Common Mistakes Indians Make in DS-160 Form

This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

I still cringe remembering how I almost missed my US visa interview because of silly errors in my DS-160 form.

After spending hours filling it out, I had to redo the entire application because I mixed up my travel dates!

Over the years, I’ve helped dozens of family members and friends with their DS-160 forms, and I’ve seen the same mistakes happen repeatedly.

The DS-160 is your first step toward getting a US visa, and even minor errors can lead to delays or rejections.

As an Indian passport holder who’s been through this process multiple times, I understand the confusion and pressure you might feel when completing this detailed form.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common DS-160 mistakes that Indians make and show you exactly how to avoid them.

Quick Overview: The DS-160 Form

The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application form required for all US visa types including tourist, business, student, and work visas. It collects personal information, travel details, and background information.

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a barcode that you must bring to your visa interview. The form cannot be edited after submission, so accuracy is crucial.

💡 Pro Tip: Always use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browsers when filling out the DS-160. Internet Explorer often causes unexpected errors and data loss. Also, save your application frequently using the “Save” button at the bottom of each page.

Top 10 DS-160 Mistakes Indians Make and How to Avoid Them

1. Entering Incorrect Personal Information

Common Error: Misspelling names or entering them in the wrong order.

How to Avoid:

• Enter your name EXACTLY as it appears in your passport
• For “Surname,” enter your last name
• For “Given Name,” enter your first and middle names
• If your passport shows “Given Name” as blank, write “FNU” (First Name Unknown)
• Triple-check spelling and spacing of your name

Remember that any discrepancy between your DS-160 and passport can lead to administrative processing or visa rejection.

2. Uploading Improper Photographs

Common Error: Using photos that don’t meet US visa specifications.

How to Avoid:

• Use a photo taken within the last 6 months
• Ensure dimensions are 600×600 pixels
• Face should take up 50-70% of the frame
• Use a white or off-white background
• Remove glasses and headwear (except for religious purposes)
• Ensure proper lighting with no shadows

Consider getting professional visa photos taken at a studio familiar with US visa requirements rather than trying to take them yourself.

3. Travel Plan Inconsistencies

Common Error: Providing vague or inconsistent travel dates.

How to Avoid:

• Enter specific travel dates that match your interview documents
• If exact dates aren’t known, use your best estimate but remain consistent
• Ensure your intended length of stay matches your travel purpose
• Have a clear purpose of trip statement prepared before starting the form

4. Work and Education History Gaps

Common Error: Leaving unexplained gaps in work or education history.

How to Avoid:

• Prepare a complete timeline of your work and education before starting
• Include all positions held in the last 5 years with no gaps
• For periods of unemployment, select “Not Employed” and explain
• Have your resume or CV handy for reference
• Include part-time jobs, freelance work, and internships

5. Social Media Account Omissions

Common Error: Forgetting to list social media accounts or providing incorrect usernames.

How to Avoid:

• List ALL social media platforms you’ve used in the past 5 years
• Check your usernames before entering them (they must be exact)
• Include dormant accounts you haven’t deleted
• Be honest – visa officers can find your accounts even if not listed

6. Previous US Travel Mistakes

Common Error: Forgetting to mention previous US visits or visa history.

How to Avoid:

• Check your passport for all previous US visa stamps
• Have your travel history ready before starting the form
• Include ALL previous trips to the US (regardless of how short)
• Be honest about any visa denials or immigration issues
• Have previous visa details ready (visa number, issue date, etc.)

7. Family Information Errors

Common Error: Providing incomplete or incorrect family information.

How to Avoid:

• Gather all family members’ details before starting
• Include information for parents and spouse (even if deceased)
• For married women, include both maiden and married names
• Include step-parents if applicable
• Be consistent with spelling of all family members’ names

8. Security Questions Misunderstandings

Common Error: Misinterpreting security and background questions.

How to Avoid:

• Read each question slowly and carefully
• Answer truthfully, even if you’re unsure how it might affect your application
• If unsure about a question, use the “?” help icon for clarification
• For complex questions, consider consulting with an immigration advisor
• Never guess or assume what a question means

9. Application Timeout and Data Loss

Common Error: Losing data due to session timeout.

How to Avoid:

• Save your application every 10-15 minutes using the “Save” button
• Note down your application ID to retrieve your form later
• Complete the form in a single sitting if possible
• Have all required documents and information ready before starting
• Keep your connection stable while filling the form

10. Selecting the Wrong Visa Type

Common Error: Choosing an incorrect visa category.

How to Avoid:

• Research the appropriate visa category for your travel purpose before starting
• For tourism or visiting family, select B-2
• For business meetings, select B-1
• For students, select F-1
• If unsure, check the US Embassy website for guidance

Critical DS-160 Sections Where Indians Often Make Mistakes

Personal Information Section

Address and Phone Section

Work and Education Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I make a mistake on my DS-160 after submission?

You cannot edit the form after submission. You must complete a new DS-160 form with the correct information and bring both confirmation pages to your interview, explaining the error to the visa officer.

Do I need to list all my social media accounts on the DS-160?

Yes, you must list all social media platforms you’ve used actively in the past 5 years. Omitting accounts could be seen as misrepresentation and could affect your visa eligibility.

How do I handle name variations across my documents?

If your name appears differently across documents, use the exact name from your passport in the DS-160. Bring supporting documents explaining any name variations to your interview, such as a marriage certificate or name change documentation.

What if I don’t know my exact travel dates at the time of filling DS-160?

Use your best estimate and be consistent throughout the application. Minor changes to travel dates won’t usually cause problems as long as the purpose remains the same.

Can I save my DS-160 and complete it later?

Yes, click the “Save” button and note your application ID. You can retrieve your application within 30 days by going to the DS-160 main page and clicking “Retrieve an Application.”

How to Correct Mistakes After Submission

If you discover errors after submitting:

1. Minor errors (like spelling mistakes in addresses or phone numbers):
   • Note the error
   • Bring a written explanation to your interview
   • The officer can often make annotations
2. Major errors (like wrong names, travel purposes, or visa types):
   • Complete an entirely new DS-160
   • Print both confirmation pages
   • Explain the error to the consular officer during your interview
3. Critical errors (like wrong passport number):
   • Always complete a new application
   • Never try to explain these away at the interview

💡 Pro Tip: If completing a new DS-160 due to errors, use different answers for your security questions. Using the same security questions and answers on multiple applications can sometimes trigger system flags.

Bonus Tips for DS-160 Success

• Complete in one session if possible – having all information prepared in advance
• Use a checklist of all documents you’ll need before starting
• Take screenshots of each completed page as backup
• Print multiple copies of your confirmation page
• Review thoroughly before final submission
• Start early – at least 2-3 weeks before your interview date
• Use a stable internet connection to prevent data loss
• Have someone else review your application before submission

Summary

• Complete the DS-160 with information exactly matching your passport
• Prepare all necessary information before starting the application
• Double check critical information like names, dates, and passport details
• Save your application frequently to prevent data loss
• Be honest and thorough, especially regarding previous travel and social media
• If major mistakes are found after submission, complete a new application
• Review everything carefully before final submission

The DS-160 might seem intimidating, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can avoid these common mistakes.

Remember that honesty is the best policy – consular officers appreciate transparency and consistency above all.

Take your time, follow the guidelines in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful visa application process.

Wishing you a smooth visa journey and wonderful travels to the USA! ✈️