The Ultimate Guide to the DS-160 Form

Filling out the DS-160 form is the very first step when you apply for a US nonimmigrant visa, and it can feel like a lot. At Visa Library, we know how confusing the process can be, especially when you’re trying to get everything right the first time. This guide will walk you through what the DS-160 form is, who needs it, how to get it, and what it costs.

What is the DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application?

The DS-160 application form is the official online application you need to fill out when applying for a US nonimmigrant visa. It’s required for almost every type of short-term visa, including tourist, student, business, and more.

When you complete the DS-160 form, you’re sharing your personal info, travel plans, and background with the US government. It’s how the embassy decides if you qualify for a visa interview. Without it, you can’t even book an appointment. The form is submitted online, and once you’re done, you’ll get a confirmation page.

Key Facts about Form DS-160

• The form is fully online and must be completed and submitted through the US Department of State website.
• The DS-160 form is needed for almost all temporary US visas, not just tourist ones.
• After you submit the DS-160 form, print the barcode confirmation page. Bring it to your interview.
• Most people who submit a DS-160 form must go to an embassy for a visa interview.
• The DS-160 form times out after 20 minutes. Save often. You must fill out a new one for each visa.
• You can find full instructions for the DS-160 form on the US State Department site.

Who Needs to Complete Form DS-160?

You need to fill out the DS-160 form for almost every type of nonimmigrant visa. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying for two weeks or six months; if your visit isn’t permanent, this form is your starting point.

Every person applying needs to submit their own DS-160 form. Yes, even kids. Even babies. Each traveler must complete a separate form. If you’re part of a family or a group, you still have to submit one per person.

DS-160 Form Eligibility

You must complete the DS-160 form if you’re applying for any of the following nonimmigrant visas:

• B1/B2 Visas – For business, tourism, or medical visits.
• K Visas – For fiancés, spouses, and children of US citizens.
• F-1/M-1 Visas – For academic or vocational studies.
• J-1 Visas – For exchange programs, internships, or research.
• H-1B Visas – For skilled workers in specialized fields.
• L-1 Visas – For intra-company transfers to a US office.
• O-1 Visas – For individuals with extraordinary ability.
• P Visas – For athletes, artists, and entertainers.

Where Can You Find the DS-160 Application Form Online?

To start your DS-160 form, go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website. That’s the official US government website where all DS-160 forms are filled out and submitted. This is the only place you should use. Do not trust any third-party sites. Once you’re there, the DS-160 form is always available, 24/7.

The website lets you choose your embassy or consulate location first. That’s important because your form is tied to the place where you’ll go for your interview. After that, you can begin filling out the DS-160 form step by step. Finally, everything on the DS-160 form must be typed online. You can’t DS-160 form download is out of the question.

DS-160 Processing Time

The DS-160 form has no official processing time. Once you submit it online, the system gives you a confirmation page instantly. Print it; you’ll need it for your visa interview.

The real wait starts after your interview. If your visa is approved:

• Most US embassies take 7 to 10 business days to process nonimmigrant visas.
• Passport delivery adds 2 to 5 more days, depending on the location and service used.
• In some cases, administrative processing may delay results by several weeks or months.

So, while the DS-160 form is instant, your full visa timeline can range from 1 to 4 weeks or longer if additional checks are needed. So, submit your DS-160 form early to secure an interview date. US embassies often book out 4 to 12 weeks in advance.

Form DS-160 Cost and Visa Fees

There’s no cost to file the DS-160 form itself. It’s free. But don’t get too excited; every visa type still comes with a processing fee. This fee depends on the kind of visa you’re applying for. You must pay it before your interview, and the payment process varies by country. Some travelers pay online, and some pay at a bank.

Are Additional Forms Required?

For most people, no. The DS-160 form is the only form you need. It replaced the older DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032. Those are now out of use and no longer accepted.

But if you’re applying for a Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor visa (E-1 or E-2), you’ll need to complete one more form along with your DS-160 form. It’s specific to your visa type, and you’ll find details for it in the E visa section on the US embassy site.

I am Traveling with my Family or as Part of a Group. Can I Create a Family or Group Application?

Yes. After you finish your DS-160 form and select “Email Confirmation,” you’ll see a “Thank You” page. On that page, there’s an option to create a family or group application. If you click it, some details, like your destination, will be copied into a new DS-160 form for the next person.

But don’t skip this part: each person still needs their own DS-160 form. The system just saves you some typing. You’ll still have to fill out one complete application for every family member or group member, including kids. The shortcut helps, but it doesn’t do the work for you.

I am Applying for a Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor, E Visa. Do I Need to Fill out the DS-160 and the DS-156E?

If you’re applying as a Treaty Investor (E-2) and you’re not an employee, you only need to fill out the DS-160 form. If you’re applying as a Treaty Trader (E-1), or you’re an executive, manager, or essential employee under E-1 or E-2, then you need both forms. First, complete the DS-160 form, then you or your employer must also complete the DS-156E form (on paper).

The DS-160 form always comes first. The DS-156E is extra paperwork for certain roles. If you’re not sure which one applies to you, check with your employer or a visa expert before submitting.

The Bottom Line

The DS-160 form may look long and a little intimidating, but it’s really just about giving the US embassy the info they need to understand your travel plans. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or applying for a job or study program, getting this form right is key to a smooth visa process. Take your time, double-check every section, and don’t leave it for the last minute.

Need help? You can use Visa Library’s FREE Consultation Services to get expert support with your DS-160 form or any other visa questions.

FAQ about the DS-160 Form