DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

What is it?

The DS-160 is the US Department of State's Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. It collects biographic, travel, and background information from anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa (tourist, student, work, exchange, etc.). You must submit it electronically at ceac.state.gov and bring the confirmation barcode to your interview.

Who needs it?

Anyone applying for a US nonimmigrant visa including B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F-1 (student), H-1B (work), J-1 (exchange visitor), L-1 (intracompany transfer), and most other nonimmigrant categories.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
• Travel itinerary or proposed travel dates
• Recent passport-style photograph (2×2 inches, white background)
• US point of contact name and address
• Employer or school information
• Previous US visa (if any)
• Supporting documents for purpose of visit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering name differently than on passport (include all given names)
• Wrong date format — DS-160 uses DD-MMM-YYYY (e.g. 15-JAN-1990)
• Leaving fields blank instead of entering 'Does Not Apply'
• Answering 'Yes' accidentally on security questions
• Submitting before checking all sections — you cannot edit after submission
• Using a photo with glasses or coloured background

Approval Tips

• Complete the form in one session or save the Application ID to return later
• Answer all security questions truthfully — inconsistencies cause denials
• List all social media handles including old accounts
• Use Formixa to prepare a correct reference document before typing into the official form
• Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you need it for your interview