Filling out the DS-160 is not “just paperwork.” It is a legal declaration, signed under penalty of perjury, and it is the backbone of your U.S. visa application. One wrong digit, one mismatched name, one skipped five-year history—and suddenly you are looking at delays, rescheduled interviews, or outright refusal.
This guide exists for one purpose: to help you complete the DS-160 correctly the first time. No guesswork. No omissions. No avoidable errors.
Whether you are applying for a tourist (B1/B2), student (F-1), business, or K-1 fiancé(e) visa, this is the most practical, mistake-proof walkthrough you will find.
What Is the DS-160 and Why It Matters So Much
The DS-160 is the official online non-immigrant visa application form used by the U.S. Department of State. Every temporary visa applicant must complete it before they can schedule a visa interview.
Here is the uncomfortable truth:
Your visa interview is based largely on what you write in this form.
The consular officer:
– Sees your DS-160 before you walk in
– Checks your answers for consistency, credibility, and red flags
– Can refuse your application if the form contains errors, contradictions, or omissions
And because you sign it electronically, you are certifying that everything is true and correct.
This is not a form you rush.
What You Must Prepare Before You Start (Do Not Skip This)
The DS-160 times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so preparation is not optional—it is survival.
Documents and Information You Need
Have all of these ready before you open the form:
– Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your intended U.S. stay)
– Travel itinerary (if you have one)
– U.S. address where you will stay
– U.S. contact person or organization (if applicable)
– National ID number (if applicable in your country)
– Employment and education history for the last 5 years
– Family information (parents, spouse, former spouses, children)
– Previous U.S. travel history (including old visas and I-94 records)
– List of all addresses, phone numbers, and emails used in the last 5 years
Your Visa Photo (Critical)
You need a digital photo that:
– Is 2×2 inches
– White background
– Taken within 6 months
– Meets strict U.S. visa photo standards
If your upload fails, you will have to bring a printed photo to the embassy.
Technical Setup
1. Use Chrome or Firefox
2. Make sure you write down your Application ID immediately (starts with “AA”)
3. Save your application frequently
If you lose your Application ID, you may lose your entire application.
How to Start Your DS-160 Application
Go to the official site:
https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV
Step 1: Select Your Location
Choose the country and city where you will attend your interview. This must match your embassy or consulate.
Step 2: Create Your Application
– You will receive an Application ID (AAxxxxxxxx)
– Choose a security question
– Write both down immediately
This is how you retrieve your form if the session expires.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Each Section Correctly
Everything must be completed in English using Roman letters, except when specifically told otherwise.
Personal Information
– Write your name exactly as in your passport
– Surname first, then given name
– If you have no given name, use FNU
– Enter:
-
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- All other names used (including maiden names)
Even one letter wrong can cause problems at the interview.
Passport and Travel Information
You will enter:
– Passport number, issue date, expiration date
– Intended date of arrival
– Length of stay
– U.S. address where you will stay
– Who is paying for the trip
If your plans are not final, give your best honest estimate.
U.S. Point of Contact
This can be:
– A friend or relative
– A hotel
– A company or school
– An organization
If you truly do not know anyone, you can enter the organization or place you will visit.
Family Information
You must list:
– Both parents
– Current spouse (if any)
– Former spouses (if any)
– Children (if any)
This includes deceased or non-traveling family members where applicable.
Work, Education, and Training History
You must provide:
– Current job or school
– Previous jobs or schools
– At least the last 5 years of history
Do not leave unexplained gaps. This section is heavily scrutinized.
Security and Background Questions
These cover:
– Immigration violations
– Criminal history
– Health issues
– Security-related topics
Answer truthfully and consistently. Lying here can result in permanent visa ineligibility.
Uploading Your Photo: Exact Requirements
Your photo must be:
– JPEG format
– Between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels
– 240 pixels/inch
– White background
– No shadows, no filters, no heavy editing
If the system rejects your photo, you must bring a printed photo to your interview.
Review, Sign, and Submit (This Is Where Most People Fail)
How to Review Properly
– Use the form’s navigation buttons
– Do NOT use your browser’s back button
– Carefully recheck:
-
- Name spelling
- Passport number
- Dates
- Work and travel history
Signing and Submitting
When you sign, you are declaring under penalty of perjury that everything is true.
After submission:
- You will get a confirmation page with a barcode
- Print multiple copies
- Save a digital copy
You cannot attend your interview without this page.
The Most Common DS-160 Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Name and Passport Mismatches
– Different spelling from the passport
– Wrong date format
– Wrong passport number
Incomplete or Inconsistent Information
– Skipping required fields
– Contradictions between sections
– Missing 5-year histories
Photo Problems
– Wrong size
– Blurry
– Wrong background
– Old photo
Losing Your Application or Confirmation Page
– Use “Retrieve Application” on the website
– You can reprint the confirmation page anytime
What Happens After You Submit
You will:
– Use the confirmation number to book your visa interview
– Bring the confirmation page to the embassy or consulate
– The officer will review what you wrote before they talk to you
Your interview starts on paper, not at the window.
Official Resources You Should Bookmark
– DS-160 Application: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV
– U.S. State Department DS-160 Page
– DS-160 FAQs
– In-depth Guides from Boundless, VisaLibrary, DavidsonMorris
Final Pre-Submission Checklist
Before you click “Submit,” confirm:
– Your name matches your passport exactly
– Your passport number is correct
– Your work and address history covers 5 years
– Your travel details make sense
– Your photo meets requirements
– You saved and printed your confirmation page
Frequently Asked Questions About the DS-160 Form
1. Can I edit my DS-160 after I submit it?
No. Once the DS-160 is submitted, you cannot edit that application. If you discover a serious mistake, you will usually need to complete and submit a new DS-160 and bring the new confirmation page to your visa interview. Minor mistakes may be explained to the consular officer, but there is no guarantee they will accept them.
2. What happens if I make a mistake on my DS-160?
It depends on the mistake.
Small errors may only cause delays, but serious or inconsistent information can lead to visa refusal, administrative processing, or a request to resubmit the form. Because the DS-160 is signed under penalty of perjury, false or incorrect information can also affect future visa applications.
3. Do I need to fill out a new DS-160 if my interview is rescheduled?
Usually, no. If your interview is rescheduled, you can normally use the same DS-160 confirmation page, as long as the information is still correct and up to date. You only need a new DS-160 if your previous one contains mistakes or outdated information.
4. How long is a DS-160 valid?
There is no strict public expiration date, but in practice, embassies expect the DS-160 to be recent and accurate. If your form was submitted many months ago or your circumstances have changed (job, passport, travel plans), it is safer to submit a new one.
5. Can someone else fill out the DS-160 for me?
Yes. Someone can help you prepare the form, but you are still legally responsible for everything in it. You must personally review the entire application and sign it electronically. Any mistakes or false information are still your responsibility.
