Form DS-160: Fill Out Your U.S. Visa Application Online
The DS-160 is the mandatory online form for all applications for nonimmigrant visas to the United States (tourism, business, study, temporary work). This is the first step: without its confirmation number, you cannot pay the fee or schedule an appointment at the consulate.
Information verified in September 2026.
The DS-160 form must be completed only at ceac.state.gov
Access to the form is free. The only official fees are the visa fees, which are paid after submitting the form.
Access the official DS-160 View the entire process Are you traveling for less than 90 days as a tourist with a European passport? You probably don’t need a visa or a DS-160: an ESTA is usually sufficient.What is Form DS-160?
The DS-160 (“Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application”) is a detailed questionnaire about your identity, your trip, your work history, your family, and your background. The consulate uses it to prepare for your interview: the consular officer will have it in front of them and may ask you about each of your answers. A new DS-160 is required for each application, including renewals.
The DS-160 is required for
- The B2 visa (tourism, family, medical treatment) and the B1/B2 visa
- The B1 Visa (Business Travel)
- The C Transit Visa
- Student and Exchange Visas (F, M, J)
- Temporary work visas (H, L, O, etc.) and the K fiancé(e) visa
It does not apply to
- Travelers under the ESTA program (stays of up to 90 days)
- Immigrant Visas (Green Cards): This is Form DS-260
Documents to Prepare Before You Begin
The form will log you out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Gather all the information you need before opening it so you don’t have to search for it later.
Identity and Travel
Valid passport, previous passports, planned travel dates, and address of your first place of stay in the United States.
Personal Journey
Employment and education (including addresses and dates), names and dates of birth of parents and spouse, and trips to the United States over the past 5 years.
Digital
A valid digital ID photo, email addresses, phone numbers, and social media usernames used over the past 5 years.
How to Fill Out the DS-160 in 6 Steps
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Choose the location for the interview
At ceac.state.gov/genniv, select the embassy or consulate where you will have your interview. It must be located in the country of your nationality or residence. For Belgium: Brussels. For France: Paris.
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Write down the Application ID
The site assigns an identifier (Application ID) and asks you to provide a security question. Make a note of both: without them, you won’t be able to resume a form you’ve left incomplete. A saved draft is retained for 30 days.
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Answer the questions in English
All answers must be entered in English using the Latin alphabet, without accents. Save your work regularly using the “Save” button. If you’re unsure about a question, choose the correct answer rather than the one that seems most favorable.
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Download the photo
The form automatically checks the photo. If it is rejected, correct it before continuing (see the criteria below).
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Review and sign electronically
The review page summarizes all your answers. Be sure to double-check your passport number, dates, and the spelling of names: once you’ve signed, no further corrections are possible.
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Print the confirmation page
Print the page with the barcode and confirmation number (beginning with “AA”). This is the only DS-160 document you need to bring toyour interview at the embassy.
The passport photo for the DS-160
A rejected photo is one of the most common reasons for being blocked. It must meet the following criteria:
| Criterion | Requirement | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Square JPEG | Between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| Weight | 240 KB max. | Reduce compression if the file is too large |
| Length of Service | 6 months max. | Current appearance (beard, haircut) |
| Background | White or off-white | Solid, without shading or patterns |
| Glasses | Prohibited | Unless required for medical reasons and supported by a doctor’s note |
| Face | Front view, neutral expression | Eyes open, no head covering (unless for religious reasons) |
Official reference: U.S. Department of State photo requirements, with an online cropping tool.
What should I do after submitting the DS-160?
The DS-160 form doesn’t trigger anything on its own: you are the one who continues the process, in this order.
What to Bring on the Day of the Interview
Passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee payment receipt, appointment notice, and documentation supporting your circumstances (employment, financial resources, ties to your home country). Details on the process can be found on our visa application procedure page.
Mistakes to Avoid on the DS-160
What a refusal might cost
- Omitting a previous visa or ESTA denial
- Hiding an overstay or an arrest, even one that happened a long time ago
- Stating a reason for travel that does not reflect the actual circumstances
- Forgetting Social Media Accounts
Good Habits
- Provide the same answers in the interview and on the form
- Record every 10 minutes
- Fill out the form on a computer, not a phone
- Save a PDF copy of all the answers
A false statement can result in a permanent visa ban. An honest admission of a negative outcome (such as a previous refusal) is almost always less serious than an omission discovered by the consulate.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DS-160
Can you make changes to the DS-160 after submitting it?
No. If you make a mistake, you must fill out a new DS-160, which will generate a new confirmation number. Notify the appointment center so they can update your file, and bring the new confirmation page to your interview.
How long does it take to fill out the DS-160?
Allow 60 to 90 minutes if all your documents are ready. You can save your progress and resume later using the ID App: a draft is saved for 30 days.
Is there a fee for the DS-160?
No, the form is free at ceac.state.gov. The visa fee ($185 for a B1/B2 visa) is paid separately after submission. Any website that charges for the DS-160 itself is not official.
Does each person in a family need their own DS-160 form?
Yes, every traveler, including children, must have their own DS-160. After submitting the first form, the website allows you to create a form for a family member by reusing the shared information (address, travel details).
Does filling out the DS-160 guarantee that you will receive a visa?
No. The DS-160 is only the first step. The decision is made by the consular officer after the interview.