Guide to Creating an Account and Completing the DS-160 Form

How to Complete the DS-160 Form for a U.S. B1/B2 Visa

The DS-160 form is a crucial step in the process of applying for a U.S. B1/B2 visa. Completing this form accurately and thoroughly is essential to ensuring your application proceeds without delays or complications. The form serves as your primary visa application and provides the U.S. government with detailed information about your travel plans, background, finances, and other key details.

In this guide, we’ll provide an in-depth, step-by-step explanation of how to create an account, start the form, and complete each section accurately. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or have applied for visas before, understanding how to properly complete the DS-160 form is critical to your success.

Read previous : Step by Step Guide for US b1/b2 visa processing

Before You Start: Important Notes

1. Have These Items Ready Before Filling Out the Form:
   • A valid passport.
   • Your travel itinerary (if available).
   • Contact details for your stay in the U.S. (hotel, family, or host).
   • Details about your previous U.S. travel history (if any).
   • A digital passport-sized photo (meeting U.S. visa requirements).
   • Your email address for account creation.
2. Save Your Application ID:
   • Once you begin the application, an Application ID will be generated at the top of the page.
   • Write this ID down or save a screenshot—it’s essential for logging back into your application if you’re logged out or need to retrieve it later.
3. Set Up a Security Question:
   • You’ll need to choose and answer a security question when starting the application. This is necessary for recovering your form if you’re locked out.
4. Session Timeout:
   • The application session times out after 20 minutes of inactivity. If you’re logged out, you can retrieve your form using your Application ID and answer to the security question.
5. Browser Compatibility:
   • Use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Avoid using Internet Explorer, as it may cause technical issues.
6. Link to Start DS-160 Application:
   • Access the form at the official CEAC DS-160 Application Website.

How to Start the DS-160 Application

1. Visit the Official Website:
   • Go to the CEAC DS-160 Application Website.
2. Select the Location:
   • Choose the location where you’ll apply for your visa (usually the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country).
   • This cannot be changed later, so ensure accuracy.
3. Application ID Generation:
   • Once you select the location, your Application ID will appear at the top of the page. Save this ID to avoid losing access to your form.
4. Create a Security Question:
   • Select a security question from the dropdown menu (e.g., “What is your mother’s maiden name?”).
   • Provide the answer. Remember it, as it’s required for retrieving your application.
5. Begin the Application:
   • Click Start Application to proceed. You’ll be taken to the form where you can start entering your details.
6. What Happens if You’re Logged Out?
   • If your session times out, return to the DS-160 Website.
   • Click Retrieve an Application, enter your Application ID and the answer to your security question to continue where you left off.

Filling Out the DS-160 Form: Section-by-Section Details

Step 1: Personal Information

1. Surnames (Last Name):
   • Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your passport.
   • If you don’t have a surname, type “FNU” (First Name Unknown).
2. Given Names (First Name):
   • Enter your first name(s) as shown in your passport.
   • If you don’t have a first name, type “FNU”.
3. Full Name in Native Alphabet:
   • If your name is written in non-Roman characters (e.g., Bangla, Hindi, Korean), type it here.
   • If your language doesn’t use Roman characters, check “Does Not Apply.”
4. Have You Ever Used Other Names?
   • Select “Yes” if you’ve used other names in official documents (e.g., maiden name, religious name). Provide the alternate names.
   • If not, select “No.”
5. Do You Have a Telecode for Your Name?
   • Select “Yes” if your name uses a telecode for non-Roman scripts.
   • Otherwise, select “No.”

Step 2: Personal Information 2

1. Sex:
   • Choose “Male” or “Female.”
2. Marital Status:
   • Select your current marital status:
     • Single, Married, Widowed, Divorced, or Legally Separated.
3. Date of Birth:
   • Enter your date of birth in the MM/DD/YYYY format as it appears on your passport.
4. City Where You Were Born:
   • Provide the name of the city where you were born. If unknown, type “Do Not Know.”
5. Country/Region Where You Were Born:
   • Select the country where you were born. If the country’s name has changed, use its modern name (e.g., Bangladesh instead of East Pakistan).
6. Country/Region of Citizenship:
   • Select your current nationality. If you hold multiple citizenships, include the primary one here.

Step 3: Address and Phone Information

1. Home Address:
   • Enter your current residential address:
     • Street Address: (e.g., House 10, Street 5).
     • City: Your city of residence.
     • State/Province: If applicable. If not, select “Does Not Apply.”
     • Postal Code: Enter your postal code or choose “Does Not Apply.”
     • Country/Region: Select your country of residence.
2. Mailing Address:
   • If your mailing address differs from your home address, select “No” and provide the alternate address.
   • If it’s the same, select “Yes.”
3. Primary Phone Number:
   • Enter your main contact number, including the country code (e.g., +82 for South Korea).
4. Secondary Phone Number:
   • Provide an alternate contact number if available. Otherwise, select “Does Not Apply.”
5. Work Phone Number:
   • If employed, enter your office phone number. If not, select “Does Not Apply.”

Step 4: Passport Information

1. Passport/Travel Document Type:
   • Most applicants select “Regular” unless applying with a diplomatic or official passport.
2. Passport Number:
   • Enter your passport number exactly as it appears on your passport.
3. Passport Book Number:
   • Select “Does Not Apply” unless your passport explicitly mentions a book number.
4. Country/Authority That Issued Passport:
   • Enter the country where your passport was issued.
5. City Where Passport Was Issued:
   • Provide the name of the city listed in your passport as the place of issuance.
6. State/Province Where Passport Was Issued:
   • Enter the state or province, if applicable. Otherwise, select “Does Not Apply.”
7. Country/Region Where Passport Was Issued:
   • Enter the issuing country’s name.
8. Passport Issue Date:
   • Provide the date your passport was issued in MM/DD/YYYY format.
9. Passport Expiration Date:
   • Enter the expiration date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
10. Have You Ever Lost a Passport or Had One Stolen?
    • Select “Yes” if applicable and provide details about the lost/stolen passport.
    • Otherwise, select “No.”

Step 5: Travel Information

1. Purpose of Trip to the U.S.:
   • Select “TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)” for B1/B2 visa applicants.
   • This category includes purposes like tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, or conferences.
2. Specify:
   • Choose “Business & Tourism (B1/B2)” if your visit involves both purposes. Otherwise, select the most relevant option.
3. Intended Date of Arrival:
   • Provide the date you plan to arrive in the U.S.
   • If unsure, enter an approximate date. Ensure it aligns with your visa interview timeline.
4. Intended Length of Stay in U.S.:
   • Specify the duration of your visit in days, weeks, or months (e.g., 15 days, 3 weeks).
5. Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.:
   • Enter the address of the hotel, friend, or relative where you’ll be staying:
     • Street Address: Include full details (e.g., “123 Main Street”).
     • City: Enter the city name.
     • State: Select the state.
     • ZIP Code: Provide the ZIP code.

Step 6: Travel Companions Information

1. Are there other persons traveling with you?
   • Select “Yes” if you are traveling with others.
   • Provide their names and relationship details. Examples include:
     • “Spouse,” “Friend,” or “Colleague.”
2. If you’re traveling alone:
   • Select “No.”

Step 7: Previous U.S. Travel Information

1. Have you ever been in the U.S.?
   • Select “Yes” if you’ve previously traveled to the U.S.
     • Provide the dates of your most recent arrival and departure.
     • Include the visa type used during your previous visit (e.g., B1/B2, F1).
   • If you’ve never visited the U.S., select “No.”
2. Have you ever been issued a U.S. visa?
   • Select “Yes” if you’ve held a U.S. visa before. Provide the following details:
     • Visa Number (if known): Found on your previous visa.
     • Issuance Date and Location: Include the date and the embassy/consulate where it was issued.
   • If you’ve never been issued a U.S. visa, select “No.”
3. Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa or denied entry?
   • Select “Yes” if you’ve experienced a visa refusal or denial at the port of entry.
   • Provide an explanation of the circumstances in the space provided.
   • If this does not apply to you, select “No.”
4. Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf?
   • Select “Yes” if someone (e.g., a family member or employer) has filed an immigrant petition for you.
   • Otherwise, select “No.”

Step 8: U.S. Contact Information

1. Contact Person’s Name in the U.S.:
   • If you’re visiting someone, enter their full name as it appears on their official ID.
   • If you’re not visiting a specific person, enter the name of the hotel, organization, or company hosting you.
2. Organization Name in the U.S. (if applicable):
   • Provide the organization’s name if your contact is related to work, a conference, or a business meeting.
3. Relationship to You:
   • Specify your relationship to the contact (e.g., “Friend,” “Relative,” or “Employer”).
   • If it’s an organization, select “Other” and explain the relationship.
4. U.S. Contact Address:
   • Enter the full address, including:
     • Street Address: Full details, including apartment/suite number.
     • City: Enter the city name.
     • State: Select the state from the dropdown menu.
     • ZIP Code: Provide the ZIP code.
5. Phone Number:
   • Provide the contact’s phone number, including the area code.
6. Email Address:
   • Enter the email address of your U.S. contact person or organization.

Step 9: Family Information: Relatives

1. Father’s Full Name and Date of Birth:
   • Enter your father’s surname and given name, even if deceased.
   • Include their date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
   • If these details are unknown, check “Do Not Know.”
2. Is your father in the U.S.?
   • Select “Yes” if your father currently resides in the U.S., and provide their immigration status.
   • If not, select “No.”
3. Mother’s Full Name and Date of Birth:
   • Enter your mother’s surname and given name, even if deceased.
   • Include her date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
   • If these details are unknown, check “Do Not Know.”
4. Is your mother in the U.S.?
   • Select “Yes” if your mother resides in the U.S., and provide her immigration status.
   • If not, select “No.”
5. Do you have any immediate relatives in the U.S.?
   • Select “Yes” if you have immediate family members (spouse, children, siblings) living in the U.S.
   • Provide their names, relationships, and immigration statuses.
   • If none, select “No.”
6. Do you have any other relatives in the U.S.?
   • Select “Yes” if you have extended family (e.g., cousins, aunts, uncles) living in the U.S.
   • If not, select “No.”

Step 10: Work/Education/Training Information

1. Primary Occupation:
   • Select your current occupation from the dropdown menu (e.g., “Student,” “Engineer,” “Retired”).
   • If you’re unemployed, select “Not Employed.”
2. Present Employer or School Name:
   • Provide the name of your employer or educational institution.
   • If unemployed, select “Does Not Apply.”
3. Employer/School Address:
   • Enter the full address, including street, city, state/province, and postal code.
4. Phone Number:
   • Provide your employer’s or institution’s contact number.
5. Job Title:
   • State your current job title or name of your degree program.
6. Briefly Describe Your Duties:
   • Summarize your work responsibilities or academic focus. Example:
     • “Managing sales operations in the Asia-Pacific region.”
     • “Studying for a master’s degree in computer science.”
7. Previous Work/Education/Training:
   • Select “Yes” if you’ve had previous jobs, education, or training. Provide details like:
     • Name of the employer/school.
     • Address, job title, and start/end dates.
   • If not, select “No.”
8. Have you traveled to any countries in the last five years?
   • Select “Yes” if applicable and list the countries visited.
   • If not, select “No.”
9. Have you belonged to any professional, social, or charitable organizations?
   • Select “Yes” if you’re affiliated with any organizations and provide their details.
   • If not, select “No.”
10. Do you have specialized skills/training, such as firearms or explosives?
    • Select “Yes” if applicable and provide details.
    • If not, select “No.”
11. Have you ever served in the military?
    • Select “Yes” if you’ve served in the military. Provide details about the branch, rank, and service duration.
    • If not, select “No.”
12. Have you ever worked for a government or security agency?
    • Select “Yes” if applicable and provide details.
    • Otherwise, select “No.”

Step 11: Security and Background Information

This section contains critical questions related to health, criminal history, immigration violations, and more. You must answer these questions truthfully. If you select “Yes” for any, provide an explanation in the space provided.

Part 1: General Security Questions

1. Do you have a communicable disease of public health significance?
   • Examples of communicable diseases include tuberculosis (TB), HIV, or other conditions identified by the CDC.
   • Select “Yes” if you have such a disease and provide details. Otherwise, select “No.”
2. Do you have a physical or mental disorder that poses a threat to others?
   • If you have a condition that might result in harm to yourself or others, select “Yes” and provide details.
   • If not, select “No.”
3. Are you or have you ever been a drug** abuser** or addict**?
   • Answer truthfully. Select “Yes” if applicable and provide relevant information. Otherwise, select “No.”

Part 2: Security and Immigration Violations

4. Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime?
   • If “Yes,” provide full details, including dates, charges, and outcomes.
   • If not, select “No.”
5. Have you ever violated the terms of a U.S. visa?
   • This includes overstaying or working without authorization. Select “Yes” if applicable and explain.
   • Otherwise, select “No.”
6. Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa or denied entry to the U.S.?
   • If you’ve had a previous visa refusal or were turned away at a U.S. port of entry, select “Yes” and explain the circumstances.
   • If not, select “No.”
7. Have you ever been deported from the U.S. or removed for violating immigration laws?
   • If applicable, select “Yes” and provide details. Otherwise, select “No.”
8. Are you seeking to engage in terrorist activities, sabotage, or espionage?
   • Select “No.” A “Yes” response here will lead to immediate denial and potential investigation.

Part 3: Miscellaneous Information

9. Have you ever engaged in espionage, sabotage, or genocide?
   • Select “No.”
10. Have you ever trafficked controlled substances?
    • If applicable, select “Yes” and explain. Otherwise, select “No.”
11. Have you ever been involved in human trafficking?
    • Select “Yes” if applicable and provide full details. Otherwise, select “No.”
12. Have you ever benefited from human trafficking?
    • Answer “Yes” if applicable. If not, select “No.”
13. Have you ever violated child labor laws?
    • Select “Yes” if applicable and provide details. Otherwise, select “No.”

Part 4: Additional Questions

1. Do you have specific plans to work in the U.S.?
   • Select “No” for a B1/B2 visa. If “Yes,” provide details about your intended employment.
2. Do you seek medical treatment in the U.S.?
   • If traveling for medical purposes, select “Yes” and provide details such as:
     • Your medical condition.
     • The name of the doctor or hospital in the U.S.
     • Proof of arrangements for treatment.
   • Otherwise, select “No.”

Step 12: Photo Upload

1. Photo Requirements:
   • A digital photo must meet these U.S. visa standards:
     • Dimensions: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
     • Resolution: 600×600 pixels minimum.
     • Plain white background.
     • Neutral facial expression.
     • No glasses or accessories.
2. Upload Process:
   • Use the upload tool on the DS-160 form to submit your photo.
   • If the upload is successful, the photo will appear on your confirmation page.
3. If the Photo Upload Fails:
   • Print a photo that meets the requirements and bring it to your visa interview.

Step 13: Review and Submit

1. Review Your Application:
   • Carefully go through every section of your DS-160 form.
   • Verify details such as:
     • Spelling errors in names.
     • Incorrect passport numbers or dates.
     • Travel dates and U.S. contact details.
2. Submit the Form:
   • Once all details are confirmed, electronically sign the form and submit it.
   • Note: After submission, no edits can be made. Ensure everything is accurate before proceeding.

Step 14: Save and Print the DS-160 Confirmation Page

1. Confirmation Page:
   • After submission, a Confirmation Page with a unique barcode will be generated.
   • Print this page—it’s required for your visa interview.
2. Save a Copy:
   • Save a digital copy of your confirmation page for future reference.

Additional Notes

1. Application Fee:
   • The DS-160 form itself is free, but you’ll need to pay the U.S. visa application fee on the U.S. Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
2. Visa Appointment:
   • Use the DS-160 Confirmation Number to book your visa appointment on the official U.S. visa scheduling portal for your country.
3. Supporting Documents:
   • Gather all required documents for your visa interview, including:
     • Proof of financial solvency (e.g., bank statements, employment letter).
     • Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., property documents, family relationships).

What’s Next After Completing the DS-160 Form?

Congratulations on successfully completing the DS-160 form! The DS-160 is just the first step in your U.S. visa application process. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Visit the official website for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to pay the visa application fee.
• Payment methods may include online payment, bank transfer, or cash at designated banks. The fee amount for a B1/B2 visa is generally $185 USD, but confirm the exact amount for your location.
• Keep the receipt, as you’ll need it for scheduling your visa appointment.

2. Schedule Your Visa Interview

• Use your DS-160 Confirmation Number to book a visa interview appointment through the U.S. visa application system in your country.
• Choose the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your interview.
• While booking, you’ll need to provide:
  • Your passport number.
  • DS-160 confirmation barcode number.
  • Visa application fee receipt number.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare all necessary documents to bring to your visa interview. These typically include:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page: Print and bring this to your interview.
• Visa Appointment Confirmation: Print the email or page confirming your scheduled interview.
• Supporting Documents:
  • Financial documents (bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns).
  • Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property ownership, family relationships).
  • Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation details).
  • Invitation letter (if applicable) from a host or organization in the U.S.

4. Attend Your Visa Interview

• Arrive on time for your scheduled visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Be prepared to answer questions about:
  • The purpose of your trip.
  • Your financial ability to support yourself during your stay.
  • Your ties to your home country to ensure you will return after your visit.
• Bring all the required documents and any additional information requested during the booking process.

5. Wait for Your Visa Decision

• After the interview, the consular officer will inform you of the outcome. If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you via courier or can be picked up at the designated location.
• Processing times may vary, so plan your travel dates accordingly.

U.S. B1/B2 Visa Application Process: Related Articles

1- Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a U.S. B1/B2 Visa
A comprehensive overview of the entire process, from completing the DS-160 form to attending the visa interview.

2- How to Complete the DS-160 Form for a U.S. B1/B2 Visa
Detailed instructions on creating an account, filling out the DS-160 form, and ensuring accuracy.

3- How to Pay the Visa Fee and Schedule Your Interview
Step-by-step guidance on paying the U.S. visa fee and securing an interview date at your preferred embassy.

4- What to Expect at the U.S. Embassy for a B1/B2 Visa Interview
A walkthrough of what happens on the day of your interview, including document submission, security checks, and biometrics.

5- Preparing for the U.S. B1/B2 Visa Interview: Sample Questions and Answers
A detailed guide with potential interview questions, sample answers, and strategies for success.