Tips for Completing the Form DS-160
- United States
- 03/03/2010
U.S. Embassies around the world are beginning to implement the use of the Form DS-160 for nonimmigrant visa applicants. For a list of embassies currently using the DS-160, please see http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_4230.html. Incomplete or incorrectly completed DS-160 applications can result in delays in visa processing. Specifically, errors on the DS-160 application or information incorrectly marked as “not applicable,” “nil,” or “don’t know” may result in the application being rejected at the interview. If this occurs, the applicant must reschedule the interview and complete a new DS-160 application form. To help avoid delays, we have provided a list of the most common errors below:
- Incorrect visa classification. Applicants must choose the correct visa category from the pull-down menu. For some visa types, the “other” category must be selected before the correct options become available. Note, entering B-1/B-2 as the visa category because the correct category could not be located will result in the application being rejected at the interview.
- Incomplete or incorrect names. Applicants’ names must be entered fully and correctly. The applicant’s name should be entered exactly as it appears in the applicant’s passport. In the case of married women, if both the maiden name and married name appear in the passport, the applicant should enter her maiden name as her last name and the married name(s) as “other names used. Applicants with several middle names should ensure they enter all of their middle names on the application.
- Incomplete education history. High school education must be included on the DS-160 application form.
- Incomplete travel history. With the exception of crewmembers, applicants must list all overseas travel on the DS-160 form.
BAL Comment
If you have an upcoming nonimmigrant visa interview, we encourage you to contact your BAL attorney for assistance with the visa application process.
