US Immigration Visa Application Form (DS-260) Filling Guide

US Immigration Visa Application Form (DS-260): A Comprehensive Guide

As a potential immigrant to the United States, filling out the Immigration Visa Application Form (DS-260) is a crucial step in the visa application process. This form is necessary if you are applying for an immigrant visa to the US, or if you are a Diversity Visa Lottery winner. The DS-260 gathers all the information from the applicant that is necessary to determine their eligibility for a visa. In this guide, we walk you through the process of filling out the DS-260.

Step 1: Gather the Required Information

Before you start filling out the DS-260, make sure you have all the necessary information with you. This includes:

– Your passport number and expiration date
– Your National Identification Number (if any)
– Your Social Security Number (if you have one)
– Names and birth dates of your spouse and children (if applicable)
– Your education and work history
– Your current and previous home addresses
– Your last five trips to the US (if any)
– Details of any criminal convictions (if any)

Step 2: Access the DS-260 Application

To access the DS-260, go to the U.S. Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and complete the following steps:

– Select the “Immigrant Visa” tab
– Click on the “Sign In” button
– Enter your NVC case number and invoice ID number
– Click “Submit”

Step 3: Begin Filling Out the DS-260

Once you have accessed the application, you will be asked to fill out various sections. Be sure to take your time and answer all the questions truthfully and accurately.

Part 1: Personal Information

The first part of the DS-260 is the personal information section. This section asks for information about you and your family members, if applicable. Be sure to have the full names, dates of birth, and addresses of your spouse and children (if applicable).

Part 2: Address and Phone Information

In this section, you will be asked to provide your current address and phone number, as well as your previous addresses for the past five years. If you have lived at your current address for less than five years, you will also be asked to provide the address of your previous residence.

Part 3: Passport Information

The next section of the DS-260 is the passport information section. You will be asked to provide information about your current passport, including the expiration date and passport number.

Part 4: Travel Information

In this section, you will be asked to provide details about your travel history to the United States. This includes information about your last five visits (if applicable), including the dates of arrival and departure, as well as the purpose of your visit.

Part 5: Work/Education/Training Information

In this section, you will be asked to provide information about your education and work history. This includes your highest level of education, as well as your current and past job titles, employers, and work history. If you have received any specialized training or skills, be sure to include that information as well.

Part 6: Family Information

The family information section asks for information about your immediate family members, including your parents, siblings, and children.

Part 7: Other Information

In this section, you will be asked to provide details about any previous immigration applications or petitions you have filed, as well as any criminal convictions you may have.

Part 8: Review and Certification

Before submitting your DS-260, be sure to review all the information you have provided to ensure accuracy. Once you are convinced that all the information you have provided is accurate, you will be asked to digitally sign and submit the form.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to fill out the DS-260?

A: The time it takes to fill out the DS-260 varies depending on the individual and the completeness of their records. Generally, it takes between one and two hours to complete the form.

Q: What is the purpose of the DS-260?

A: The purpose of the DS-260 is to gather all the necessary information from the applicant that is needed to determine their eligibility for a visa.

Q: Can I save my progress and come back to complete the form later?

A: Yes, you can save your progress and come back to complete the form later. When you log back in, you will be able to continue where you left off.

Q: Do I need to submit any supporting documents along with my DS-260?

A: Yes, you will need to submit various supporting documents, including your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable). The US embassy or consulate where you are applying will provide you with a list of required documents.

In conclusion, the DS-260 is an essential form in the visa application process. As such, it is important to fill out the form correctly and accurately. Be sure to take your time and gather all the necessary information before starting. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the US embassy or consulate where you are applying for assistance. Good luck with your visa application!