How to Fill Form DS-160 for a U.S. Visa 2025

Form DS-160 officially called the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is the first step for almost anyone applying for a temporary U.S. visa. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, studying, working, or joining family, this form tells U.S. consular officers who you are and why you’re traveling.

This guide walks you through what DS-160 is, how to fill it out, required documents, common mistakes, and what to do after submission.

Key Facts About Form DS-160:

• It’s fully online — no paper submissions are accepted. The form is completed on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
• Browser requirements — as of August 2025, use the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome. Safari and Microsoft Edge are not supported.
• Confirmation page required — after submission, you must print the confirmation page with a barcode and bring it to your visa interview.
• Visa interviews are standard — most applicants will need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Save frequently — the system times out after 20 minutes. You can save and return later, but unfinished forms are only stored for 30 days.

Important update (April 7, 2025): The confirmation barcode number on your DS-160 must match the one used to schedule your visa appointment. If not, you’ll need to reschedule.

DS-160 Cost and Visa Fees:

Filing the DS-160 itself is free. However, visa applicants must pay a visa application (MRV) fee, which varies by visa type:

• Non-Petition-Based Visas – $185
  • Includes B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), F-1 (students), J-1 (exchange), and TN (trade visas).
  • No prior petition needed — you apply directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Petition-Based Visas – $205
  • Includes H-1B, H-2B, L-1, O-1, P, Q visas.
  • Requires a U.S. employer or sponsor to file Form I-129 with USCIS before your DS-160.

Always confirm the latest fees on the State Department website before paying.

Who Needs to Complete Form DS-160?

Every traveler applying for a temporary U.S. visa must complete their own DS-160 — even children.

Common visa types that require DS-160 include:

• B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas – tourism, business, medical care
• K-1 Fiancé Visas – for fiancés/spouses of U.S. citizens
• F-1/M-1 Visas – students and vocational training
• J-1 Visas – cultural exchange participants
• H-1B and L-1 Work Visas – employment transfers or specialty jobs
• O-1 Visas – individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, science, or athletics

If the applicant is under 16 or unable to fill the form themselves, a third party can complete it — but that person must be listed on the “Sign and Submit” page.

Check Also: Form N-400 Application for Naturalization

DS-160 Processing Time:

• Form submission: Instant — once submitted, you receive your confirmation page.
• Visa processing: Typically 7–10 working days after your interview (varies by embassy/consulate).

You can check wait times for your embassy on the State Department Visa Wait Times page.

Required Documents:

You’ll need the following:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your U.S. stay)
• Travel itinerary (if available)
• National ID number (if applicable)
• U.S. Social Security or Taxpayer ID (if applicable)
• Employment and education history
• Family details (parents, spouse, children, travel companions)
• SEVIS ID (for students, found on I-20 or DS-2019)
• Form I-129 (for temporary workers, if available)
• Digital photo that meets U.S. visa photo guidelines

Tip: Keep all documents ready in one folder before starting — it makes the process much smoother.

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160):

Anyone applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa—whether for tourism, business, study, or work—must complete the nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-160). This form is filled out online and captures essential details about your background, travel purpose, and eligibility. Accuracy is critical, as errors can delay or even impact your visa decision.

DS-160 Confirmation Page:

After completing the DS-160, you’ll receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a unique barcode. This page is essential—you must bring it to your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Without it, your appointment cannot proceed. Always print and save an electronic copy of this page for your records.

U.S. Embassy Visa Application Process:

The U.S. embassy visa application process begins once you’ve submitted your DS-160. Steps typically include:

• Paying the visa application fee.
• Scheduling your appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Attending the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, and supporting documents.
  Each embassy may have slightly different requirements, so it’s best to check the official U.S. embassy website in your country.

Submitting and Retrieving Your Confirmation Page:

When submitting your confirmation page, ensure you’ve completed the DS-160 form fully and accurately. Once submitted, you cannot edit it, so double-check before finalizing. If you need to retrieve your confirmation page later, you can log back into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) with your application ID and security details to reprint it. Having both digital and hard copies ensures you’re prepared for your visa interview.

How to Fill Out Form DS-160:

You’ll complete the DS-160 online at the CEAC website. Expect it to take about 90 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of the main sections:

• Personal Information – name, birthdate, marital status
• Travel Information – purpose, U.S. address, trip dates
• Travel Companions – family/friends traveling with you
• Previous U.S. Travel – past visits, prior visas, denials
• Contact Information – home address, phone, email, social media handles
• Passport Details – passport number, lost/stolen history
• U.S. Contact Person – friend, relative, or organization
• Relatives – parents, spouse, children in the U.S.
• Work/Education/Training – past 5 years of history
• Security & Background Questions – yes/no questions (read carefully)
• Applicant Photo – upload per requirements
• Review & Submit – confirm accuracy and electronically sign

Important: Only the applicant can electronically sign the DS-160, even if someone else helped fill it out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Typos or mismatched details (passport vs. form)
• Forgetting the confirmation barcode — required for scheduling interviews
• Uploading a photo that doesn’t meet U.S. standards
• Leaving fields blank unless marked optional
• Submitting too early or too close to your interview, which can cause issues if information changes

Tip: If you discover an error after submission, file a new DS-160. Bring the latest confirmation page to your interview.

After You Submit DS-160:

• Print your confirmation page (with barcode).
• Pay your visa application fee (MRV).
• Schedule your visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Bring your confirmation page, passport, required documents, and photo to your interview.
• Track your application status on the CEAC website.

Quick Checklist Before Submitting:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond U.S. stay
• Photo uploaded (2×2 inch, recent, plain background)
• Saved Application ID and security question
• Printed DS-160 confirmation page
• Reviewed all information for accuracy

Conclusion:

Form DS-160 is the required first step for anyone applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, and completing it accurately is critical. Applicants should prepare documents in advance, avoid common mistakes, and always bring the confirmation page to their interview. With careful attention to detail, the process becomes smoother and helps set the stage for a successful visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions: