📝 DS-160 Form Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough of the US visa application form. Every field explained with examples and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Before You Start
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application form required for all US visa types (B1/B2, F1, H1B, K1, L1, J1, etc.). You fill it out at ceac.state.gov.
• Passport
• Travel dates
• US address/contact
• Employment details
• Digital photo (600×600px)
• Previous US travel info
• Session timeout (save often!)
• Wrong passport number
• Inconsistent dates
• Wrong photo format
• Forgetting to sign/submit
Getting Started
Go to ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and click "Start an Application."
Choose the embassy/consulate where you'll have your interview. This cannot be changed later.
Choose a question and answer you'll remember. You need this to retrieve your application if your session times out.
Personal Information 1
Exactly as it appears on your passport. If you have only one name, enter it in Surname and check "Does Not Apply" for Given Names.
All given/first/middle names as on passport. Don't include titles (Mr, Mrs, Dr).
If your name uses non-Latin characters (Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, etc.), enter it here. Otherwise check "Does Not Apply."
Include maiden names, previous married names, nicknames used on official documents, or aliases.
Match your passport exactly. City of birth should match what's on your passport.
Personal Information 2
Your current nationality. If you hold multiple citizenships, list them all.
Your national ID number (Aadhaar for India, NIE for Spain, BSN for Netherlands, etc.). If none, check "Does Not Apply."
Only if you have one from previous US employment. Otherwise "Does Not Apply."
Only if you have an ITIN. Otherwise "Does Not Apply."
Travel Information
Select your visa category: B1 (business), B2 (tourism), F1 (student), H1B (work), etc. This determines which additional questions you'll see.
If "Yes": enter arrival date, departure date, arrival city, and addresses where you'll stay. If "No": enter approximate dates and intended length of stay.
Enter the hotel address or the address of the person you're visiting. Must be a real US address.
Options: Self, Other Person, Other Company/Organization. If someone else is paying, you'll need their details.
Travel Companions
If traveling with family/group, list their names. Each person needs their own DS-160.
If yes, provide dates, visa type, and length of stay. Be accurate — they can verify this.
Be honest. Lying is worse than a previous refusal. Explain briefly if asked at the interview.
US Contact & Address
Name, organization, phone, email of someone in the US. Can be a hotel, friend, business contact, or university.
Friend, Business Associate, School, Hotel, Relative, etc.
Passport Information
Enter exactly as printed. Include all letters and numbers. Double-check for O vs 0 and I vs 1.
Some passports have this on the data page. If yours doesn't, check "Does Not Apply." (Most Indian passports have this; most European passports don't.)
Copy exactly from your passport.
Employment & Education
Select from the dropdown. If employed, provide employer name, address, phone, job title, start date, monthly salary.
List your last employer if you changed jobs in the last 5 years.
Highest level of education, institution name, address, course of study, dates attended.
Security Questions
These are yes/no questions about criminal history, immigration violations, terrorism, etc. For most applicants, all answers are "No."
Photo Upload & Submit
600×600 pixels, JPEG format, under 240KB, white background, taken within last 6 months. No glasses.
After uploading your photo, review all pages carefully, then click "Sign and Submit." You'll get a confirmation page with a barcode — print this for your interview.
Need a DS-160 compliant photo?
Create US Visa Photo →