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 should 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 blacklisting.
***
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
- REGIOUS 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
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.
10 tips for a happy and successful Airbnb stay
15 ways to research visa requirements for any country
11 mistakes that can get your visa application denied (and how to avoid them)
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 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 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)”.
Ok for housewife they should select self or husband as who will pay for trip question