Complete Guide to Filling Out the DS-160 Form for U.S. Visa Applicants

Here's a complete A–Z guide to help you fill out the DS-160 form — the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application used for U.S. visa categories like B1/B2 (business/tourism), F1 (student), H1B (work), and others.

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✅ Before You Start

📋 What You'll Need:

• Valid passport
• Travel itinerary (if already planned)
• U.S. address (hotel, friend, school, or company)
• Details of previous U.S. visits/visas
• Resume or CV (for students or work visa applicants)
• Names of family members
• SEVIS ID and I-20/DS-2019 (for F, J visas)
• Digital passport-size photo

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🖥️ How to Start the DS-160 Form

🔗 Go to the Official Website:

https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/

• Click on “DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application”
• Choose your U.S. Embassy/Consulate location
• Click “Start an Application”
• Note the Application ID — write it down or screenshot it!

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📄 Section-by-Section Guide

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1. Personal Information

• Full name (match passport exactly)
• Other names used (e.g., maiden name)
• Marital status
• Nationality
• National ID (optional in some cases)

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2. Address & Phone

• Home address (in your country)
• Phone numbers (primary, work, mobile)
• Email address
• Mailing address (can be same as home)

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3. Passport Information

• Passport number
• Passport book number (write "Does Not Apply" if unsure)
• Issuance and expiration dates
• Place of issue (country/city)

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4. Travel Information

• Purpose of trip (e.g., B1/B2, F1, H1B)
• Specific visa class
• Intended date of arrival in U.S.
• Length of stay
• U.S. contact address

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5. Travel Companions

• Are you traveling with anyone?
  • Yes: Give their details
  • No: Select "No"

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6. U.S. Contact Information

• Contact person or organization in the U.S.
• Relationship (friend, relative, school, company)
• Address
• Phone number and email

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7. Family Information

A. Relatives

• Parents' full names and DOBs
• Are your parents in the U.S.?

B. Immediate Relatives in the U.S.

• Spouse (if applicable)
• Other relatives (if any)

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8. Work / Education / Training

• Current and previous employers or schools
• Job title, duties
• Dates and addresses
• Highest level of education

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9. Security and Background Questions

A series of Yes/No questions about:

• Communicable diseases
• Criminal history
• Drug use
• Terrorist affiliations
• Previous visa rejections or overstays

👉 Answer truthfully.

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10. SEVIS Information (F/J Visas Only)

• SEVIS ID (top right of I-20 or DS-2019)
• School name and address

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11. Photo Upload

• Recent digital photo (white background, neutral face)
• Follow exact U.S. visa photo guidelines
• You can also bring a printed version to the interview

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✅ Final Steps

🔒 Review & Confirm

• Review every section carefully
• Once submitted, you CANNOT edit the form

🖨️ Print:

• Confirmation Page with barcode (must bring to interview)
• Entire DS-160 form (optional but helpful)

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🎯 After Submission

2. Schedule Appointment

• Create a profile on the U.S. Visa website of your country
• Book biometrics (OFC) and visa interview
• Upload DS-160 confirmation

3. Prepare for Interview

• Gather all required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, I-20, invitation letter, etc.)

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🧠 Tips

• Save your application frequently.
• Use only English characters.
• Don’t lie — information is cross-verified.
• You can retrieve a saved application using your Application ID.