The DS-160 is the electronic application form that every applicant for a US non-immigrant visa must complete. Errors in this form are one of the primary reasons for refusals and processing delays. Let us walk through each section carefully.
Before you start: what to prepare
- •Passport (current and all previous ones)
- •Home and work addresses for the past 5 years
- •Travel history for the past 5 years
- •Parents' details
- •Employer or educational institution information
- •Social media accounts (usernames)
- •Photo in US format (600×600 pixels, JPEG)
Section 1: Personal information
Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. If you hold dual citizenship, you must declare it. Aliases include a maiden name where applicable.
💡 Write your name in Latin characters exactly as printed in your passport. If your passport says 'YURIY', enter 'YURIY' — not 'YURI'.
Section 2: Travel information
Specify the exact visa type (B1/B2). An approximate intended arrival date is acceptable. For your US address, enter your hotel address or the address of your host.
Section 3: Travel history
List all travel in the past 5 years with dates and countries visited. If you cannot recall exact dates, approximate figures are acceptable — but it is important to include everything.
Section 4: Address information
Your current address must match what appears on your other supporting documents, such as your employment letter and bank statements.
Section 5: Employment and education
Enter your current employer or most recent place of work. If you are unemployed, state that honestly and explain your source of income.
Section 6: Security questions
These are the most important questions in the form. The correct answer to most of them is 'No'. If you have a criminal record, have been deported, or have previously been refused a visa, you must answer honestly.
⚠️ A false answer in the security section results in an automatic lifetime ban from the United States. Always answer truthfully.
Uploading your photo
Your photo must be: on a white background, 600×600 pixels, JPEG format, file size under 240 KB, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression, and without glasses.
Saving and submitting
Save your Application ID — you will need it to schedule your interview appointment. Once you submit the form, no changes can be made. Print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview.
