How to Fill Out and Sign the DS 160 Form Online for a US Visa

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Unless your country participates in the visa waiver program, you'll need a nonimmigrant visa to visit the US temporarily for business or tourism—and this is where the DS-160 comes in. This form is your official application for a nonimmigrant visa that potentially allows you to enter the US. Filling it out can be confusing and nerve-wracking, especially if you're not fluent in English, and you probably have a lot of questions. Don't stress out about it, though—we've answered some of the most common questions right here.^{[1]
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USA.GOV
Official website for the United States federal government
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Question 1

Question 1 of 11:
What documents do I need for the DS-160?

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At a minimum, you need your passport and travel itinerary. If you've traveled to the US before, you should also have the dates of the last 5 visits you made to the country. Other documents might be helpful in filling out your application, depending on the reason for your visit.^{[2]
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- For example, if you're visiting the country for a business or educational reason, you might need to provide information about your current and previous education or work history.
- If you're traveling to the US as a temporary worker, have information about your employer in the US at hand, including the employer's address.
- Don't worry if you start filling out the application and need a document you don't have handy—you can save your progress on your application while you go get it.
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Question 2

Question 2 of 11:
Where can I find the DS-160?

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Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center at https://ceac.state.gov/. Read the notes and information on the landing page, then select a location from the drop-down menu to get started. You'll also need to enter a CAPTCHA code.^{[3]
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- Select the embassy or consulate location where you'll most likely be having your visa interview. It's not a problem if you end up having your interview somewhere else, though—they'll still be able to access your application using the bar code on your application confirmation page.

Question 3

Question 3 of 11:
How long does it take to complete the form?

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Expect it to take around 90 minutes to complete your application. If you have a good command of English and have all the information you need close at hand, it might not take you that long. On the other hand, if your internet access is spotty, it might take you longer.^{[4]
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- If you're running short on time and you haven't finished your application, don't worry! You can save your progress and come back and finish it later.
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Question 4

Question 4 of 11:
Are all questions mandatory?

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Yes, all questions are mandatory unless they specifically state they are optional. If the question says "optional," you can leave it blank. Otherwise, enter some sort of answer for every question. If the question doesn't apply to you, type in "Does Not Apply" rather than leaving it blank.^{[5]
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- If you leave a mandatory question blank, the system will display an error message and won't let you continue filling out the application until you've entered an answer for the question.
- Make sure you answer all questions completely. If you provide an inadequate or incomplete answer, the consular officer who reviews your application might deny it.

Question 5

Question 5 of 11:
Can I save my progress and come back?

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Yes, you can save your progress and return any time within 30 days. Your progress is automatically saved with each page, but you can also manually save at any time. Copy the code at the top of the page—you'll need it to access your saved application later.^{[6]
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- It's a good idea to save your application frequently. That way, you won't lose any information if you have internet issues or need to close your browser window.^{[7]
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- If you run into problems and don't think you're going to get back to your application within 30 days, download it and save it to your computer. Then you can copy the information you already had and don't have to start over from scratch.^{[8]
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Question 6

Question 6 of 11:
Can I write my answers in my native language?

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No, your answers must be written in English using English characters. Translations of the questions into many different languages are available if you need them to understand the questions. However, your answers must be in English. If you don't think your English is good enough to provide correct responses to the questions, get someone to help! Just make sure it's someone you trust.^{[9]
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- The application does require you to provide your full name in your native language using that language's characters. This is the only part of the application that should be in any language other than English.

Question 7

Question 7 of 11:
How do I sign the online application?

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Click the "sign application" button at the end of the form. Clicking that button and typing your name acts as an electronic signature. Your signature certifies that all of your answers are true and complete to the best of your knowledge. When you go to your interview, your fingerprints will be electronically scanned to serve as additional certification.^{[10]
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- Even if someone else helped you complete the application, you still have to sign it yourself. Your signature certifies that all of your answers are complete and accurate.^{[11]
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Question 8

Question 8 of 11:
How much does it cost to submit the DS-160?

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The application fee is US $160 for most visa categories, as of 2021. For visa categories that are petition-based, such as for temporary workers, the fee is $190. If you are applying for a visa as the fiancé(e) or spouse of a US citizen, the fee is $265.^{[12]
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- Pay the fee to the US embassy or consulate where you schedule your appointment. Each embassy or consulate has its own procedures, so call ahead or visit their website. Although fee amounts are listed in US dollars, you'll typically pay in local currency.
- You may have to pay the fee before your visa appointment, so keep that in mind when scheduling your appointment.^{[13]
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Question 9

Question 9 of 11:
How do I schedule a visa appointment?

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Go to https://evisaforms.state.gov/Instructions/SchedulingSystem.asp. Have your printed confirmation form handy when you go to the website, then choose the country and city where you want to schedule your appointment from the drop-down menus. When you click submit, you'll be taken to the page for that embassy or consulate.^{[14]
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- The page includes instructions on how to schedule your appointment. You'll need to enter the 10-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation form when you schedule your appointment.
- If something comes up and you need to change or cancel your appointment, go back to the same website and click the "Change/Cancel Appointment" button.
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Question 10

Question 10 of 11:
What should I bring with me to my appointment?

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Bring your passport, application confirmation page, and appointment confirmation page. You don't need to bring a copy of your whole application. You should also bring at least one print copy of the passport photo you submitted with your online form. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the last day of your planned visit to the US.^{[15]
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- If you haven't already paid your fee, bring cash to pay the fee. Some US embassies and consulates accept local currency while others only accept US dollars, so you might want to ask in advance.

Question 11

Question 11 of 11:
When will I get a decision on my application?

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You'll usually find out the decision at your visa appointment. At the end of the appointment, the consular officer will let you know if your application was approved. If it was denied, they'll tell you the reason.^{[16]
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- You're free to file another application if your application was denied due to a mistake, but you'll have to pay the application fee again. The fee won't be returned if your application is denied.
- Some applications require additional processing before the consular officer can make a decision. If this is the case for you, the consular officer will tell you that and let you know roughly when they'll have a decision for you.
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Warnings

Fill out a new DS-160 form every time you apply for a visa to enter the US. You can't reuse a previous application.^{[19]
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A visa doesn't guarantee your entry into the US. It only allows you to travel to a port of entry and request permission to enter. Customs agents have discretion in allowing people to enter the country.^{[20]
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