The National Association of Foreign-BornForm DS-160
Replaces DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032
Form DS-160 DS-156 DS-157 DS-158 DS-3032
This page provides visa application forms of the US Department of State, which begin with "DS" (DS forms are listed below). For all other forms, including USCIS forms that begin with "I", see US Immigration Forms, Fees & Filing Locations.
Should I File for My US Visa Using Form DS-160?
The DS-160 Online, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, replaces current nonimmigrant visa application forms DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032 (which are still provided below).
When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS-160 you will use only one (1) form. The exceptions are Fiancee Visas (K-1/2) which still require forms DS-156 and DS-156K (below), and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application, as explained below.
The roll-out of the new DS-160 began in 2010. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are filing may not have converted to the new online process, so you may still need to file using older forms. You must use the new DS-160 in those locations that have converted. See the current list of US Embassies and US Consulates that require the DS-160. Also, a list of the older forms is below, for your convenience.
You should review the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be filing for specific how-to-apply information for nonimmigrant visas, including use of the DS-160. You can also access the DS-160 directly here.
What Is Form DS-160?
The new DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, is a fully integrated online application form that will be used to collect the necessary application information from persons seeking a nonimmigrant US Visa. The DS-160 will be submitted electronically to the Department of State via the Internet. US Consulates will use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, to determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
All application questions, except as specially provided, must be answered in English (using English characters), and you must bring the confirmation page with you to the US Consulate (do not bring your entire application).
Treaty Trader/Treaty Investors
If you are applying for a Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visa (E-1 or E-2 Visa), you will complete the DS-160. However, if you are applying as a Treaty Trader (E-1) or an Executive/Manager/Essential Employee your employer will also need to complete the paper Form DS-156E (below) until the new online Form DS-161 is released.
DS-160 Photo Requirements
You can upload a photo with your DS-160 application. Please refer to the Guidelines for Photographs - for Online Visa Applications for DS-160 photo requirements. If the confirmation page includes a photo image, then the photo upload function has succeeded and no separate print photograph is required.
If your confirmation page has an "X" in the box where the photo should be, it means that your photo upload failed. Therefore, you will need to submit one printed photograph meeting requirements (see print photo requirements at Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements) along with the online DS-160 confirmation page. Please verify with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are applying for specific instructions on how to attach your photo to your confirmation page.
Visa Application Forms (US Department of State)
Nonimmigrant Visa Applications
- DS-160: Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application
- DS-156: Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application (PDF)
- DS-156K: Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application (PDF)
- DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (PDF)
- DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (PDF)
- DS-1648 Online: New Application for A, G, or NATO Visa (Applying in the United States only)
- DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form cannot be downloaded here. Contact your exchange visitor program sponsor, who is responsible for entering the DS 2019 information into SEVIS, and providing the SEVIS generated DS-2019.
- DS-3035: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application Instructions
Immigrant Visa Applications
- DS-117: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status (PDF)
- DS-156K: Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application (PDF)
- DS-230: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (PDF)
- DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (PDF)
- DS-1981: Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child (PDF)
- DS-3032: Choice of Address and Agent (PDF)
- DSP-122: Supplemental Registration For the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (PDF)
HELP! with Visa Application Forms
- Have a specific question? To help you find an answer quickly, we have placed "Ask a Lawyer" boxes on this page. Simply type a question in any of the boxes to receive a response online from a visa and immigration lawyer.
- For assistance in your country, contact the nearest U.S. Consulate.
- For inquiries on visa cases in progress overseas, contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case.
- For assistance within the U.S., contact the State Department's Visa Office at 202-663-1225. You may also email a general inquiry to usvisa@state.gov. Be sure to indicate the general subject of your inquiry on the subject line (e.g., temporary religious worker visa), and do not expect an immediate reply. You may also write to:
U.S. Department of State
Visa Services
Washington, DC 20520-0113
