Mandatory questions on the DS-160
Are all questions on the DS-160 mandatory?
Are all questions on the DS-160 mandatory?
When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?
What happens to my DS-160 if I select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate where I will be applying for my visa, but end up making an interview appointment instead at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate?
I do not have a National Identification Number. How should I answer this question?
If you are a citizen of a country that does not issue national identification numbers, select “Does not apply.”
What do I enter for U.S. Social Security Number and/or U.S. Taxpayer ID Number?
Applicants, who have worked in the United States, as well as others, will have Social Security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers. If you do not have a Social Security number or a taxpayer identification number, select “Does not apply”.
The form asks for my home phone number, but I do not have one.
You should provide at least one contact phone number, so that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can contact you by phone, if necessary. If you have provided a mobile or cell phone number, you may enter “Does not apply” for home phone number.
The form asks for my Passport Book Number, but I am not sure if I have one.
The form asks that I provide the name of a contact or organization and a phone number, but I am not visiting anyone in the United States.
If you do not know anyone personally in the United States, but you are traveling here to visit a particular store, company, or organization, you may provide the name of the store, company, or organization you intend to visit. Otherwise, you may select “Does not apply.”
The form asks if I am the principal applicant. What is a principal applicant?
If you, or your family, are applying for B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas, you are all considered principal applicants, and each of you should select that box.
Can a third party complete the form on my behalf? Who is exempt from signing the form?
Where can I find the DS-160?
Access the DS-160, by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website. We recommend that you use Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers to access the DS-160.
Can my answers be in my native language?
No. All answers must be in English, using English characters only, except when you are asked to provide your full name in your native alphabet. Applications submitted in any language other than English will be denied, and you may be required to submit a new application. While you must answer all questions in English, translations of questions are available in many languages from the drop-down menu in the right upper corner of the application. These translations should assist you in completing the form in English.