US Visa Application

DS-160 Form Helper

Step-by-step guide to complete your US visa application form correctly. Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections. Also read our complete DS-160 guide for detailed instructions.

Before You Start - Gather These Documents

Valid passport (all pages with stamps) Old passports with previous US visas (if any) Travel dates and US address where you'll stay Employer details - company name, address, phone, joining date Parents' names and dates of birth Spouse details (if married) List of countries visited in last 5 years with dates US contact person's address and phone number

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Form Sections - Click to Expand

Personal Information 1

Basic details - name, gender, date of birth

Surname (Family Name)

Enter EXACTLY as shown in your passport. Use all capital letters.

Example: If passport shows "SHARMA", enter "SHARMA"

Common Mistake: Using lowercase or adding middle name here

Given Name (First Name)

Enter your first and middle names as shown in passport.

Example: If passport shows "RAJAT KUMAR", enter "RAJAT KUMAR"

Common Mistake: Splitting first and middle name incorrectly

Full Name in Native Alphabet

If your name can be written in Hindi/other scripts, enter it. Otherwise select "Does Not Apply".

Example: राजत कुमार शर्मा

Common Mistake: Leaving blank instead of selecting Does Not Apply

Date of Birth

Use the date picker. Format is DD-MMM-YYYY.

Example: 15-JAN-1990

Common Mistake: Entering wrong date - this cannot be changed later

City of Birth

Enter the city name as commonly known. Don't include state.

Example: Mumbai (not Mumbai, Maharashtra)

Common Mistake: Adding state or country in this field

Personal Information 2

Nationality, ID numbers, and additional details

Country/Region of Origin (Nationality)

Select INDIA for Indian passport holders.

Example: INDIA

Common Mistake: Selecting a different country if you hold dual citizenship

National Identification Number

Enter your Aadhaar number (12 digits). If no Aadhaar, select "Does Not Apply".

Example: 1234 5678 9012

Common Mistake: Entering PAN number instead of Aadhaar

U.S. Social Security Number

Only if you have one. Most Indian applicants select "Does Not Apply".

Example: Does Not Apply

Common Mistake: Making up a number

U.S. Taxpayer ID Number

Only if you have ITIN. Most Indian applicants select "Does Not Apply".

Example: Does Not Apply

Common Mistake: Entering Indian PAN number here

Travel Information

Purpose, dates, and itinerary

Purpose of Trip to the U.S.

Select B1/B2 for tourism + business, B2 for tourism only.

Example: B1/B2 - TEMP BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR

Common Mistake: Selecting wrong visa type - this affects your entire application

Specific Travel Plans

If you have confirmed dates and bookings, select YES. Otherwise NO.

Example: If visiting family with flexible dates, select NO

Common Mistake: Saying YES without actual bookings

Intended Date of Arrival

Give approximate date. You're not bound to this date.

Example: A date 2-3 months from now

Common Mistake: Entering a date too soon before your interview

Intended Length of Stay

Enter realistic duration. Tourist trips are typically 2-4 weeks.

Example: 14 Days or 3 Weeks

Common Mistake: Requesting 6 months for a tourism trip

Address Where You Will Stay

Hotel address or host's address in the US. Must be complete.

Example: Marriott Times Square, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Common Mistake: Incomplete address or just city name

Who Is Paying for Your Trip?

Self, Company, or Sponsor. Must match your supporting documents.

Example: SELF if using own funds

Common Mistake: Inconsistency with financial documents

Travel Companions

Who is traveling with you

Are There Other Persons Traveling With You?

List spouse/children traveling together. Each needs their own DS-160.

Example: YES if family is traveling together

Common Mistake: Not listing family members who have separate applications

Are You Traveling as Part of a Group?

For organized tours or company delegations, select YES.

Example: NO for individual/family travel

Common Mistake: Confusing family travel with group travel

Previous U.S. Travel

Past visa and travel history to the US

Have You Ever Been Issued a U.S. Visa?

Include ALL previous US visas - even expired ones. Be completely honest.

Example: YES if you ever had a US visa (tourist, student, H1B, etc.)

Common Mistake: Forgetting about old visas from many years ago

Date Last Visa Was Issued

Check your old passport. Enter the ISSUED date, not expiry.

Example: 15-MAR-2019

Common Mistake: Confusing issue date with expiry date

Visa Number

Red number on the bottom right of your US visa sticker.

Example: 12345678

Common Mistake: Entering passport number instead

Have You Ever Been Refused a U.S. Visa?

MUST answer truthfully. Embassy has records. Include 221(g) if applicable.

Example: YES if ever refused, even decades ago

Common Mistake: Hiding a previous refusal - this can result in permanent ban

U.S. Point of Contact

Contact person or organization in the US

Contact Person or Organization

Friend, relative, hotel, or company you'll visit.

Example: John Smith (friend) or Marriott Hotel

Common Mistake: Making up a fake contact

Relationship to You

Be specific - Friend, Relative, Business Contact, Hotel, etc.

Example: FRIEND, BROTHER, BUSINESS ASSOCIATE

Common Mistake: Vague answers like "Contact"

U.S. Contact Address

Complete address including street, city, state, ZIP.

Example: 123 Main St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Common Mistake: Incomplete address

Family Information

Parents and spouse details

Father's Full Name

Even if deceased, enter full name. Add (DECEASED) if applicable.

Example: RAM KUMAR SHARMA

Common Mistake: Leaving blank if father is deceased

Father's Date of Birth

If unknown, enter approximate. Don't leave blank.

Example: 01-JAN-1955 (approximate OK)

Common Mistake: Leaving blank - always enter something

Is Your Father in the U.S.?

Answer honestly. If yes, provide immigration status.

Example: NO / YES - Green Card holder

Common Mistake: Not disclosing relatives in the US

Marital Status

Current legal status: Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed.

Example: MARRIED

Common Mistake: Selecting wrong status - must match legal documents

Spouse Information

If married, provide complete details. Must match marriage certificate.

Example: Full name, DOB, nationality, address

Common Mistake: Inconsistency with marriage documents

Work/Education/Training

Current and past employment

Primary Occupation

Select the closest match to your current job.

Example: COMPUTER/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Common Mistake: Selecting a category that doesn't match your documents

Present Employer or School Name

Official company/school name as on your employment letter.

Example: TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED

Common Mistake: Using abbreviated name if documents show full name

Monthly Salary in Local Currency

Enter gross monthly salary in INR.

Example: 150000

Common Mistake: Entering annual salary or salary in USD

Briefly Describe Your Duties

Simple description of your job role. 1-2 sentences enough.

Example: Software development and team management

Common Mistake: Writing a full resume or leaving blank

Security Questions

Background and security information

All Security Questions

Answer NO to all unless they genuinely apply to you. These cover criminal history, terrorist activities, immigration violations, etc.

Example: NO to all questions

Common Mistake: Jokingly answering YES to any question

Do You Have a Communicable Disease?

Only answer YES for specific diseases listed (TB, etc.). Regular illnesses = NO.

Example: NO

Common Mistake: Saying YES for common cold or minor ailments

Have You Ever Violated Immigration Law?

Overstaying visa, working without authorization, etc. Be truthful.

Example: NO if you've always followed visa rules

Common Mistake: Hiding past violations - embassy has records

DS-160 Photo Requirements

Size 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)

Digital Size 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels

Format JPEG, max 240KB

Background Plain white or off-white

Head Position Centered, face 50-69% of frame

Recency Taken within last 6 months

Tips: No glasses, no headwear (except religious), neutral expression, both eyes open, clear lighting with no shadows on face. See complete photo requirements guide for DIY tips and common rejection reasons.

After Submitting DS-160

1
Print Confirmation Page
Save the confirmation page with barcode. You MUST bring this to your interview.
2
Pay Visa Fee (MRV Fee)
Pay $185 via the US Visa Fee payment portal. Keep receipt.
3
Schedule Interview
Book appointment on ustraveldocs.com with DS-160 confirmation number.
4
Prepare Documents
Gather all supporting documents matching your DS-160 answers.

Need Help With Your Application?

Our visa experts can review your DS-160 before submission and help you prepare for the interview.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DS-160 form?

DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form required for all US visitor visa applications. It collects biographical information, travel details, and security-related questions that consular officers review during visa interviews.

How long does it take to complete DS-160?

Plan for 60-90 minutes to complete the form carefully. The form auto-saves, so you can return and complete it in multiple sessions using your Application ID. Don't rush - accuracy is more important than speed.

What happens if I make a mistake on DS-160?

Minor typos can sometimes be corrected during the interview. However, significant errors may require you to submit a new DS-160 form. It's best to review carefully before submission. If you submit a new form, you'll need to reschedule your appointment.

Can I save and continue later?

Yes! Save your Application ID shown on the top right of each page. You can return within 30 days to complete the form. Without the Application ID, you'll need to start over.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always refer to official US Department of State resources for the most current requirements. Times of Visa is not affiliated with any government agency.

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