The DS-160 Explained

Learn how to complete the DS-160 accurately and avoid delays.

If you are applying for a temporary U.S. visa, you’ll need to complete Form DS-160. This guide explains what the application is, who needs to file it, how to navigate the process step by step, and frequently asked questions that come up along the way.

What is the DS-160 application?

Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is the standard application form required for most types of temporary U.S. visas. It is a fully electronic application form submitted to the U.S. Department of State. The information you provide is used by consular officers at a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate to review your background and eligibility for a visa.

The DS-160 is a critical first step in the visa application process. Consular officers review your submitted data before your interview to make a preliminary assessment or request additional information. Any inaccuracies or inconsistencies on the form can lead to processing delays, increased wait times, or even the need to restart your visa application, so it’s important to follow a guide or seek professional assistance.

Who needs to complete a DS-160?

Nearly all applicants for non-immigrant visa types must complete a DS-160. This includes people traveling to the United States for temporary purposes such as tourism, business, work, or study.

Common applicants include:

• Visitors for tourism or business (B-1/B-2 visas)
• International students applying for a student visa (F-1)
• Participants in exchange programs, known as an exchange visitor (J-1)
• Temporary workers, such as those with approved petitions for H-1B visas or L-1 visas
• Applicants for a fiancé(e) visa (K-1)
• Dependents and family members accompanying a principal visa holder

This form is exclusively for non-immigrant travel. Individuals seeking to become permanent residents must file a different application, Form DS-260, for their immigrant visa.

How to start the DS-160 online

You can only complete the DS-160 application online through the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.

Before you begin, select the U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate where you plan to have your interview. The system will then generate a unique Application ID for your DS-160. You must save this Application ID. It is the only way to access your saved application later.

You will also be asked to create a security question. This, along with your Application ID and personal information, allows you to use the DS-160 login feature if you need to pause and return to your application. 

It is also important to save your work frequently, as the system may occasionally time out.

Information and documents you need

Gathering all the required information before you start will make the application process smoother. You will need:

• A valid passport with a validity period appropriate for your travel, as specified by the U.S. Department of State.
• A digital photograph that meets the U.S. government’s photo requirements. 
• Travel itinerary, including flight details and your intended address in the United States.
• Dates of your last five visits to the United States, if applicable. You may also be asked for your international travel history for the past five years.
• Your résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV) with information about your current and previous education and work history.
• SEVIS ID and program address if you are one of the international students applying for an F or M visa, or an exchange visitor applying for a J visa. This is printed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• Form I-94 arrival/departure record, if you have previously traveled to the U.S.
• Social media identifiers for specific platforms you have used in the past five years.
• Information about family members, including parents, spouse, and children.

The DS-160 application process: Step-by-step

Step 1: Gather your documents

Collect your passport, digital photo, travel plans, and any other supporting documents relevant to your visa type, like a Form I-20 for students or an I-797 approval notice for temporary workers seeking employment authorization.

Step 2: Start your DS-160 application

Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website at ceac.state.gov. Select your interview location and click "Start An Application." Write down your Application ID and answer your chosen security question.

Step 3: Complete all sections of the application form

Fill out each section of the DS-160 application accurately and completely. You will be asked for personal details, travel information, work and education history, and security background information. The form is dynamic. The questions you see will depend on the visa category you select.

Step 4: Review your information

Before you submit the DS-160, you will have a chance to review all your answers. Double-check every entry for accuracy, especially your name, date of birth, and passport number. These details must match your passport exactly.

Step 5: Submit the form and print your confirmation page

Once you are certain all information is correct, you will electronically sign and submit your application. After submission, you cannot make any changes. The system will generate a DS-160 confirmation page containing a barcode. You must bring this confirmation page to your visa interview appointment.

Step 6: Pay the visa application fee

The final step is to pay the non-refundable application fee. The DS-160 fee and payment methods vary by U.S. embassy or consulate. Follow the specific instructions on your local embassy’s website.

How to complete a DS-160 for family members

If you are traveling with family, each person, including children, needs their own DS-160 application. After you complete your application, the CEAC website offers an option to "Create a Family Application."

Using the DS-160 Family Application prefills some common information, such as travel plans and destination, into a new application form for another family member. This can save time. You will still need to enter the unique personal details for each applicant and upload their individual photo.

Common DS-160 errors to avoid

• Losing your Application ID: Save your Application ID in a secure place. Without it, you cannot retrieve a saved application and will have to start over.
• Incorrect interview location: The U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate you select at the beginning of the DS-160 application must be the same one where you schedule your interview.
• Data mismatches: Ensure all information, especially your name and date of birth, matches your passport perfectly.
• Not saving your work: The online form can time out. Save your application after completing each page to avoid losing your progress.
• Incorrect photo: Uploading a photo that does not meet the specific requirements on the travel.state.gov website will cause your application to be rejected.

What to do after you submit your DS-160

The DS-160 confirmation page with its unique barcode is your proof of submission. You must bring a printed copy to your visa interview. The barcode allows the consular officer to access your completed application.

After submitting the DS-160 and paying the application fee, you can schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate you selected. 

If you realize you made a significant mistake on your submitted DS-160, you must complete and submit a new form. This will generate a new Application ID and a new confirmation page. Don’t forget to bring the new confirmation page to your interview.

How to check your DS-160 status

You can check the status of a submitted DS-160 on the CEAC website. You will need your Application ID and the interview location to retrieve your record. The status will indicate if your application has been submitted or if there was an error. The actual decision on your U.S. visa is made by consular officers after your interview, not through the DS-160 portal.

Special cases and other considerations

The DS-160 is part of a broader visa application process involving multiple U.S. government agencies. Understanding how these agencies interact and which special requirements apply to your situation helps you prepare a complete and accurate application.

Exchange visitor applications

J-1 exchange visitor applicants must complete additional sections of the DS-160 related to their program sponsorship and SEVIS enrollment. You'll need your DS-2019 form and SEVIS ID number before starting your application.

The J-1 visa process involves coordination between your program sponsor, SEVIS database updates, and consular processing. Ensure all elements are properly aligned before your interview.

Student visa requirements

F-1 student visa applicants need their I-20 form and SEVIS information to complete the DS-160. International students should verify that their SEVIS record is active and that all information matches between their I-20 and DS-160 application.

Employment authorization categories

Workers requiring visa stamping abroad, including H-1B visa holders returning from international travel, must complete the DS-160 even if they already have USCIS-approved petitions. The form helps consular officers verify that approved petitions align with your current circumstances.

Waiver considerations

Some applicants may need waivers for previous overstays, criminal history, or other eligibility issues. If you believe you need a waiver, consult with immigration counsel before completing your DS-160, as certain answers may affect your eligibility for waiver approval.

How Lighthouse supports your application

The visa application process can be complex, and even a single error on your DS-160 can cause significant delays. Lighthouse helps applicants and their employers prepare accurate, complete documentation throughout the entire process—from ensuring your DS-160 is filled out correctly to preparing you for your interview.

We combine technology with experienced immigration professionals to make complex filings straightforward and compliant. Whether you're a founder, researcher, or consultant, Lighthouse helps you present a strong petition that meets USCIS standards.

To see how we can assist with your U.S. visa journey, contact our team to get started.

FAQs

What is a DS-160 form for?

The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application form required by the U.S. Department of State. It is used to collect necessary information from individuals seeking a temporary U.S. visa, such as for tourism, business, work, or study. Consular officers use the data to determine your eligibility before your visa interview.

What documents are required for DS-160?

You will need a valid passport, a digital photo meeting government standards, and your travel itinerary. Depending on your visa type, you may also need your SEVIS ID (for students), an approved petition receipt from USCIS (for workers), your I-94 record if you have visited the U.S. before, and details of your work and education history.

How much is the DS-160 fee?

There is no fee to submit the DS-160 application form itself. The associated cost is the visa application fee, also called the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, which you must pay before scheduling your interview. This fee amount varies depending on the U.S. visa type and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate, so you should confirm current fees on the official travel.state.gov website.

How long does it take for the DS-160 to get approved?

The DS-160 form is submitted electronically, not approved. Its submission allows you to schedule a visa interview. The approval of your actual U.S. visa happens after a consular officer reviews your application and conducts an interview at a U.S. embassy, a process that can take days or weeks, depending on local wait times.

Do I need a separate DS-160 for each family member?

Yes. Every individual applying for a visa, including spouses and children, must submit their own DS-160 application. Lighthouse can help coordinate the DS-160 family application process to ensure all forms are consistent and correctly linked, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.

Can I edit my DS-160 after submitting it?

No, you cannot edit a DS-160 after it has been electronically submitted. If you find a significant error, you must complete a new DS-160 application. You will receive a new Application ID and a new confirmation page, which you must bring to your visa interview instead of the old one.