How to apply online for a temporary visa to the United States
An DS-160 Form: What Is It?
Applying for any nonimmigrant visa in the United States requires completing Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). This form can be used for B-1/B-2 visiting visas, K (fiance(e)) visas, F-1 student visas, and work visas such as H-1B and O-1.
Basically, you have to fill out and submit the DS-160 form online if you are asking for any kind of temporary visa to visit the United States. The form is an essential component of the visa application process since it gives the consular officer the data they need to determine whether you qualify for a visa.
The DS-160 charge
The DS-160 form itself cannot be filed for a fee. For the particular visa you are applying for, you will still have to pay a processing fee. This cost is listed on the U.S. Department of State website and varies based on the type of visa.
Non-Reliant on Petition
The processing fee for the majority of non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas is $185.
Who requires them: People visiting the United States temporarily for purposes such as business (B-1), education (F), tourist (B-2), or specific occupations as permitted by trade agreements (TN).
Process: There is no requirement for a petition that has already been accepted when applying directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Based on the reason for their visit and their desire to go back home, they must prove that they are eligible.
These fees vary depending on the type of visa, so be sure to check which fees apply to your specific situation.
Visas Based on Petitions:
Usually, the cost for petition-based visas is $205.
Who requires them: People who want to train or work in the United States under certain employment categories.
Method: Prior to the foreign national's arrival, a U.S. employer or sponsor must submit a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on their behalf. The petitioner can apply for a visa at any American embassy or consulate after it has been approved.
These fees vary depending on the type of visa, so be sure to check which fees apply to your specific situation.
Who must fill out Form DS-160?
The DS-160 form must be filled out by anyone seeking for a temporary visa to enter the United States, regardless of the reason for the travel.
The following typical nonimmigrant visa categories call for the DS-160 form:
- B1/B2 Visitor Visas: For individuals traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism or medical treatment (B-2), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2).
- K Visas: For fiancés and spouses of U.S. citizens, as well as their children.
- F-1 and M-1 Visas: For students pursuing academic or vocational studies in the U.S.
- J-1 Visas: For exchange visitors participating in cultural and educational programs.
- H-1B Visas: For professionals in specialty occupations.
- L-1 Visas: For intracompany transferees.
- O-1 Visas: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.
- P Visas: For athletes, artists, and entertainers.
Each visitor, including a child, needs their own DS-160. If an applicant is aged 16 or younger or is physically unable to complete the form themselves, they can be helped by a third party. That person must be identified at the end of Form DS-160, on the “Sign and Submit” page.
Processing time for DS-160
For Form DS-160, there is no processing time. You will receive a barcoded confirmation page after completing and submitting the form. You will need to bring this page to your visa interview, so make sure you print it off.
The typical processing period for tourist and visitor visas, if the application is accepted during the interview, is 7 to 10 working days, plus delivery time.
Documents that are necessary
To fill out Form DS-160, you will require your:
- Passport and itinerary for travel
- Social Security number, or U.S. Taxpayer ID if you have one, National ID number issued by your home country
You will also require access to your career and travel history, along with a brief bio of your family members and fellow travelers.
You will require a copy of your SEVIS ID, which is located on your I-20 or DS-2019, as well as the address of the university or college you want to attend if you are traveling to the US for academic purposes. If they have one, temporary employees should always have a copy of their I-129 on available.
Lastly, a current digitally saved photo that complies with US government standards must be on the computer you plan to use to fill out the form.