not employed and depending on my parents. In DS-160 under present employment/education, what should I correctly fill?
Hi Naresh! My experience and knowledge are only in tourist (B1/B2) visas. I don’t know much about the student (F1) visas. That being said, I will try to answer your questions based on my limited knowledge in student visas.
You must only mention the period specified in your I20. Your student visa will not be issued straight away for 5 years. Therefore, it’s wise to mention the period mentioned in your I20.
Yes, of course, your school will be your US contact person/organization.
Ideally, selecting “STUDENT”, “ENGINEERING” or “COMPUTER SCIENCE” is better. But in your case, you can select “OTHER” and explain that you have been preparing for your US admissions. Don’t worry, selecting “OTHER” is not negative. It means that the provided options are not relevant to you.
My visa was rejected. I would like to reapply, how long do you advise before I reapply? I want to reapply from Malaysia, my visa is under domestic helper (even though my real job is not that). It was chosen by the company as the employment pass is difficult to attain. Could I do that?
Hi Eliza! You can apply for a US visa whenever. There are no time limits or waiting required.
If your Malaysia work permit indicates something other than your actual work, it may pose a problem to the US visa and also to your work situation in Malaysia. If the US visa officers figure that out, they may notify the appropriate Malaysian authorities. In such a case, your employer may face legal action for visa fraud.
Hi
I am applying for an F1 Visa from India, and my DS160 is complete. My Visa Interview is confirmed for 13th and 14th May 2019. Since we start the Fall session in August 2018, I have still not figured out my stay in terms of location. I am hoping to close this after the Visa Approval.
1. In the DS160, I have mentioned the School address itself (Where I would be staying), would that lead to any issues?
2. I visited the US back in 2016 and stayed at my friend’s place, although I have not included them in my US Contacts in the DS-160 now (even though they are still there) for my F1 Visa. Would this be a problem now?
Please help!
Thank you!
Meg
Hi Meg! My experience and knowledge are only in “tourist” visas. I don’t know much about student visas. But I will try to answer your questions with the limited knowledge I have in student visas.
1. If your school provides you with accommodation for a few days initially, then you must mention the school address. If not, mention the address where you will be staying till you find accommodation on or off campus.
2. You must use your school as your US contact. It’s fine to not mention your friends as your US contacts.
Hello, every time I try to upload a photo it says “Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request” even though it is under 240 mb and under 600mp
Hi John! I have not seen such issues with photo upload. But a quick Google search shows that the issue comes up once in a while. It’s a server issue and their tech team fixes it quickly. If it happens on a weekend or holiday, they usually fix on the next working day. So, try again and let me know how it goes.
Hi there, is there a particular format of a letter from the Indian (resident) sponsor (who is paying for the trip and stay) to be addressed to US embassy? There is a form I-134, which I guess is to be filled by US resident person sponsoring the trip.
Thanks!
Hi Icarus! I-134 is for US sponsor. There isn’t a particular format for an Indian sponsor. I doubt the visa officers ask for sponsor letters, but you can have the sponsor write the letter in any format.
Very happy to inform that our group successfully obtained a visa. Thanks to this forum for guidance. There were 11 people who are part of the group going to the USA for a pooja ceremony. All of them cleared the interview. There were some hiccups like a lady forgot to carry revised ds 160 form and instead produced old ds 160. the staff at biometrics asked to print the correct bar code form within the next 5 minutes. Panick attack :0, Fortunately, the group leader was carrying another set of everyone’s DS-160 so in time produced the new one. There was a lady with her 16 year old kid in the group, she was surprisingly asked to bring her husband to interview (he did not apply)-very lucky that her case was not rejected outright.
She went with her husband and both the kid and she got issued visa today luckily. Moral of the story if your background is correct and the same has been accurately captured in DS-160, getting a visa should be easy (No financials, no educational docs were checked). It would be interesting to know the databases US embassy has access to.
However, there is no provision to keep mobile or luggage / big bags at both ofc and embassy. Therefore advisable to bring someone with you to keep with them.
I checked the online status today and it was updated as the visa has been issued for all. Though it would have been helpful to know the sanctioned duration of visa which I guess can be known only when the passport is received.
Looking back, now it seems getting a b1/b2 visa is a piece of cake, especially if you are above a certain age (the group was 50+).
Hi Icarus! That’s great to hear! Congratulations! I and all other readers are here to help. Feel free to chime in and help other readers (especially groups) that have questions.
There is no documentary evidence that these databases exist. But there are quite a few articles and forums online where the visa officers (mostly retired) themselves mentioned about these databases quite often.
Visa validity depends on the passport. Indian passport holders are issued 10-year US visas.
Correct! Along with age, marital status seems to play a major role as well. In my experience, mostly young single applicants are scrutinized a lot. Congratulations again! You have done a great job!
I am filling up DS-160 now. I have received a fully funded Ph.D. offer in Physics. Currently, I am working as a Physics faculty in a private coaching institute in India. What should be my private occupation?
Education, natural science or physical sciences? I am confused among these three? Which one should be the right choice for primary occupation?
Requested to help.
Hi Sankalp! Either “Education” or “Physical Sciences” will work fine. I have selected different options on different occasions and it was fine. It all depends on how you interpret your current occupation. But in my opinion, “Education” makes more sense in your case as you are currently “teaching”.
1) Before I started working as a physics faculty in a private coaching institute, I was a private tutor teaching at home for about a year. Should I add this in my previous employment because I have mentioned it on my CV. If yes, then what should I enter in the supervisor’s name and surname because I was the one who was governing everything then. Should I write ‘self-employed’ ?
2) My CV is very long content-wise. Now, in DS-160, there is one column that “briefly describe your duties”. Should I simply paste all my details from CV to this place in DS-160? or should I shorten it ? Because in case at the VISA interview, if VISA officer asks for my CV to match the details that I am going to write on DS160, it should match. If I shorten it, then it will not match.
Thanks
Hi Sankalp!
1) Write your private tutoring experience as “self-employed”.
2) As far as I know, you can’t copy paste anything into DS-160. If you can type the entire duties, then go for it. If not, just grab the main duties and enter those.
Note: This is not relevant to visas but I suggest to shorten your CV to 1-2 pages. Longer CVs are out of fashion now and most recruiters only pay attention to the first 1-2 pages.
Ok, but will they check sponsor’s docs like his financials, etc? Like how they will know that the sponsor is capable of paying for his trip.
Hi Icarus! If it’s a non-US sponsor, the VOs will not consider the sponsor as a reliable source of financial support for the applicant. The applicant has to still prove that he/she is capable to fund the travel on their own.
Hi, I have a few questions –
1) I am currently not employed, what should I write under the employment section and the details that follow?
2) After I graduated med school, I did a year which is like an internship but it was not required for me to get my diploma, and I was handed a lot of responsibility during it and also received a salary for it. Does this count as previous employment? should I write it down?
3) One of my travelling purposes is to do an internship at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago and I have a letter that supports that. It was through an organization called American Clinical Rotation. Should I write that down and my contact in the US? Even though I have relatives there?
4) Also, my stay address is determined, but no flight tickets yet to be booked. Should I write that down too?
thanks in advance
Hi Mohammad!
1) Ideally, “MEDICAL/HEALTH” is the best option for you as the VO can right away understand that you are a medical professional (doc, nurse, physical therapy, etc). Since you are unemployed currently, you can select either “NOT EMPLOYED” or “OTHER”. An “Explain” box will appear and you can explain in that box why you are currently unemployed.
2) Yes. It does count as your previous employment. Make sure you enter that info as in your previous employment.
3) You should use the contact from the American Clinical Rotation. If the consulate calls them, they can vouch for you and provide the necessary details of your internship.
4) Select “No” for “Have you made specific travel plans”. Enter “Intended Date of Arrival” and “Length of stay”. For “Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.”, enter your stay address.
Hi Thirumal,
In preparation to interview with regarding “US Point of Contact Information” technically we put the hotel which we will be going to stay for our 1st 3 days trip to Disneyland Anaheim. My Wife disclosed in the DS-160 that she has her brother currently there a US Citizen status (My Wife’s Sibling) and we’re planning to meet him with his family on the last 5 days of our trip.
Our doubt is maybe this will be questionable in our application since that she has an immediate relative there and why didn’t put his details as our US Point of Contact instead we put “Do not know” and following with Hotel name, Address and Phone number.
Mainly, the purpose of our trip is tourism, visiting the Disneyland and pleasure vacation for 12 days on coming school break. Meeting with my brother in law is only part of our itinerary and we have no plans to stay in their house. Every time we’re traveling internationally we’ve been doing our “self touring itinerary and staying in the hotel” is more convenient for us.
Based on our experience we notice that DS-160 form is totally different, unique and sensitive compared to other countries Visa application forms. Please advised as we already submitted our DS-160 and scheduled our interview by next week and maybe on this part will ask in a different way of questions during the interview.
Thanks again for your time.
DadaofSamuelle
Hi DadaofSamuelle! If the primary purpose of your travel is to meet your brother-in-law, then you must enter his details as your US point of contact. But your primary purpose is to have a vacation in the US, hotel details are appropriate in your case.
Yes, DS-160 is very important as most of the decision is made based on it. But you are an experienced traveler and I’m sure you have taken at most care filling your DS-160. Do your interview and everything will go fine. Goodluck!
Sure, anyone needing help on group appointment (>10 people) process, do let me know, happy to help.
The second group is scheduled in May, 14 people, same profile, hope they too sail through.
I can say definitely say, don’t pay any agent for filling DS-160 forms, it’s very easy and logically structured.
Thanks, Icarus! I will let you know when I get any group queries. They are not that often but they do come in once a while.
Dear Thirumal,
I am going to fill DS-160 for B1/B2. In recent 5 years, I was issued 3 Schengen visas (Spain, France, Italy) but due to circumstances, I could not travel. Anyhow, I have traveled these countries five years back. Now my question is, Can I enter these countries in the list of “Countries traveled in last 5 years” Your feedback will be highly appreciated.
Regards,
Ali
Hi Ali! Unfortunately, you can only enter those countries that you have traveled in the last 5 years. Usually, the visa officers will quickly flip through your passport at the beginning of the interview. They will notice all the visas you have in your passport. If you had those visas in your old passport, carry that with you as well. Hand over both your old and new passports to the VO.
Hi Thirumal,
If I am applying for a B1 / B2 tourist visa from London as an Indian citizen, do I need to change my mailing address to be the one in London?
Is this where they will post the passports if the visa is given? Where do I put in this information as I don’t want them to send the passports elsewhere? Is this information requested when booking the interview?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi NP! If you don’t live in the UK, you can use the mailing address from your home country. This mailing address is only for the US Department of State for their records.
You will specify your passport delivery address while scheduling your US visa appointment. You will have the option to either pick it up or have it delivered to an address. I have a detailed step-by-step guide on how to schedule US visa appointment. Check it out for passport delivery information.
Does anyone knows how to fix “Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request” when trying to upload a photo?
Hi Hanna! I have never seen this error myself but a quick Google search reveals that it’s a server-side error. The tech support team in the US usually fix this issue right away but if it’s a weekend, they will fix it on the following Monday in the US.
I have the same issue
Hi Sara! It usually happens only on the weekend as their tech team will not be available to fix the issue immediately. Try on Monday and the issue should be resolved.
Hello!
Can you advise, please?
I have tried to fill the DS-160 form online, the website keeps asking for codes all the time, I keep trying to save my pages as I go along. I thought I had completed the form and so arranged an appointment at the embassy.
I find out from a friend after chatting that I haven’t completed the form.
I have tried to retrieve my form to edit but I cant.
I can’t print out the form or submit a photo
I think I got up to education section and I thought it had saved the info but I don’t think it has.
I canceled the appointment date at the embassy, I can’t edit my form, speak to anyone to help me to resolve the problem.
what should I do?
should I start new DS-160? will I have to pay the fee again?
Thanks!
Hi Av! DS-160 has a very short session time, so it will time-out if you take too long filling a particular section. If it had been over 30 days, your old DS-160 might have been deleted. But there is nothing to worry. Just fill a new DS-160. Make sure you complete all the way to the photo and submit the form. You must see a confirmation screen with a barcode. Print the confirmation as you will need this for your interview.
After you submit your DS-160, you can go ahead and schedule your visa appointment. You don’t have to pay the fee again. You can use the fee receipt number that you already paid.
Hi, thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge here.
Want to apply for a US Visa for the first time
Would request if you could answer some questions.
Q1. In the column Address where you will stay:
Now here my sister has booked a place in the US and she is traveling separately from another country
And I from another. I will be staying at the same place in the US with her and my niece so, can I mention the same address which she has booked, the booking is in my sister’s name.
Q2. Persons traveling with you?
Now I will be traveling alone and meeting my sister there the answer should be No right?
Q3.Contact person or Organization in the US.
Now I have my niece who is studying in the US since the past year and lives in a hostel, my sister is visiting her
and we all will be staying together in the place booked by my sister.
So my question is who should be the contact person in the US
The answer should be Do Not Know right.
Q4.Do you have any immediate relatives, not including parents, in the United States?
Given the above scenario. What should be the answer here?
Q5. Now I am presently an artist. 12 years back was employed for a year but now not even remotely related to that field now and don’t even know if the place where I worked still exists or whether they have shifted. What should be the answer here? Should this be mentioned in previously employed?
Q6. The income includes the average income from all sources right?
Hi Romi!
Q1. Yes, you can mention the same hotel address that your sister has booked. If you can, ask your sister to add your name on the booking as well. That way, in case the US consulate calls to inquire, the staff there can respond with your name and booking details.
Q2. Correct. Your answer will be “No”.
Q3. The contact person will be your niece. Your primary purpose of travel is to meet your niece and sister. Your niece is currently in the US and she will be your contact person.
Q4. “No” for immediate relatives but “Yes” for other relatives (your niece).
Q5. Work history for the last 10 years is the most important. Beyond that, it’s not that relevant. If you don’t remember your previous employment, don’t enter it.
Q6. Correct. Income from all sources.
Hi Thirumal!
I’m from the Dominican Republic, living and working in Turkey as a Spanish teacher. I would like to participate in an education conference in the USA. I already received an invitation from the institute that is going to have the conference. They said I should bring the invitation letter to the appointment with the embassy. The point is that I would like to participate in that conference with my boyfriend. He is Turkish. He is working. He also received the invitation from the Institute but, I’m worried because he has no travel history, just once we were together in Ukraine. It will affect to him the fact that he doesn’t have travel history?
Hi Emily! Travel history is only one parameter. If your boyfriend is strong in other areas such as employment background, financial solvency, strong family and social ties, he should be fine. I have seen many applicants secure US visas successfully with zero travel history.
Thank you so much for the answers
Just one more question
As your answer to Q3 which is as follows:
“Q3. The contact person will be your niece. Your primary purpose of travel is to meet your niece and sister. Your niece is currently in the US and she will be your contact person.”
So, should I mention my niece’s hostel address or the place of booking address in the contact address as both places in different cities? And it’s not a hotel it’s a type of a small flat which has been booked by my sister.
Thanks
Hi Romi! You should mention your niece’s hostel address where she is currently residing. It should be the address where the consulate can contact her in case of verification.
Please, can someone provide his income statement which has income salary amount lower than what was filled in the DS 160 form as monthly income? Because being that he usually get additional funds from HR on extra work hour done on weekends most times, it does reflect in the income statement rather the actual salary refects. But he put the salary plus sum average of bonus/extra pay received which increased what was there different from the figure filled as monthly income on DS 160.
Now my question is, is there any harm if the statement would be checked. How best can he defend it?
Hi Testimony! In such a case, you have to provide documentary evidence of the additional income. If not, then the applicant must enter his/her monthly income as the amount shown in his income statement.
Dear Thirumal,
Kindly take into consideration my message as I am going to fill-up DS-160 form. 1. Do I need to enter the cities of United States (location you want to visit) or only places like times square etc. 2. Do i need to mention lump-sum salary including housing, transportation or only the amount which I receive in my bank Account?
Hi Ali!
(1) Which questions is that? I don’t see any question asking for places you like to visit.
(2) Only the amount you receive in your bank account. You may be asked to show proof of your income and you will show the bank statement in such a case.
My given name is longer than the character limit, I will be exactly missing one part if I write continuously. May I short two part of my names?
Hi Niran! It’s a common occurrence and nothing to worry about. Just spell your given name exactly till the character limit and truncate the remaining. DO NOT shorten, remove spaces, etc.
Example: Say, your given name is “Ravishaker Kiran Chandran”. If the given name field accepts only “Ravishaker Kiran Chan”, then just type that way. If it accepts only “Ravishaker Kiran” then just type that way.
Hi, if we apply as a family, can you explain how we fill one form and add the family members details?
Hi Yoshy! Each member of the family has to fill a separate DS-160. At the last step of your DS-160 (thank you page), you will be asked to create a new DS-160 for each family member. If you follow the instructions that way, some of the data (such as the address in the US, etc) will be copied to the DS-160s of your family members.
You can schedule one appointment for the visa interview for the entire family. Refer to my article on how to schedule US visa appointment.
Hi,
I am trying to apply for US Nonimmigrant visa. But the photos I had are not being accepted on the DS-160 form. I had them clicked by a professional from the Walmart store twice. So can I continue without uploading picture or I should wait for them to accept on the website?
I am confused now as I had photos clicked by professionals. What to do?
Hi Jot! There are no professionals when it comes to photos for visas. It’s your job to make sure they are as per the photo specifications. If they are not, the application will not accept them.
Try to fix the photos you have as per the photo specifications. If you can’t, then you can go ahead without a photo. In that case, you have to carry 2 photos with you to the interview.
Hi, Thanks for your help and support.
I CAN FILL EACH FORM FOR EACH MEMBER SEPARATELY, that means if I did not complete the first one I can start the second because I have to confirm some details.
Hi Yoshy! Yes, you can.
Hello Thirumal,
My husband has unfortunately not received a visa. He was refused. He would very much like to resubmit an application. Can he do this immediately for the same journey and the same reason? We are going on a family visit to his parents (his parents are there now for 4 months, they have already a green card but not a passport).
But when my husband went there to the consulate in Amsterdam for an interview they just asked how long you are here in Holland? He said 1,5 year. Where are you going in America? He said my parents are in Sacramento, going with my wife and she has a Dutch passport. Then the officer told that he can not get a visa. He only received a letter with refused reason 214 (B) also everything else what my husband asked after the letter he was really dry and just answered all the time no, not today, it is not possible to get a visa today.
How likely is he to be accepted now for the same travel and same reason? And what exactly should he do differently? He did not even have the chance to show his papers he got with him.
Other question: If he now submits another request for the same travel date, can he now do his interview in Brussels? The interview date is there earlier. He was refused by the consulate in Amsterdam. He has a passport from Afghanistan and a residence permit from the Netherlands.
My husband works already for more than one year in the Netherlands. He is here since 25 January 2018 we are buying a house. We already have a contract with the bank. We will get the house on 29 of May. His parents and two little brothers live in America since January 2019 and they have a green card. Also, his uncle lives in America for already 3 years.
Hi Huriah! Sorry to hear that! Yes, he can reapply for his visa anytime. There is no waiting required. He can stick to his original travel dates and purpose of travel. Changing his purpose of travel will raise questions and may make his case even more complicated.
What I understand is that his entire family (parents, brothers, uncle, etc) have immigrated to the US. The visa officer may think that your husband has similar intent and may not return back to the Netherlands as his entire family resides in the US. As a Dutch national, it’s quite easy for you to immigrate as well. All those complexities, if not dealt in a proper way, can affect your husbands “non-immigrant” visa applications. I suggest consulting an immigration attorney as they are qualified and experienced in these matters.
There is nothing differently he can do. All he could do was to be honest, which he had been already in his interview. It’s not about how he did his interview. It’s about the law around family immigration, which I’m not well aware of. And only an immigration attorney can guide you both in the direction.
Yes, he can schedule his interview in Brussels. It is not necessary to schedule his interview in Amsterdam. That being said, your husband holds an Afghanistan passport. There are some travel restricts on some passports. You have to again talk to an immigration lawyer to find what these restrictions are and how they may affect your husband.
Hi Thirumal,
Hope you are fine and everything is going well.
My name is Abdul and I am currently living in the Netherlands. I don’t have a Dutch nationality yet but I have a Dutch residence permit. I applied for a tourist visa to the US. I wanted to go there to my parents who recently moved to the US (4 months ago).
My parents moved to the US through a special immigration visa which I was also included in the case. But as the process took very long and on the time I got married to my wife, I decided to live together with my wife and my father indicated me out of their visa case, in order to complete my parents case process the US Embassy in my origin asked me to an oath and fingerprint interview and to indicate me out of the immigration case. I went back to my origin from the Netherlands and everything went well. Now the consular officer told me that I cannot be in an immigration case and a tourist visa at the same time when I told him this story which I have already written on my DS-160. He responded that yeah I know what you mean but you are not eligible. I told him many reasons but he said not now but you can reapply. I have also mentioned that I gonna travel together with my wife which has Dutch nationality and passport. I have mentioned all these honestly on my application as well but my application got rejected when I went to interview yesterday. And they even did not tell me the exact reason why I have been rejected, 214(b) can contain a lot of reasons but how can I know what was the exact reason for my refusal? Can you give me some tips?
Now I want to know is it possible to reapply? I think I have all the reasons to convince them that I will come back to my residing country.
And as I have short time till my vacation start I wanted to know if it is possible to take the interview in Brussels (Belgium) while my first interview and refusal was in Amsterdam? And will it not raise any question for them that why I changed my interview location?
Is it okay if I apply for the same date and the same reasons for the second time?
Sorry that it is too long but in order to help me you had to know all my story.
I will be looking forward to your response.
Thank you in advance,
Abdul Wahab
Hi Abdul! I apologize for a delayed response.
First of all, I don’t really know the procedure to remove oneself from a family immigration petition. Second, I don’t know if you have been completely removed from your family immigration petition. You must consult an immigration lawyer on the procedure to remove yourself completely from such an immigration petition. If the procedure was not done properly, it may affect all your future “non-immigrant” visas.
Yes, you can reapply for your tourist visa at any time. And yes, you can apply for your US visa from anywhere in the world. Therefore, you can take your interview in Brussels. It doesn’t have to be in Amsterdam.
You can also stick to your original itinerary and purpose of the trip. But, I strongly advise you to consult an immigration lawyer since your previous immigration petition will again affect your tourist visa application.
Thirumal,
Even though it is my cousin that is inviting me and I have already filled his details as my relative I am going to stay within the USA. On the DS-160 form where it is asked on the family portion “Do you have any other relatives in the United States?”, do I still say yes or not?
Please I want you to clarify me on this.
Hi Experience! You will say “Yes”. Your cousin is considered as “other relative”.
Dear Thirumal,
When you select ” have you planned…..?” and if you say “yes” then you need to enter the places you want to visit
Hi Ali! I understand now. Yes, enter the names of the cities you plan to visit.
Hi! I have a question about the phone numbers you have to fill out in the form. Do I have to put country codes in front of the phone number (e.g. 0031 for the Netherlands)? I tried that but for one of the numbers, it will not allow me to add that many digits. I also tried to replace the 00 with the + but we are not allowed to add other digits than 0-9.
Would it be okay if I leave out the country code?
Hi Robin! DO NOT put country code in front of your phone number. Your country/region is already specified in the “Address” part, so it’s assumed that the phone number is also from that country/region. Therefore, no need to add the country code (or 00 or +) to your phone number.
Dear Thirumal,
Thank you and well noted. However, I indicate two cities (New York and New Jersey) and tourist places. Is that okay or do I need to fill-up form again? Kindly advise.
Hi Ali! That’s enough. No need to fill a new DS-160 form.
Hi Thirumal! Thank you so much for your help with the phone number question.
Just to clarify, a phone number with country code would be 0031 (0)43 2623735, where 0031 is the country code.
Should I leave out the 0031 entirely and just put 043 2623735?
And this goes for all phone numbers? My own, my university’s phone number, my previous employer’s phone number, the US contact phone number (so, without the 001 before it for US numbers)?
Thank you so much for your help! I have found conflicting answers on the internet but with your expertise, I really value your answers.
Best,
Robin
Hi Robin! Correct! You leave out 0031 and only enter 043 2623735. Also, I don’t know if that “0” is also necessary. If your friends or family have to call you from your country, do they have to dial “043 2623735” or “43 2623735”? If “43 2623735”, then enter “43 2623735”.
Yes, for all phone numbers for your country. And yes, without 001 for all US numbers.
Don’t worry too much about it. If they have to call you, they will reach you on your number. They know how to use those numbers.
Hi, I’m a student extending my F-1 visa. Should I put in my internship as previous employment or does it not count?
Hi Intern! Yes. An internship is a form of employment, therefore you should put your internship as your previous employment.
Hi, am I the only one hit “Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request” when uploading photo since 5 May 2019? Thanks
Hi Woti! It’s a server issue and the tech team in the US fixes it quickly. If it happens on a weekend or holiday, they usually fix on the next working day in the US. So, try again on Monday, May 6th in the US.
when I try to upload my photo it brings me to a page that says “Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request” why is this?
Hi Tracey! It’s an issue on their side and the tech team in the US fixes it quickly when it happens. If it happens on a weekend or holiday, they usually fix it on the next working day in the US. So, try again on a working day.
Hi Thirumal,
Good news!
Our visa has been approved yesterday and it will be delivered our passport with Visa Stamp within 2-3 business day.
Thank you so much for your advice and tips that make us prepared for the critical questions based in our circumstances. We confidently answered all the backgrounds and status of our Immediate family in the US to the best of our knowledge.
True that should not hide anything as there is no secrets or tricks to get a US visa. The Consular officer will simply look on your “Honest intention and Personal circumstances” if you are qualified for a visa which you’re applying.
Best Regards,
DadaofSamuelle
Hi DadaofSamuelle! That’s fantastic. Congratulations!
You’re welcome! I’m glad that my advice has been helpful in securing US visas for you and your family.
Millions of people apply for visas and millions travel every day. If there is a genuine reason to travel, there is nothing to fear. Many make the mistake of hiding information or using an incompetent travel agent. None of these tactics are necessary and can only lead to denials.
Congrats again! Enjoy your family trip!
Hi Thirumal,
I found your walkthrough here extremely helpful! Thanks! But as I was trying to upload my photo, this message about a missing or invalid parameter kept popping up. Any way I can troubleshoot this?
Hi Neal! That error comes up usually on the weekend when their tech team is not available to resolve it immediately. Try on the next working day and the issue should be resolved.
Hi, Firstly, thank you!
US visa page still has ” Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter. ” for the photo:(
Will it be fixed today? Cause you have written next Monday for this server-side issue.
Hi Tugce! I have never seen that error myself. But a quick Google search revealed that applicants have reported this issue as a server-side issue and usually was fixed on the next working day. So, try on Monday in the US. Also, let us all know if the issue gets fixed so our readers will know what to do when they see this error.
Hi Thirumal,
I am in the process of applying DS 160 form and have reached US Point of contact information where I do not know any person in individual or an organization name I am aware of. While I click on “Do Not Know” for Contact Person and Organization name, the checkbox toggles on either of them (depending on which one is selected) and hence the form validation expects me to provide all the required details to be filled where I do not have any information for those fields.
Have checked different browsers but this issue has not yet resolved. Could you advise if “US Point Of Contact” section requires at least “Contact Person” or “Organization name” either to be filled?
Or is this a bug?
Thanks,
Praneet
Hi Praneet! It’s not a bug. I have already mentioned in the article that you must enter “at least” one of them. Otherwise, you cannot go to the next step.
US contact depends on your purpose. If you are going for tourism, then you can enter your hotel address and phone. You can book a “refundable” hotel and enter its details.
If you are going for tourism but will be meeting a friend/family member, then you can enter their details as your US contact.
If you are going for business, then you can enter your client, conference organizer, etc as your US contact.
Dear Thirumal, I am getting the following error every time I try uploading my photo for the DS-160 form:
Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request
Do you have any idea that how much time does this take to get resolved? Am I supposed to report this error somewhere or call some helpline number?
Thank you for your help in advance.
Hi Narmeen! I have filled DS-160 many times but I have never seen this error myself. A quick Google search reveals that it’s a common error that gets fixed quickly by their tech team. But if this error occurs on a weekend, their tech team only fixes it on the next working day. I received about 5 comments on this particular issue today. That means, it’s happening to everyone and you just have to wait till Monday for them to fix it. When I say Monday, it’s Monday in the US.
I saw the same question asked before, but still want to ask. While uploading a photo to my DS-160 form, I always get a mistake which says, “there was a missing or invalid parameter in the request”. What should I do in that case?
Hi Natalia! I have received about 5 comments on the same issue today. Looks like it’s a common issue on their side and they will fix it on the next working day (which is Monday in the US). Just wait till Monday morning in the US and the issue should be fixed. Let us all know when the issue is fixed.
I am facing a problem in uploading my photo it appears “Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request”
I tried from many browsers and devices still the same. Is the system down? The problem is that I have an appointment after 5 days what should I do?
Hi Sandy! If you can see, many readers reported the same this on this weekend. This is a common issue and their tech team fixes it quickly. But if it happens on the weekend, they will fix it on the next working day (Monday). Just wait till Monday morning in the US, the issue should be fixed. Also, let us know when the issue is fixed so all those facing the same issue will be aware.
Thank you Thirumal, the problem has been solved. Thanks for your cooperation and quick reply.
Hi Sandy! Thanks for the update! Hopefully, it’s fixed for everyone who had this issue on the weekend.
Hi, planning to fill up the d160 form for my mother and sister to attend my son’s wedding. My mother had been in the US with a green card a long time ago and had expired and had been living in the Philippines, My question is what should I answer on the question of “Had any petition been filed for you”? Thanks!
Hi Marilyn! You have to mention that she had held a green card within certain dates and it’s number. Ex: “I held a US green card valid from April 2006 to March 2016. I-155 number KCF2564918.”
Thanks Thirumal, the photo is uploaded today without error.
Hi Woti! Good to know. Thanks for the update! Hopefully, it’s fixed for everyone.
Hi Thirumal,
In the DS 160 form, for students who are funded by the institution (as a GTA) but not paying for flight charges, what option should I select for “who is paying for your trip” self or organization in the US?
Hi Sam! My knowledge and experience are in “tourist” visas only. Therefore, I don’t know how student visas and student funding works.
That being said, I will try to answer your question from “tourist” visa point of view. In my opinion, the tuition fee is a lot more than the flight charges. Therefore, the “institution” will be the one “paying for the trip” since they are paying more than the student him/herself.
Hi Thirumal,
I just submitted my DS-160 form and on the address where I will be staying. I wrote my friends address where I will really be staying. Is it fine? Because I have heard from some people that if you are applying for a B1/B2 visa then you have to show bookings for a hotel and all. Secondly, Do I need to show a ticket as-well? Because I have not booked a ticket since it is super expensive and I do not want to risk it before visa issuance. Would be glad if you could clarify me on these agendas.
Hi Anonymous! Flight tickets and hotel bookings are NOT REQUIRED for US visa application. No need to book them or no need to provide any proofs.
Explanation: Visa applications such as Schengen, Canada, etc ask for flight reservations (held tickets) and hotel bookings. They recommend not “purchasing” flight tickets but only to “hold” them. Similarly, they recommend booking “refundable” hotels. It is such a waste of money, time and effort.
Consulates and you pretty well know that you will purchase different flight tickets and make different hotel bookings after the visa. Thankfully, the US has completely eliminated this useless step from their visa applications.
One of the best explanation on the internet for DS-160 form. Good work buddy.
Hi Priyank! Thanks for the kind words! I struggled to fill DS-160 myself many times. Decided to make a guide so it can be useful to others. I’m glad it was helpful to you. Thanks again!
Hi Thirumal,
I am still a university student and my father is going to be sponsoring my 2 week trip to the US. What documents would you recommend me to carry with myself to the interview?
thanks
Hi Anonymous! US visa officers do not ask for any documentation at all. They make the decision based on the information in your DS-160 and interview.
That being said, carry minimal documentation to your interview such as your student proofs, your father’s employment and financial proofs.
Hi Thirumal,
When I was completing my DS-160 form, it asked me if you have any other relatives in US. I clicked yes. Now I am wondering that is it possible that in the interview they ask me to provide info of the relative you have there like bring their passport photocopy or bank statements and all.
thanks
Hi Anonymous! If you mentioned that you have relatives in the US, you may be asked who they are, where they are, etc., but you will not be asked to show any documentation/proofs.
Hi Thirumal
From where can I get access to the DS-160 application I submitted? Because don’t I have to bring it along with the DS-160 confirmation on the interview?
Hi Anonymous! You can use the option “Retrieve an Application” to view and print your DS-160. You don’t have to bring your DS-160 form. You only have to bring the DS-160 “confirmation” to your interview.
Hi Thirumal!
I have a question about “Personal Information Page 1”. It says all the information on the page has to be the same as on your passport.
For city, province, and country of birth, should I fill out the province even if the province of birth is not listed on my passport?
On the “passport information page” there is also the question where the passport was issued (city, province, country) but there it explicitly says only to fill out the province if it is on the passport. So here I will not add the province as it is not on my passport. However, I am still unsure if I should fill out the province I was born on the “personal information page 1”.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Robin!
Personal Information Page 1
Yes. It is fine to enter the province of birth even though it’s not in your passport. Other information such as city and country must match with your passport.
Passport Information Page
No. Do not enter the province if it’s not in your passport.
Hi Thirumal,
You have been doing an excellent job by helping/ guiding people. Both thumbs up!! I have been invited by a US university for an on-campus interview. I am a non-EU/ UK citizen, currently living in the UK on a Work visa sponsored by a higher education institute.
1. I contacted US embassy in London to know the relevant visa type and I have been asked to apply for a B2 visa for an on-campus interview, which is bit strange though, as this type of visa is intended for Visitor/ Medical purposes. I thought B1 is a more relevant category. What do you say?
2. My trip is being sponsored by the inviting higher education institute and I have got a sponsorship letter for them. I am bit confused about filling the “Travel Information” in DS-160 form. The date of my interview is set as 10 June 2019. Is it OK, if I given the answer “NO” to the question: “Have you made specific travel plans?” I am doing this because if I type yes, then I would have to input flight details, etc which could only be provided if I have bought tickets. I don’t want to purchase tickets unless I get the visa.
3. Regarding “Address where you will stay in the US”, my sponsor institute has given me names of a couple of institutes where they plan to book my accommodation. The situation is tricky because sponsor institute has asked me to purchase tickets (whenever I feel feasible – of course, I will purchase them after the issuance of visa) and then they will book accommodation on the basis of my tickets. They will reimburse all travel cost post interview. Now, I am a bit worried that if I write the name of one hotel without booking accommodation, then the embassy may check about booking. Also, if I don’t buy air tickets at this stage, i.e., prior to the visa interview, then sponsor institute is unable to book accommodation for me. I am afraid I would not have any travel arrangement documents (such as air ticket itinerary and accommodation booking) with me to show to the visa officer if he/ she asks me to show them. What do you suggest? How this situation can be handled?
4. What kind of questions could be asked during a visa interview in this case?
Regards,
Mani
Hi Mani!
1. I never understood how certain travels are categorized. That is way, I recommend my readers to apply for B1/B2. This takes all the guesswork out. I suggest selecting B1/B2 in your case as well.
2. Select “No. It’s absolutely fine not to make any prior travel arrangements. In fact, the consulates themselves recommend not making any travel arrangements (flights/hotels, etc) until after you receive your visa.
3. There is a slight chance that the consulate may check your booking. But again, they themselves do not recommend booking anything. So, in the worst case, they may ask about your accommodation in the interview. You can tell that you are intending to stay there but you haven’t booked it yet.
4. You will mostly be asked about your purpose (what interview, why, etc), your total number of days, your activities during that time, where you intend to stay, how much you intend to spend, etc. You may also be asked about your employment, financial and travel history.
Hi! If I fill a visa for my friend will they know it was submitted from the US and will that be an issue? She lives in Mexico but wanna submit it for her since I know English and she is on the line with me answering the questions.
Hi Alex! They may track the IP of the computer for security reasons, but I have never heard any incidents of them using the IP to make a visa decision. Therefore, I would say that it won’t be a problem.
Hello,
I want to apply for US Business Visa. I have changed my home last year and address in the passport is not yet changed to the current address. My all other documents have the current permanent address.
Will this be a problem for applying for Business Visa?
Thanks,
Mayur
Hi Mayur! Address in your passport has no bearing on your visa decision (US visa or any other visa). Passports are usually issued for 10 years and consulates do not expect the applicants to be residing in the same address. Changing address on a passport is not an easy procedure and I advise against it.
Hello all, I completed a DS-160 form but I forgot my application ID. I can not log in it to submit. Do you have any solution to enter it again？Thank you very much！
Hi Lily! Unfortunately, there is no way to retrieve an Application ID. You have to fill a new DS-160 form.
Note: There are some online articles on searching in Chrome browser cache for application ids. It would take much longer to do this than just filling a new DS-160. If you are interested in giving it a try, check this article.
Hello
I’m trying to get a C1/D visa, do I have to fill in the DS-160 twice, one for the D and the other for the C1? Or do I just fill in D and ask at the interview?
Thanks
Hi Andrew! You have to fill only one DS-160 form. You can only enter ONE DS-160 confirmation code while scheduling your visa appointment.
Suggestion
Select either “ALIEN IN TRANSIT (C)” or “CREWMEMBER (D)” depending on your actual purpose. You will then be shown further options within “Specify”. See if you can select “C1/D”. If “C1/D” is not available in the options within “Specify”, then select the closest (ex: C1 or D). And then request for C1/D at the interview.
Hello Thirumal, Please I have two questions.
Firstly, say the name on my passport is Azeez-Masha Bilaal but I bear Masha Bilaal on all my other documents. Can I select yes under the “have you ever beared any other name”?
Secondly, I have been to the US several times with my Biological Mother when I was younger, but when I was a teen I was adopted by her sister and husband but my name was never changed. Should I just fill in the names of my biological parents and not my adopted parents to avoid any confusion? Also, I would not mind filling in the names of my adopted parents but there is no box for “other information” to explain my circumstance.
I look forward to your response, thank you.
Hi Samiah!
1. I would say “yes”. Enter Misha Bilaal as your other name.
2. This depends on whether you use your biological parents or adopted parents when filling forms (school, college, employment, passport, etc). Whoever you use in your forms, use them in your DS-160 as well. The reason for that is US visa officers refer to many databases that are sourced from third parties. If you have been using your biological/adopted parents’ names in your forms (school, college, employment, passport, etc), then that information might have made it into those databases already. If that’s your adopted parents’, then I also suggest producing a document proving that you are adopted by your biological mother’s sister.
Hi! Hope you are fine! Can you please guide me?
I’m an international student from Pakistan. Back in 2016, I was studying in Australia and I applied for USA visit visa which was approved and validity for the visa was for 6months. So, I couldn’t get a chance to go because of some reasons but now I’m planning to go there and my visa has been expired. So is there any chance I can get it again or not? And currently I’m in Pakistan and I’m holding “Australian Temporary Residency ” which is going to expire next year in June.
So where should I mention in the application that I’m holding Australian TR just to make the ties strong because there is no option in the application regarding it?
Your response will be highly appreciated
Thanks
Hi Adnan! You may be able to secure another US visa, but it depends on many factors such as your ties with your home country, your purpose of travel, your travel history, etc.
There is a field to specify if you hold a permanent residence but there isn’t any for temporary residence. Your only option is to specify Australia and other countries you have traveled for the question “Have you traveled to any countries/regions within the last five years?”, which is available as part of section “10. Work / Education / Training”.
Hi Thirumal,
Samiah here again! Thank you for the swift response. Sigh, so, for the most part, I think I have filled in my biological parents’ names. However, in some instances, I might have filled in my adopted parents’ names. I can’t remember for sure. Which would you advise I use? I don’t want to get a denial, so I am trying to be super careful. Is it also possible that I use my biological parents’ names and just provide evidence of the adoption and hopefully I get to explain the situation if I am granted an interview?
Again, will my application be considered as a fresh one or renewal as I have not been to the US in over 10 years since I was a minor? I look forward to your response again. Thanks a lot.
Hi Samiah! In that case, I suggest going with your biological parents’ names. Also, carry a copy of your adoption documentation to your interview.
Your application will be considered as a fresh one. Renewals are only when applying within one year of expiry and from the same US consulate.
Hi Thirumal
Thank you for helping us on the first hand.
My Given Name on Indian Passport is XXXX YYYY ZZZZ
I neither have the first name, nor surname.
Now, what should I fill on DS-160?
Thanks a lot
Hi Xxxx! It’s a common occurrence in Indian passports. But it poses a big problem for visas. Most visa forms have given name and surname fields and both are mandatory.
If this is the first time you are filling a form (visa, education, government, etc) that is asking for a surname, then you have to first figure what exactly is your surname. Is it XXXX or YYYY or ZZZZ? After that, figure your first name and middle names. Then, fill your visa application with the given name (first name and middle name) and surname.
Note: You must get your name fixed when you renew your passport. Otherwise, you will face problems not only while filling your visa forms but also while traveling (at airports, immigration, etc).
Dear Thirumal
Greetings.
Thanks a lot for the reply.
As I have no legal means, based on which I can find out my first name, middle name, and surname.
I’m currently studying masters in Germany.
In the university, they have written has First name: xxxx and Family name: yyyy zzzz, though I don’t have family name on my passport.
As I’m in need of US tourist visa now, I’m really not really getting how to deal this.
Right now I have filled DS-160 as follows
Given name: FNU
Surname: xxxx yyyy zzzz.
Please help me with this.
Thank you
Rekha
Hi Rekha! Ok, a few things to do –
1) Send me an email with your full name and which part of India you come from. Maybe I can help.
2) Surname is basically “family name”. Check with your parents, siblings, cousins, etc to figure your family name. It could be one of those xxxx, yyyy or zzzz.
Your university probably assumed that yyyy zzzz is your family name. And this continues as your study, work or travel. Everyone will assume one/two of your names as your surname and it can make things much worse for you. You will end up with different documents with different names.
For your US visa, using FNU for your first name is the right way to go for now. If there is no “surname” in your passport, US authorities will issue your US visa with the first name as “FNU” and surname as “xxxx yyyy zzzz”.
I found this article online which may be useful on how to use FNU for your US visa.
Hello Thirumal Sir
Good afternoon.
Thanks for all and all the right information.
I have one question regarding the filing of DS-160 FORM for the parents to bring them in the United States.
My sister is in the US from DIVERSITY VISA (DV) program since 5 years, now she wants to bring mom to the U.S. She doesn’t know anything that how to file for it. So I filed out DS-160 form for my mother while filing out I’m in confuse for below questions sir please provide me information about this.
On Step Travel of DS-160 form
1. Purpose of Trip to the U.S.
Ans- Temp. Business Pleasure Visitor (B)
2. Specify
Ans- Tourism/Medical Treatment (B2)
OR
Business & Tourism (Temporary Visitors) (B1/B2)
From the above options on each, which option should I choose to fill my mothers DS-160 form.
Is my options which I mentioned above are correct in option 2 of Specify Which answer should I choose B2 OR B1/B2 Please answer me, sir, I’m in trouble.
Thanks, waiting for your answer.
Hi Bijay! Select “Tourism/Medical Treatment (B2)” for your mother’s DS-160.
Hello! I would like to help me please! I am completing the DS-160 for a child of 12 years old, at the end page with sign and submit I am asked is someone had assisted me to fulfill, I say yes and I complete with the name of the father and address, but then is E SIGNATURE and it is asked to write the passport number: I don’t understand, I should write the child passport number for who is the application or the father’s passport number. Thank you.
Hi Adriana! You must enter your child’s passport number on the “Sign and Submit” page. The passport number on the Signature page must match with the passport number of the applicant (your child) entered earlier in “04. Passport” page.
Hello Thirumal,
You have no clue how helpful this page has been. So, thanks!
I’m applying for an F1 visa and on my i-20, only the duration for my first semester is indicated(which is 4 months). However, I will be studying for a total of 20 months as indicated on the official offer letter. My question is, what should I write as my ‘Duration of stay?’
Thanks in advance.
Hi Dasha! Your F1 validity depends on the reciprocity and not on the duration you enter in your DS-160. Therefore, it doesn’t really matter if you enter 4 months or 20 months. I would say, enter 4 months just to match with your I-20.
Refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to see the duration of F1 visas issued for your country.
Sir: I am gratified to see your extensive guidance on your DS-160. I am sure I’ll be referring to it as I try to prepare my Panamanian sister in law’s nonimmigrant visa for a visit to our home in San Antonio. However, I’ve been stopped in my tracks very early; the problem is as follows: I had entered her surname as CORTES and date of birth as 1959. I left the application and returned and had to enter 3 mandatory questions, (1) the first 5 letters of her surname to which I answered CORTE and (2) her birth year, to which I answered 1954. (3) The third answer “city of her nearest relative was SATISFACTORY but #s (1) & (2) were deemed false-incorrect and so I have not been able to continue.
I made probably some 17 attempts at the retrieval, carefully scrutinizing where I might be in error but cannot figure what is wrong. Also, I looked for a telephone “Helpline” and have found none. I am fairly well vexed and only found your blog through Google Search. One more aspect of this I found to be most incongruent is that when I called the embassy in Panama they told me that they have nothing to do with the DS-160 forms and any attendant problems; that it is the Department of State, that addresses the characteristics and specifics of the form. Again I noted that no telephone helpline was to be found there and this question which they might regard as minutiae was not addressed.
I would be muchly appreciated if you could give me some guidance on this issue I seem to have exhausted any other possibilities. Thank you. Best Regards, Richard Sanders in San Antonio, Texas.
Hi Richard! There must be some error in the information for those 3 questions. It’s not that you are entering them wrong to retrieve, but you may have entered them wrong in the form itself. If the information is not matching, there is no way to retrieve your application. The only option is to start a new one.
If you decide to start a new one, check that you can retrieve the application early on.
Note: You said her birth year is 1959 but you tried entering 1954. I am assuming that it is a typo in your question but if I suggest looking into that.
Hello Thirumal. I am going with the names of my biological parents like you advised, however, can I include my adopted siblings’ names under “immediate relatives living in the US”?
Thank you
Hi Samiah! Yes, you will have to include your adopted siblings’ names under “immediate relatives”.
Thanks Thirumal! I got through at the embassy for my J1 visa. Your DS160 info helped a lot whilst filling out my application. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Hi Candice! You’re welcome and good luck!
Hi.
I have a petition on process I-130 and I am trying to apply for a Temporary Visa.
On the part of DS-160:
Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services?
What will I be explaining?
Reasons why I am applying for a Temporary Visa or just indicate the details of my petition?
Thank you!
Hi Grace! You will just enter the details of your petition, such as the type of petition, date of filing and current status.
Can I indicate the reasons why I need to go visit my mom?
Thank you so much for your reply and time.
Not in the field for “has anyone ever filed immigration petition..”. The purpose of your trip is not relevant to that question. You will be asked in your interview on why you need to travel to the US. You should explain the VO at that time.
Alright. Thank you so much for making time 🙂
I’ll update you if I had the chance to get a Visa.
Thank you so much for your response.
I have another question, and it will sound very stupid but I’m paranoid af. For all Nonimmigrant visa applications, is there are standard support of affidavit form to fill? I mean is I-134 the required SOA to take for the interview? Or does it vary from country to country?
Hi Dasha! The I-134 is the same for all countries. You only have to fill and bring it to the interview if you have a US sponsor.
I’m planning to apply for a US Visa to attend my best friend’s sister’s wedding. My best friend will add me as a travel companion, but I’m planning to go back earlier than her. Example: She will stay there for 3 weeks but I will only stay there for two weeks. Is this possible? Or I would need to stay there for three weeks as well?
Hi Tin! No, you don’t have to stay there for 3 weeks. You can return earlier. If you both are going there together, then you have to add your best friend as your travel companion, but you can return earlier than her.
Hi Thirumal,
I’m applying for F1 visa currently. I have an aunt living with her whole family in the state where I’m planning to study, will it affect my application negatively if I mention them on my DS160 for the question ‘Do you have other relatives?’
My mum and dad are planning to come to drop me off and visit my aunt, however, my dad already has a visa to the US for 10 years and my mum hasn’t filed for a visa yet. Should I mention them on ‘other people travelling with you’ question? Their plan of coming with me is still not definite.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Yas! No. It won’t affect your visa application. If you have your aunt in the US, then you have to select “Yes” for that question.
If your mum and dad’s plans are not definite yet, I suggest not mentioning about them joining you. Don’t complicate your application.
Hi, I have submitted the application successfully. Do I have to fill a new DS-160 application if my wife is accompanying me?
Hi Fazal! You have to fill a DS-160 form for your wife as well. After that, you both can schedule a single visa interview appointment.
Thank you. And what if it’s not a US sponsor? What should the support of affidavit look like?
Hi Dasha! You don’t need to provide any documentation if your sponsor is a non-US person. You just have to fill the relevant details in your DS-160 and have to answer any related questions during your interview.
Hi Thirumal,
Hoping to get your assistance on questions as follows – :
1) What if my appointment date is later than my intended travel date in visa applications?
2) If I and my mum are travelling together, does she need to complete the online application form? I’m quite sure this is the case, however, when filling out the DS-160 form, I couldn’t go through to the last “Sign” stage, after “Complete”, “Photo” and “Review”.
Thanks so much.
Ivy Jiang
Hi Ivy!
1. In such cases, I suggest the following
– a. Delay your travel. You don’t need to create a new DS-160 for this small change but if you prefer, you can edit or create a new DS-160 and carry the print of the new DS-160 confirmation with you.
– b. Keep an eye on the wait times at the consulates where you scheduled your interview. When the wait times drop, cancel and rebook your appointment. You may be able to grab an appointment at an earlier date.
– c. Check the wait times at the other consulates in your country. Find a consulate with least wait times and schedule your appointment there.
2. Yes. You have to fill a DS-160 form for you and your mum has to fill one for herself. You can schedule a single visa appointment for both of you, so you both can go to the appointment together.
Are you getting an error on the “sign” page? If so, what error is that?
Hi Thirumal: Please advise me on this vexing “standstill”. The Department of State seems to have no answer!
Description: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I have made over 10(?) attempts to retrieve/ resume my DS-160 form answering the questions about 5 first characters of my sister in law’s surname and her birth year: Arianana Cortes Cortes. I typed in CORTE and answered 1958 for her birth year. The “red letter message” stated Please correct all areas in error as indicated below. Once you have finished, click ‘Retrieve Application’ button to continue completing your online application form. Well, nothing here enlightened me as to the mistake. I’m truly puzzled by their lack of proficiency in solving such a matter. Help please if you can.
Surname does not match.
Year of Birth does not match.
The data was correct! I have looked for a “HELP PAGE” for this but to no avail. I am again at a standstill for something quite minor. I certainly would appreciate any help you can provide me.
Hi Richard! If that information is not matching, there is no way to retrieve the DS-160. Even the department of state will not help. They would also suggest creating a new one. I suggest creating a new DS-160. Make sure to check that you can retrieve your new DS-160 early on.
Note: I’m a bit confused on the birth year. You had used 1959 and 1954 in your earlier question. In this question, you said you have entered 1958. I’m assuming these are typos but if you are really using different years that do not match with her actual birth year, you won’t be able to retrieve her application.
Hi, Thirumal
Firstly, Thanks for all the information that you shared for us. So I have two questions :
1) I’m an international student in Italy. So according to that, I have a temporary residence permit as a student. But my home country is Azerbaijan. Do you have to emphasize my temporary residence permit somewhere on DS-160 form? I’m applying for F1 (Language School) US Embassy in Rome.
2) The part “who will be paying for the trip”. I’m stuck in this question. My father put some amount of money into my account. So I got the bank statement. How should I respond to this question? Self or others?
Thanks in advance. Kind regards.
Hi Zahid!
1) No. There is no option to specify your status in Italy. You will be asked that question during your interview. You will have the opportunity to explain at that time.
2) I don’t know how financial proofs for student visas (F1) work. My experience and knowledge are only in tourist visas. For tourist visas, the VO will not ask to show any documentation (even bank statements). They make the decision based on the information from DS-160 and interview.
Hi Thirumal,
I was applying for a visit visa but I don’t have a exact destination yet in USA. I will book a hotel when we will reached there but while I was filling the form for visa it asked me for the address. So, can you please guide me up for it how should I apply for visa.
Hi Muhammad! First of all, you must have an itinerary in mind, such as dates of travel, number of days in the US and the places that you plan to visit. You will definitely be asked questions on your itinerary. Failing to have a clear itinerary mostly probably leads to visa refusal.
For filling your DS-160, I suggest booking a “refundable” hotel and using their address in your DS-160. If at all the consulate contacts the hotel, the staff at the hotel can respond with your booking details. You can cancel your booking after you receive your visa.
I have a peculiar situation. I have filled DS-160 when I was working with my previous ORG but couldn’t go for an interview. Can I use the same application for my new company interview? This is for a B1/B2 visa.
Hi Gurinder! Yes, you can. But your circumstances have changed (new employment) and your DS-160 is not current anymore. If you DS-160 is not current, it could lead to issues and visa refusal. For example, when the visa officer asks about your current employment. Your answer (new company) will not match with the information in DS-160 (previous company). So, the VO might assume that you are lying. The VO may not give you enough time to explain why your DS-160 says something different.
I suggest filling a new DS-160 with current information including your new employment. You can upload your previous DS-160 to pre-populate a new DS-160 and make the changes accordingly. It saves you a lot of time.
Dear Thirumal,
Kindly advise whether it’s better to apply for B2 visa with the family or for myself first. We are all living in Dubai.
Regards,
Ai
Hi Ali! I suggest applying for your B2 visa with your family.
Please, help I was filling the DS-160 application form and I noticed that some pages are not there in the form.
DS 160 form not asking for previous experience and education and travel history.
Please someone should help confirm.
Hi Ladi! Those sections are not shown for female applicants for certain countries. Please read the note in the article. It explains the reason clearly.