DS160 Form – Full Guide to Filling & Submission

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 11, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

If you’re planning to apply for a U.S. visa, the DS-160 form is your first step. This form is crucial for most non-immigrant visas, whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, student visa, or work visa. B

ut let’s be honest—it can be a bit overwhelming to fill out. So, here’s a complete guide to help you navigate the process like a pro.

Tip: Make sure you have a solid internet connection and set aside about an hour to complete the DS-160. It’s a long form, and you don’t want to lose your progress!

What is the DS-160 Form?

The DS-160 is an online application form required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants. The form must be completed and submitted online, and a confirmation number will be generated once the form is submitted.

The confirmation number will be required in order to schedule an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Documents you need to complete DS-160 form

The DS-160 is an online application used by the U.S. Department of State to collect information from visa applicants.

The form must be completed and submitted electronically, and a confirmation number will be generated once the form is submitted.

Applicants will need to provide information such as their biographical data, passport information, and travel plans. In addition, they will need to upload a photo that meets the requirements specified by the Department of State.

Here are the documents you need to complete the DS160 form.

1. Passport
2. Photograph
3. Birth certificate
4. Evidence of financial support
5. Evidence of ties to your home country
6. A completed and signed DS-160 form

How long does a DS-160 form take to process?

The DS-160 is an online application for a nonimmigrant visa. The form must be completed and submitted online, and a confirmation number will be generated once the form has been submitted.

The form takes approximately one hour to complete, and the confirmation number will be sent to the email address provided on the form.

Can someone else complete the DS-160 on my behalf?

The DS-160 is an online application that must be completed by anyone applying for a U.S. visa. The form must be completed in English, and it can be completed on the website of the U.S. Department of State.

If you are unable to complete the form yourself, you may have someone else complete it on your behalf.

However, the person completing the form will need your personal information, such as your birth date and passport number.

In addition, they will need to create an account on the website and answer security questions on your behalf. Once the form is completed, you will be given a confirmation number that you will need to schedule your visa interview.

How to complete DS-160 and get a confirmation number

The first step in applying for a U.S. visa is to complete the online form DS-160. This form collects basic information about the applicant, including contact information, employment history, and travel plans.

Once the form is complete, the applicant will be given a confirmation number. This number is important and will be used to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

How to fill DS 160 for parents

The DS-160 for parents is the same online application for a nonimmigrant visa. You will need to complete this form if you are applying for a tourist visa, business visa, or student visa. The form is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you will need to create an account and log in. Once you are logged in, you will be able to start the form. Be sure to have all of the required information and documents handy before you begin, as you will not be able to save your progress and come back later.

Once you have completed the form, you will be given a confirmation number. This number is important, so be sure to write it down or print it out. You will need this number to schedule your visa interview.

Here are the major steps involved in filling up the DS160 form.

Step 1 – Choose the nearest consulate

Step 2 – Note down the Application number

Step 3 – Personal Details

You’ll take roughly 90 minutes to complete the DS160 form.

Save DS160 and apply later

You can always save your DS160 application form by clicking on the “Save” button at the end of the form and come back later, log in, and click on “Retrieve Application” to continue with your application.

This is why you should note down the application number and save it for later.

You’ll need to fill in all the information in various sections of the DS160 form like below.

• Personal details
• Previous travel history
• Previous travel companion history
• Address and phone
• Passport issue details
• Your U.S contact details
• Your family details
• Your work history
• Your education details
• Security and background declaration

Once done, take a printout of the confirmation page PDF file generated and carry it with you for the interview.

DS160 Fees & Payment

There is a $160 fee for the DS-160 application.

There are two ways to pay the DS160 fees. The first is to pay online using a credit or debit card. The second is to pay in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

What is the DS 160 validity?

The DS-160 is an online application used by individuals who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States.

The form must be completed and submitted online, and a confirmation number will be generated once the form has been successfully submitted.

The confirmation number is valid for one year and can be used to schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

What should be the home address in DS 160?

When completing Form DS-160, you will be asked for your current address, as well as your address in the United States.

You should enter the address of the place you will be staying while in the United States.

If you do not have a specific address, you can enter the address of a friend or relative, or the address of a hotel or other temporary accommodation.

For a family visa in USA how many DS 160 forms do we need to fill in India?

You will need to complete one form DS-160 for each person who is applying for a visa. If you are applying for a family visa, you will need to complete a separate form for each family member.

The Form DS-160 is an online application that is used to collect biographical information about visa applicants.

After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation number that you will need to bring to your visa interview.

What if am unable to retrieve my DS 160? Can I fill another one?

If you are unable to retrieve your DS-160, you will need to fill out another one.

To complete Form DS-160, you will need to provide your personal information, contact information, travel history, and employment history.

You will also need to upload a photo. Once you have completed the form, you will be given a confirmation number.

Has your U.S visa ever been canceled or revoked?

If you have ever had a U.S. visa canceled or revoked, you should answer “Yes” to this question on the DS-160 form.

How to schedule a visa interview at US consulate after filling the DS 160?

Once you have completed the DS-160, you will need to schedule an interview at the US consulate. To do this, you will need to log in to your account on the consulate website and select an appointment date and time from here.

Do you have any immediate relatives, not including parents, in the united states?

If you have any siblings, cousins, aunts, or uncles who live in the United States, you would list them here.

Have you traveled to any countries/regions within the last five years?

You should mention all your travel history in the DS160 form with exact travel dates, country of visit, etc as per your passport. Have listed them all in the “Countries/Regions Visited” section of the DS160 form.

How to find the case number for DS 160 submission?

You need to remember or case number by saving the confirmation page or copying the application number shown on the top right of the application form.

You can find your DS160 application by retrieving it from the website.

Click on “Retrieve an Application”, give your case number and you can get your application from the “Saved” page.

Can we fill DS 160 for my parents?

If your parents aren’t educated, don’t know how to use computers, or don’t have access to one, you can fill out and submit their paperwork. Make sure they know all your details.

Although you cannot fill out Form DS-160 on behalf of someone else, you can help your parents or other family members complete the form by providing them with the necessary information and guidance.

What to fill in DS 160 if your visa got rejected?

If you have been denied a visa in the past, you will need to complete Form DS-160 and get a confirmation number before you can apply for a new visa.

The form is available online at the State Department website. You will need to provide information about your previous visa application, as well as your current contact information.

Once you have completed the form, you will need to print out the confirmation page and bring it with you when you apply for your new visa.

Will I have to pay a new visa fee if using a new DS 160?

Yes, if you are using a new DS-160 form, you will have to pay a new visa fee.

How to delete submitted DS 160

If for some reason, you need to delete your DS-160, you can do so by following the instructions on the Department of State website.

Keep in mind, however, that you will not be able to retrieve your confirmation number once you have deleted your application.

What to explain in DS 160 if I was arrested?

If you have ever been arrested, you will need to explain this on your DS 160 form. The form will ask you to provide details about the arrest, including the date, location, and reason for the arrest.

You will also need to provide your current contact information. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a confirmation number.

Can I take the visa appointment without submitting DS 160?

No, you cannot take the visa appointment without submitting DS 160.