What is the DS-160 Form?
The DS-160, or Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, is a compulsory internet form that needs to be filled out by all non-immigrant visa seekers, including international students wishing to pursue an F-1 student visa.
The US Department of State captures vital identification data including personal history, travel plans and takes this information to evaluate your eligibility to receive a US visa. In turn, the rest of the information collected is used by the US Department of state to process your visa application and carry out security checks.
As opposed to past procedures where paper applications were used, the DS-160 form needs to be completed and submitted electronically via the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website.
When Should You Fill Out the Form DS-160?
F-1 Student Visa (for academic studies)
F-2 Visa (for dependents of F-1 visa holders)
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (for exchange programs)
M-1 Visa (for vocational studies)
The DS-160 needs to be filled out prior to the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. Moreover, the confirmation page of the DS-160 is needed for the interview appointment.
Essential Information and Documents for Completing the DS-160
Make sure you have the listed items before filling a DS-160 application:
Required Documents:
- Passport (valid for a minimum of six months beyond the expected date of departure)
- Travel plans, if already booked
- The dates corresponding to your last five entries into the United States, if you have traveled there before.
- Your CV or resume indicating your professional activities over the last five years
- I-20 Form from a US institution
- A neutral plain photo taken recently, abiding by specific requirements.
Required Information:
- Personal details, including full name, DOB (date of birth), and where you currently live
- Information about relatives
- Employment and education history
- Basic background information
- Itinerary for the US visit
- Contacts in the US, including the name of the educational institution where you are enrolled
- SEVIS ID, from the I-20 issued by the educational institution in the United States
Having everything in place prior to commencing the application reduces the chances of encountering challenges. There is a great deal of time to be saved by avoiding document hunting during the application process.
Multistage Approach for Filling out the DS-160 Form
Like any other documents, the DS-160 application form is divided into multiple sections and requires close attention. The following steps will aid in completing the application form correctly:
Step 1: Initiate a New Application
- Head to the website: CEAC Consular Electronic Application Center
- Select the intended Visa application geographical location.
- Await the instructions to load. Once they do, check the box affirming "I have read and understood the contents of this page."
- Proceed to click "Start an Application".
- Note down the Application ID which will appear in the format: AA00XXXXXXXX
Tip: Do not forget the application will be closed after 20 minutes of inactivity and hence losing all progress made. Save constantly.
Step 2: Fill Out All Required Sections
Fill out all personal data which includes:
- Name of the applicant
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Date and Place of Birth
- National I.D if any
If you are a passport holder, double-check your name to ensure that there is no discrepancy stemming from middle names or suffixes, ensuring your passport also matches your birth certificate.
Step 3: Travel Information
Outline the following:
- Reason for traveling to the US (Choose "STUDENT: F")
- Intended arrival and departure dates (approximate dates are acceptable)
- Addresses where you'll stay in the US (your university's housing or other accommodation)
- The individual or entity paying for your trip (generally, yourself, parents, or a scholarship grant provider)
Step 4: US Contact Information
Enter details of:
- Your school or program (name, address, phone number)
- Your point of contact (usually the international student office)
Such details are included in the I-20 form, which is issued by the student's accepting institution.
Step 5: Family Information
Outline the following:
- Parents' names, their date of birth, and current region they are
- Any spouse details (If any, specify)
- Any relatives living in the US including their immigration status
Be precise and accurate with family details as discrepancies may create obstacles during the interview.
Step 6: Work, Education, and Training Information
List your:
- Arranged educational level
- Name and address of the institution
- Employment background during last five years
- Other travels abroad
- Knowledge of other languages
South African institutions should be listed from the most recent to the oldest.
Step 7: Answering Background Security Questions
Provide answers to the following questions:
- Medical problems
- Crimes
- Security risks
- Illegal immigration
- Service in the armed forces
Answer every question to the best of your ability. Providing false information may result in denial of your visa and complications of immigration status in the future.
Step 8: Photo Submission
Add a scanned photo that fulfills the following criteria:
- Within the past 6 months taken
- Colorful and background should be white or nearly white
- Face the camera, portrait view shows full face
- 600x600 pixels in size
- 240 KB -- 600 KB in file size
In the system, there is a photo validation feature to check if the requirements are met, if your photo gets rejected for any reason you will have the opportunity to upload a new one.
Step 9: Final Review and Submission
- Make sure everything's info is correctly filled in.
- Sign in the form by writing your name.
- Submit the application
- Confirmation page should be printed same as the barcode on it.
Note: Printed confirmation must be available for the visa interview.
Common Errors to Avoid Filling Out the DS-160
Your visa application may be delayed because of trivial blunders. Erroneous steps to avoid include the following:
1. Unsynchronized Details
All details listed must correspond with accompanying documents, and make sure to pay special attention to the following:
- Name(s) appearing on the passport
- DOB
- Passport ID
- SEVIS ID
2. Submitting Partially Completed Applications
Always make sure that you fill every section of the application UNLESS given clear instructions not to. If a question is illogical about you, it is acceptable to answer "N/A" or "None."
3. Forgetting to Click Save Regularly
The system is inactive after bearing 20 minutes of no activity. Ensure that you click "Save" located at the bottom of every single page. Thus, make sure you save often.
4. Photograph-Related Problems
Rejections often occur because of a photo submitted. Ensure your photograph fits the described requirements concerning size, background, and quality.
5. Forgetting to Print out the Confirmation page
In absence of the confirmation page bearing the barcode, it renders your visa interview impossible.
6. Problems Associated with Browser Compatibility
Some students have experienced challenges with the use of Chrome or Firefox. Use them at your own risk. For best results, use Edge or Internet Explorer.
Conclusion
Completing the DS-160 form marks your initial step toward obtaining a student visa to pursue your studies in the USA. While seeking them can be daunting, coming up with a strategy prepared in advance will always guarantee success.
Always prioritize accuracy over speed. Take your time and carefully examine each part. If in doubt about any aspect of the application, don't hesitate to contact your international student's office at your university.
If this guide is followed, you will approach the DS-160 form confidently and be closer to realizing your educational aspirations in the USA.
FAQs
Can I save my DS - 160 and come back to finish it later?
Absolutely. Once you start the application, the system generates an ID that you may save. Within 30 days, you may retrieve this ID for completion of the application.
How long does it take to fill out DS-160?
If all your documents are in order, most applicants only need one to two hours to finish the form.
Can I edit my DS-160 after submission?
No editing is not allowed. You cannot make changes after it has been submitted. Modification would mean changes must be done under a new application.
Do I need to complete a separate DS-160 form for each family member?
That is correct. Every individual, including minors, needs their own DS-160 form.
What do I do if I have made an error on my DS-160?
If it is a less serious error, it can be clarified at the visa interview. However, larger issues would mean the application needs to be resubmitted.
Is there a fee for submitting the DS 160?
There are no extra fees aside from the visa application fee. Additional payments are not required for submitting the forms, meaning the DS-160 is free to submit.
Can somebody help me how to fill out the DS-160 visa application form by translator?
A wire-frame for the document can only be accessed in English but a speaker of the language can certainly make use of a copy aid. Regardless, one can still bear the consequences concerning the information that must be accurate.
