- Primary Agency: U.S. Department of State (DOS)
- Filing Method: Through CEAC Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Login Online only through CEAC
- Used For: Nonimmigrant visa (temporary visa) processing outside the United States
Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM): Form DS-160 is issued and adjudicated by the U.S. Department of State. The form is completed online. The FAM is the State Department "staff handbook" on how to process nonimmigrant visa applications. We therefore cite to FAM in this guide. 9 FAM 403 deals with Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) adjudication and use of Form DS-160 data.
Executive Summary: What Is Form DS-160?
Form DS-160, officially titled the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is the primary electronic form used by individuals applying for a temporary U.S. visa from outside the United States.
DS-160 is required in consular processing cases for nonimmigrant visas, meaning the applicant will attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Unlike USCIS petition filings, DS-160 is administered entirely by the Department of State (DOS) and submitted electronically through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Because it is a State Department form, DS-160 is governed by consular rules found in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) rather than USCIS policy guidance.
Nonimmigrant Visa Processing Timeline
Typical 6 Step Process
- Complete DS-160 Online
- Pay MRV Visa Fee
- Schedule Interview Appointment
- Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required)
- Attend Consular Interview
- Visa Issued or Refused
A key point applicants often miss is that DS-160 is not a USCIS filing.
Form DS-160 is handled by the Department of State, which means:
- The form is filed through CEAC, not USCIS portals
- The application is reviewed by consular officers abroad
- The visa interview is governed by State Department procedure
- The controlling policy authority is the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM)
The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and DS-160 Processing
Because DS-160 is part of the nonimmigrant visa system, consular officers rely heavily on the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).
The FAM is official internal guide for:
- Nonimmigrant visa adjudications
- Interview procedures
- Security screening
- Refusals and administrative processing
- Visa issuance standards
9 FAM 403 governs NIV adjudication, including the use of DS-160 data.
In practice, when questions arise about eligibility, ties to home country, intent, or documentation, the governing rules come from 9 FAM 402 and 9 FAM 403.
What Is Form DS-160 Used For?
Form DS-160 collects the applicant background information as part of the nonimmigrant visa process, including:
- Personal identity and biographic details
- Passport information
- Travel purpose and U.S. contact information
- Address history
- Employment and education history
- Prior U.S. immigration activity
- Security and admissibility questions
- Social media identifiers (as required)
DS-160 becomes part of the official nonimmigrant visa record reviewed under Department of State standards and FAM guidance.
Who Must File Form DS-160?
You must file DS-160 if:
- You are applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa from abroad
- You will attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- You are applying for visitor, student, exchange, work, or investor classification
Each applicant must complete their own DS-160, including:
- Principal applicant
- Spouse
- Children applying for visas
DS-160 vs DS-260
Process Comparison
| Process Type |
Location |
Form Used |
| Temporary Visa |
Outside the U.S. |
Form DS-160 |
| Immigrant Visa |
Outside the U.S. |
Form DS-260 |
DS-160 is used for temporary visas. DS-260 is used for immigrant visa green card processing.
DS-160 vs Petition Based NIV Cases (H, L, O, etc.)
Many applicants incorrectly assume that if USCIS approved their petition, no further application is required.
Even when USCIS approves a petition such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, or P-1, the applicant must still complete DS-160 and attend a consular interview before a visa can be issued.
The DS-160 is therefore the visa application stage, separate from the USCIS petition stage.
When Do You File Form DS-160?
DS-160 is typically filed before:
- Paying the MRV visa fee
- Scheduling the visa interview
You must complete DS-160 first in order to receive the confirmation number required for appointment scheduling.
Use our DS-160 preparation tool to organize your information before logging into CEAC.
Access the DS-160 Preparation Tool »
How to Complete Form DS-160 (Online Only)
Form DS-160 is not mailed or submitted on paper. It is completed electronically through the Department of State CEAC portal.
Step 1: The CEAC "Start Application" Screen
Applicants select:
- The embassy or consulate location
- A security question
- Begin a new application
An Application ID number is generated. Save this immediately.
Step 2: Complete Required Sections
DS-160 requires detailed responses covering:
- Personal information
- Travel plans
- U.S. contact
- Family information
- Work and education history
- Security and background questions
A left-hand navigation menu shows completion status.
Important: Click "Save" frequently to avoid timeouts.
Step 3: Upload Photo
The system requires a compliant digital photo. If upload fails, a printed photo may be required at the interview depending on post procedures.
Step 4: Review Carefully Before Submission
Once submitted, DS-160 cannot be edited online. If corrections are required, applicants typically must:
- Submit a new DS-160
- Bring both confirmation pages to the interview
Step 5: Submit and Print Confirmation Page
What the Confirmation Page Contains
The confirmation page contains:
- Applicant name
- Application ID
- Barcode
This confirmation page must be printed and brought to the interview.
Supporting Documents After DS-160 Submission
DS-160 is only the application form. Applicants must prepare supporting documentation relevant to their visa category, which may include:
- Passport
- Appointment confirmation
- Financial documents
- Employment letters
- Petition approval notice (if applicable)
- Evidence of ties to home country
DS-160 Fees
The DS-160 itself does not have a separate filing fee. Applicants must pay a Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee depending on visa classification.
Additional Costs May Include
- Medical exam fees for certain visa categories
- Reciprocity fees
- Translation costs
What Happens After Filing DS-160?
After DS-160 submission:
- The applicant pays the MRV fee
- Schedules interview
- Attends biometrics (if required)
- Attends visa interview
- Receives decision
Possible Outcomes
- Visa issued
- Refusal under INA 221(g)
- Refusal under substantive eligibility grounds
DS-160 in E-2, L-1, and Other Business Visa Cases
DS-160 plays a central role in business visa cases such as E-2 Treaty Investor, L-1 Intracompany Transferee, and E-1 Treaty Trader.
Even if a petition is approved (L-1), the DS-160 answers must be fully consistent with the petition and supporting documents. In E-2 cases, DS-160 data is reviewed alongside the business plan, source of funds, and corporate documentation. Inconsistent answers are one of the most common causes of delay or refusal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants frequently complicate their case by:
- Selecting the wrong visa classification
- Entering inconsistent employment history
- Failing to disclose prior refusals
- Leaving gaps in address history
- Forgetting to print confirmation page
- Submitting without reviewing security answers carefully
Under FAM procedure, consular officers rely heavily on DS-160 responses during interview questioning.
Preparing to File DS-160: An Immigration Lawyer Advice
Many applicants complete DS-160 themselves, often with attorney guidance. Even when an attorney assists, the applicant signs electronically under penalty of perjury.
Practical Preparation Checklist
- Factsheets — Your law firm may provide a questionnaire summarizing required information. Review carefully before submission.
- Use our Online Preparation Form — We have duplicated the DS-160 questions in a preparation format to help you gather information in advance.
- English Language — DS-160 must be completed in English.
- Travel and Work History — Organize dates carefully. Gaps and inconsistencies often trigger scrutiny.
- Review your social media — DS-160 asks for social media identifiers used in recent years. Applicants must answer truthfully.
Frequently Asked Questions on Form DS-160 (DS 160 FAQ)
What is Form DS-160?
Form DS-160, officially titled the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is the electronic application used by individuals applying for a temporary U.S. visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. It collects biographic, travel, employment, and security information that a consular officer reviews during the visa adjudication process under the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 403).
Who needs to file Form DS-160?
Anyone applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa from abroad must complete Form DS-160. This includes applicants for visitor visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F-1, M-1), exchange visas (J-1), work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), and treaty visas (E-1, E-2). Each applicant must submit their own DS-160, including spouses and children.
What is the difference between DS-160 and DS-260?
DS-160 is used for temporary, nonimmigrant visas. DS-260 is used for immigrant visas (green cards) processed through a U.S. embassy or consulate. DS-160 supports temporary travel or work, while DS-260 is part of the permanent residence process.
Is there a fee to submit DS-160?
There is no separate fee specifically for submitting the DS-160 form itself. However, applicants must pay a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee before scheduling their interview. The fee amount depends on the visa classification.
Can my lawyer complete DS-160 for me?
Yes, an attorney or representative may assist in preparing the DS-160. However, the applicant remains legally responsible for all information submitted and must electronically sign the application under penalty of perjury before submission.
Can I edit DS-160 after submission?
Once a DS-160 is submitted, it cannot be edited online. If a correction is needed before the interview, the applicant typically completes and submits a new DS-160 and brings the updated confirmation page to the interview. Some corrections may also be addressed directly with the consular officer at the interview.
What documents should I gather before starting DS-160?
Before beginning the DS-160, applicants should gather their passport, prior U.S. visa information (if any), detailed travel history, address and employment history, U.S. contact information, and any petition approval notice (for petition-based categories such as H or L visas). Having accurate dates and records helps avoid inconsistencies.
What happens if I make a mistake on DS-160?
Minor mistakes may be clarified during the visa interview. Significant errors usually require submitting a new DS-160 prior to the interview and bringing the updated confirmation page. Providing false or misleading information can lead to serious immigration consequences, including visa refusal.
How long does it take to complete DS-160?
Most applicants spend between 45 minutes and 90 minutes completing the form, depending on travel history and complexity. Applicants with extensive work, education, or travel history may require additional time to gather accurate information.
Do I need to list all social media accounts?
The DS-160 asks for social media identifiers used within recent years. Applicants must answer truthfully and provide requested information. Failure to disclose required information can result in delays or refusal.
What should I bring to my visa interview?
At minimum, applicants should bring their passport, DS-160 confirmation page with barcode, appointment confirmation, visa fee receipt (if applicable), and category-specific supporting documents such as financial evidence, employment letters, school documents, or petition approval notices.
How do I know if my DS-160 was submitted successfully?
After submission, the system generates a confirmation page containing a barcode and application ID number. If you are able to print or download this confirmation page, the DS-160 has been successfully submitted.
Can DS-160 delays affect my interview timeline?
Yes. You must complete DS-160 before scheduling your visa interview. Errors, incomplete submissions, or last-minute corrections may delay appointment scheduling or create complications at the interview. Careful preparation helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Form DS-160 is the central nonimmigrant visa application for applicants completing temporary visa processing abroad.
It is a Department of State electronic form, submitted through CEAC, reviewed by consular officers, and governed by the procedures and standards of the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).
For E-2 investors, L-1 executives, students, visitors, and other temporary visa applicants abroad, careful DS-160 preparation is essential to securing visa approval.
About the Authors
Mark I Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Mark I Davies, Esq. JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Licensed with the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, Member Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer, Licensed (USA), Georgia State Bar. AILA Member.
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Details |
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Education
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JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | MBA (Finance), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) |
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Financial Training
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Completed Analyst Training Program at a major international bank | Chartered Accountant background with professional training in financial analysis and reporting |
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Legal Practice
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Admitted to practice in Georgia (USA) | Registered Solicitor with the Law Society of England and Wales | Former CMBS lawyer at one of the worlds largest international law firms |
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Immigration Track Record
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15+ years advising HNW investors |
Zero denials for clients advised on source-of-funds compliance in EB-5 | Hundreds of successful EB-5 cases globally
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Recognition
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Named a
Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine (2018–2023)
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Professional Engagements
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Lecturer/trainer for other lawyers at AILA, ACA, University of Pennsylvania Law School | Frequent speaker at global investment immigration conferences |
