If you’re applying for a temporary visa to live, work, or study in the USA, you’ll have come across the DS-160 form. It was introduced to replace the DS-156, 157, 158, and 3032 forms, which are no longer valid.
In this article, we will explain everything that you need to know about the DS-160 form, beginning with what it is.
Let’s get right into it.
What is the DS-160 Form?
The full form of DS-160 is ‘Department of State-160’, and is a vital part of the visa process for international students. In fact, all ‘non-immigrant’ class USA visa processes require candidates to fill the DS-160 form mandatorily.
This requirement cannot be waived under any circumstance, and this fact is mentioned on the Department of State’s website.
The government of the USA calls it the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application”, and it can only be submitted electronically to the U.S. Department of State.
The DS-160 form collects a wide range of data, including the following:
- Your personal demographic details
- Your travel plans
- Your background information
- Your previous USA travel history
- Your family background
- Security-related questions
If you look at a sample DS-160 form for an F1 visa, you’ll notice that there is a section to enter your prospective ‘educational institution’. A key thing to note is that in this field, your educational institution must exactly match the one listed on your form I-20. Otherwise, your details will not match, and could possibly lead to a rejection.
It is also important to note that the DS-160 form must be filled out using compatible web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Google Chrome.
As a matter of fact, one of the first things listed on the Department of States’ website is that the ‘site is designed to be accessed using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox only’.
After you complete your USA visa DS-160 form, you must print the confirmation page and bring it with you to your visa appointment. The visa appointment is usually held at an American Embassy or Consulate, and cannot proceed without a copy of this confirmation page.
The information provided in the DS-160 visa form is used by consular officers to assess the applicant’s eligibility for a visa, alongside the personal interview.
If you are not confident in filling it up, take a look at a couple of DS-160 form samples online before doing your own. The last point to note is that the DS-160 form validity is thirty (30) days, from when you first access it.
So, if you begin completing your DS-160 form on the 1st of March, it will remain valid till the 31st of March.
In the next section, we’ll learn about why this form is so vital to visa applications.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Why is the DS-160 Form important?
The DS-160 form is a really important part of applying for an F-1 visa to study in the United States. Let’s talk about why this form matters so much.
- First, it’s like a big interview on paper. The government of the USA needs to know who you are, why you want to study there, and if you plan to return home after your studies. The DS-160 asks all these questions in one place.
- Second, it helps the visa officers do their job better. With the DS-160, they already have all your information before they meet you. This saves time and helps them focus on the most important parts of your application.
- Third, it’s about keeping everyone safe. The USA wants to make sure that people coming to study are really there to learn, not for other reasons. The DS-160 form helps them check this. Without this form, it would be much harder to make sure everyone entering the country has good intentions.
- Fourth, it’s fair for everyone. Whether you’re from a big city or a small village, everyone fills out the same form. This means everyone gets the same chance to explain their situation.
- Lastly, by filling out this form, you get a chance to think carefully about your plans. It helps you organise all the information about your studies, your background, and your goals. This can actually make you feel more prepared for your visa interview.
In the end, the DS-160 form is like the foundation of your visa application. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s there to help make the whole process smoother and fairer for everyone involved.
Also Read: New F1 Visa Rules for USA: All You Need To Know
How can I get a copy of form DS-160?
You cannot obtain a copy of the DS-160 form either online or offline. Once it is submitted, you can print the confirmation/ submission successful page to show at your visa appointment.
Normally, the form is not available for download or printing in blank format.
To initiate the DS-160 application process, applicants must visit the Consular Electronic Application Center website and create a new application. They cannot take a printout of either the blank or filled-in form.
That said, there is a workaround.
You can access a sample DS-160 form (for B-1 visas, B-2 visas, and F-1 visas) here. The document, published by the University of Minnesota outlines the entire process. Everything, from opening the CEAC website to printing the confirmation page is covered in this document.
Now, that’s out of the way, let’s learn about the prerequisite documents that you will need for filling out the DS-160 form in India.
What documents do you need to complete Form DS-160?
Filling out the DS-160 form requires you to have some documents ready. These are listed below:
- Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from when you apply. If this isn’t the case, you will not be able to proceed to the next stage.
- Travel Itinerary: If you have made travel plans, and are on a temporary visit visa, you will need to provide a copy.
- Resume: You will also need to provide an updated copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. Both students and employees need to provide this.
- SEVIS ID: This is a requirement specific to those applying for F-1 visas, J-class visas, and M-class visas. It is applicable to all students and exchange visitors. If you are wondering where you can find your SEVIS ID, it will be listed on either your DS-2019, or your I-20.
- Proposed Educational Details: If applying for a J-class or F-class visa, you will also have to give details of your chosen education. In addition, you will also have to specify the duration of your program and keep the State Department updated with your progress (e.g. if you are held back a semester).
- Form I-29: If you are a petition-based temporary worker, you will need to have a copy of your form I-29 available as well. The following visa categories need this: H1-B, H-2, H-3, E2C, and CW1. In addition, all P, O, L, and R-class applicants also need a copy of their I-29.
Depending on your particular situation, you may also have to enter some additional details. The most commonly asked-for ones are listed as under:
- Employer Information: If you are going to the USA to work, then you’ll need to provide details of your employer. Typical asked-for information includes your employers TIN, office location, business activity, and your role in the organisation.
- USA Travel History: You may have to provide your travel history to the USA and its territories for the previous five years. This is usually only asked for if you overstayed a visa before, or if you’re from certain countries.
- International Travel History: The Department of State may also ask you to furnish details of all your international travel history, again for a period of five years.
- Social Security Number: If you were a former citizen of the USA, then you’ll need to provide your SSN along with your DS-160 form.
Note: For the SEVIS ID and proposed educational details, the name of the institute and the program name should exactly match the ones on your form I-20. Any mismatch will likely lead to an automatic rejection.
In the next section, we’ll cover the different types of people who commonly need to fill out the DS-160.
Also Read: Student Visa for USA for Indian Students in 2024 (Guide)
Who needs the DS-160 Form?
In most cases, the following applicants need the DS-160 form, for their visa applications to be processed:
- Tourists and Visitors: Individuals travelling to the USA for tourism or visiting friends and family must complete the DS-160 form.
- Business Travelers: Those attending business meetings, conferences, or other professional events in the USA must also submit the DS-160.
- Students: Individuals seeking to study in the USA on an F or M type visa are required to fill out the DS-160.
- Petition-Based Temporary Workers: Individuals seeking to work in the USA under temporary worker visa categories, such as H-1B, H-2, L, O, P, and R visas, must complete the DS-160 form. These workers require an approved petition from an employer before applying for their visa.
- Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants: Those applying for a K visa to bring a fiancé(e) to the USA need to complete the DS-160.
The above list is not exhaustive, but covers most regular applicants. In our last section, we’ll learn about how to fill up the DS-160 form, from beginning to end.
Also Read: Requirements for F1 USA Study Visa: A Complete Guide
How to fill out the DS-160 form?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the DS-160 form.
- Sign in and create a security question for your profile.
- Fill out name, birth details, and nationality. Answer all ‘Yes/No’ questions.
- Provide onward travel details. If unsure, select ‘No’ for specific plans.
- Enter current address, phone, and requested social media handles.
- Input passport details and your U.S. point of contact (e.g., school official for students).
- Provide parents’ information and your current work/education status.
- Answer all background questions honestly, including visa history.
- If applicable, enter your SEVIS ID and school details from your I-20 form. If required, enter in your program name and institute name as well.
- Submit your prepared digital photo and check it meets quality standards.
- Save your confirmation page with the application ID for your records.
And that was everything that you needed to know about the DS-160 USA visa form.
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Common questions when completing the DS-160 form
There are no fees associated specifically with the DS-160 form. However, the visa that you are applying for will have its own application fee, which you need to account for. The DS-160 form however, is completely free to fill out.
You need to click the ‘electronic signature’ check box at the end of the form. Ticking the box signifies that you have read, understood, and are willingly singing the form. You will not be able to submit the form unless you check this box. There is no need (or provision) to upload an image of your signature.
You can re-access the confirmation page at any time. Go to the CEAC website, and login using the details you created. Answer your security question if prompted. Select the Embassy or Consulate where you applied for your visa. Click on Option “C: Retrieve Application” and enter in your application number. If all details are correct, your application confirmation page will be displayed, and you can take a printout.
Don’t worry. The DS-160, once completed, is accessible to all USA Consulates and Embassies around the world. You can easily change your appointment location. For example, a person had listed the Embassy in City A as their choice while filling up their DS-160 form. Then, this person had urgent business in City B, where they had to travel. However, they couldn’t make it back in time for their appointment in City A, but luckily, City B has a USA Consulate. The person can book their appointment at the Consulate in City B using the barcode on the DS-160.
No, the DS-160 form can be filled out in English only, and you can only use English characters to fill it out. The only exception to this rule is your given, middle, and last name, which can have native characters. However, the name must match the one on your passport, and on your I-20/ I-29 if applicable.
