🇺🇸 United States

DS-160 Visa Application

US Nonimmigrant Visa (Tourist, Student, Work)

Hard ~60 min VisaTravelImmigration

/ What is this form?

The DS-160 is the mandatory online application form for all US nonimmigrant visas. After completing it, you schedule a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. It covers tourist (B1/B2), student (F1/J1), and work visas (H1B, L1, O1).

The form asks about travel history, employment, family, and background. It must be completed in English and submitted online — there is no paper version.

The DS-160 is valid for one year or until your visa interview. If your interview is rescheduled beyond the expiry date, you may need to resubmit.

/ Who needs this form?

Anyone applying for a US tourist, business, student, or work visa
Anyone renewing an expired US nonimmigrant visa
Visa Waiver Program travelers who do not qualify for ESTA

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)

Travel itinerary or purpose of visit

5 years of employment and education history

Digital photo (600x600 pixels, white background)

Contact information for US point of contact

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Start Application Online

Go to ceac.state.gov and create a DS-160 application. Save your application ID immediately — you'll need it to return to an in-progress form.

2 Complete Personal Details

Enter passport details, address, contact info, and national ID numbers. Information must match your passport exactly.

3 Enter Travel & Work History

Provide 5 years of employment/education history, travel history to the US, and your travel purpose.

4 Upload Photo

Upload a digital photo meeting US visa requirements (600x600 pixels, recent, white background, no glasses).

5 Submit & Schedule Interview

Submit the form, print the confirmation page, and schedule your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Purpose of trip	Select the visa category that matches your purpose: B1/B2 tourism, F1 study, H1B work, etc.	Selecting the wrong visa category — this can delay or deny your application.
Previous US travel	Exact dates and visa numbers of all previous visits to the United States.	Underreporting previous US visits — the CBP has full records and inconsistencies cause problems.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not saving frequently — the form times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Not bringing the printed DS-160 confirmation page to the interview.

Inconsistencies between the DS-160 and information given at the interview.

Selecting the wrong visa category for your purpose of travel.

/ Frequently asked questions

How long is the DS-160 valid?

One year from submission, or until your visa interview (whichever comes first). If your interview is rescheduled beyond expiry, you may need to resubmit.